Welcome home, Skylemar trips!  Rave reviews were shared from our happy and tired campers and counselors.

Cubs and Lions had a day trip to the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum.  So much to learn and they were genuinely interested.  For example, the docent explained why meteorites can teach us how our solar system was created, and they touched one that was over a million years old.  They learned about the history of mining for gems in the state, and how Maine is home to some of the most incredible stones.  A trip highlight was that they got to touch a real piece of the Moon as well as a piece of the planet Mars.

The Acadia State Park overnight was “amazing”, as per several in the Juniors Division.  They hit the road after an early breakfast, and on the way stopped at the Fort Knox Observatory.  It’s taller than the Statue of Liberty, so it offers some fantastic views. 

The beach at Bar Harbor was beautiful, that is until it turned really foggy.  That happens a lot there, when warm, moist air from the south blows over the much colder waters of the Gulf of Maine.  The fun continued, despite being inside a cloud.

The campsite was comfortable, and the boys enjoyed sitting around the campfire eating chicken quesadillas, grilled cheese and s’mores.  Morning breakfast of bacon and eggs was delish as well. 

The Stars have returned from the trip of a lifetime to Quebec.   What makes the trip so memorable is going with guys who have been your close friends for almost a decade.  The historic Old City is fascinating, and it feels European because the primary language spoken is French.

Highlights included the many street performers, dozens of restaurants and shops, the Plains of Abraham (historic battlefield), Chez Marie Bakery (freshly baked bread from outdoor stone ovens), Montmorency Falls (taller than Niagara), and the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre Shrine. 

Visiting the Shrine was especially memorable, because suspended from the ceilings were crutches and wheelchairs of the hundreds of thousands who have come in hopes of being healed.  It’s a powerful testament of faith that those of any religion are touched by. 

Also touching for us was to hear that the guys decided to give their leftover cash to the attendant at the ice cream store they visited each night.  The size of the tip was such that she’ll be forever grateful to this great group of Stars.

Back at camp, the biggest fish in Skylemar history was caught by Liam A!  Congratulations – it really was THIS BIG!

Talent Show Part II tonight.  35 acts!  Most were quick little skits, probably just to get the participation prize.  For us in the audience, the best part was watching them have fun on stage.  Simon R recited Pi, Ryan G demonstrated how to eat a banana, Leo P and Grant M did body tricks.  Alfie sang “Piano Man”, and Quinn C and James P did diabolo tricks.  David G, Drew F, Sawyer, Ari F and Seth F played the piano.  Ethan P and Micha R sang, while Jonah P, Paul M, Reuben and Blaine danced the Macarena.  Lots more too – we had to get more prizes before the night was through.

It was a joyful evening here at Skylemar, with a certain energy in the air.  That buzz is about tomorrow night – the most important night of the year.   Stay tuned!