Skylemar was founded in 1949 by Lee Horowitz and Herb Blumenfeld, as a place for boys to learn new skills, develop lasting friendships, build self-image, self-confidence and self-respect. Second generation Directors Arleen and Shep Shepherd continue to promote what Skylemar is best known for:
- Top-notch athletic instruction
- Individualized attention
- An environment that fosters warm relationships
- A stress on sportsmanship, teamwork and understanding
Skylemar provides outstanding athletic instruction to campers of all abilities. There is specialized, intensive training by coaches and top college players in numerous team sports, as well as an emphasis on individual sports like tennis and golf. At the earliest age, children are introduced to golf on the five hole course on Skylemar’s own acreage. They progress to playing the full 18 hole course at the nearby Naples Country Club.
The schedule is a new adventure every day, and is built around a combination of structure and choice. Boys are encouraged to try new activities, and also have the opportunity to specialize in what they like best. First-class facilities include:
- Trickey Pond: A clear, beautiful, spring-fed three mile long lake, for swimming, waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kayaking and snorkeling
- Two hundred acres of athletic fields, for soccer, lacrosse, baseball and football
- Five-hole golf course
- Eight tennis courts
- Hockey rink
- Three basketball courts; indoor and outdoor
- Outdoor education facilities: high and low ropes course, archery and camping areas.
- Ample indoor facilities: gymnasium, recreation hall, lodge, arts & crafts house, radio station plus 30 additional buildings
Behind every activity at Skylemar, is a focus on what matters more than just playing the game: sportsmanship, teamwork, understanding, compassion, kindness.
Traditions are numerous at Skylemar. There are special events, like the Pine Cone Auction, Sade’s Palace, Intercollegiate Day and Pit Crew. There are trips to places like Mt. Washington, Boothbay and Quebec. The spirit of warmth and kindness at Skylemar has been handed down from generation to generation. For instance, one of the many traditions at Skylemar is to be welcoming to the new guy. Staff members are trained to seek out those who may need a little help in adjusting to new surroundings.
Directors Shep and Arleen are committed to knowing each individual camper. They never lose sight of the fact that parents have entrusted Skylemar with their most precious possession. Enormous attention is given to the selection, training and supervision of the counseling staff. There is one counselor for every 2.5 boys.
Skylemar accepts a maximum of 180 boys each summer. There are plenty in each age group for competitive play, yet every camper knows one-another, and staff members are able to give each boy the attention he deserves. Typically, 90% of the campers return the next season.
Perhaps most important of all, at Skylemar boys form friendships. Meaningful friendships that last years after camping days have passed. Our alumni tell us these friendships are the most significant, enduring part of their Skylemar experience.
It is one of them who first said, and many have since repeated:
“You don’t join Skylemar for just a summer…
You join
for a lifetime”!