Skyline to Me
CHANCES TO TRY NEW THINGS
Camp Skyline to me is so many things, but one of the largest reasons I always come back to the best sleepaway camp for girls are the chances and opportunities to try new things. My mom (to this day) boasts of the camp foods I tried, as an exclusive (and picky) ‘chicken nugget child’ at home. I was always so excited to tell her of the foods I tried and new things I encountered, whether I was willing to try them again at home or not. Another area of getting to try new things were in choosing and participating in camp activities. In our daytime and nightime activites, and special programs, I conquered fears, tried new things (and stuck with them - even if I didn’t want to take them again the next session or summer), and learned every year more and more the gift of an open mind. And, of course, some of the best memories I have here at camp were new ways to celebrate holidays and participating in our special programs. A lot of these things, you won’t experience anywhere else. And, as an added bonus, even as an adult I am getting the opportunity to help craft and create newness (while honoring the traditions I love) here at camp in our special programs and holidays.
CAMP FOOD
Camp Skyline was the first place I tried meatloaf. Wanted it really bad all year but refused to eat it anywhere else. I also tried green beans, mashed potatoes, canteloupe, and apple jelly for the first time here at camp. No matter what, camp food is not the same anywhere but here at camp.
I’m not saying camp will magically change a picky eater, but I will say Camp friends and counselors can help influence the idea (even if just one item or food or idea) at a time of opening your girls’ mind to new foods, trying new things, and activities.
I also spent a few summers working at camp as an ACIT, because I loved coming for more than one session. Being an ACIT helped make that possible for me and my family. Being an ACIT in the kitchen all session also gave me the chance to balance hard work and rest and learn more about my personal social battery. It also helped me understand my ability to connect with people over food and serving them. I still love to host guests for meals and make sure everyone has what they need.
This past summer, I had a full circle moment getting to work actually in the kitchen. In the picture above, the light in my eyes is due to the fact that Larry and I got to fry some of the chicken for banquet. To all you Skyline cuties, I hope you find a way to experience this type of joy one day.
ACTIVITIES
After 12 years as a camper, I did the zipline. From there - I was ready for high elements in ropes like the dangling duo and the Vswing. I conquered a fear enough to see how quickly it was over and how fun it was to feel brave. I did not encounter horses except taking horseback riding as a camper. Later in life, as a junior counselor, I worked in the barn at Skyline with friends and absolutely loved it. I also learned so much about horses, safety, instructing, and more.
I also remember signing up for actitivies I never would’ve thought I’d enjoy, like ropes course and circus as someone with sweaty palms at the word ‘heights’. I was choosing to revisit the feeling of fear and overcoming it with the feeling of bravery daily for two weeks. Talk about some decision-making lessons! I am so thankful for all the memories of setting goals, challenging myself, and feeling supported and capable at Camp Skyline. I also tried things like arts and crafts and musical theatre, which taught me a lot about my comfort speaking in public and how my creativity is unique to ME. How so many of us can look at sets of shapes, colors, and supplies, and create such different things. Or how much more I enjoyed sports!
The point is, I was always open minded about trying new things and understood it was only two weeks and new friends and new skills I could (or didn’t have to) try again.
HOLIDAYS & SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Camp Skyline was the first place I walked in a parade. I got to help paint our cabin sign and walk in the parade for the Fourth of July! Getting to walk in the parade or watch it with your friends and see the cabin signs each group of girls came up with was always a blast. I can still see my friends blue and red tongues from the sno cones we looked forward to all session.
I also loved spending Christmas in July here at camp. It was the only time I spent Christmas with anyone other than my family. And, it was always so fun to learn about my friends’ family christmases at home. And, being open-minded to new ideas for my family. Christmas is so special and celebrating it with your cabin at camp skyline is such a unique bonding experience. Even as a counselor - spending ‘Christmas Morning’ with your co-counselors and girls in your cabin. Getting to see their joy when Santa enters the gym! A very fun and cool way to learn a lot about the cherished friends you make here at Camp.
Camp Skyline was the first place I danced with a boy. Our dance with Camp Laney is still one of my favorite traditions. Also, Camp Skyline was the first place I threw socks at my friends and had them thrown back at me… sock war is SO MUCH FUN! Sock war also is one of the first memories I have realizing how important it is to be honest, even without authoirty figures looking, when you were tagged.
Trying new things, healthy competition, learning valuable lessons, and getting to know myself with other christian girls is (and always will be) SOME of what Camp Skyline is to me.
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