Hi Skyland community –

We hope that you and your family are doing well. We’ve been thinking about you all and have enjoyed the many social media responses and reconnections with alumnae. It’s nice to feel so connected during this time of uncertainty.

We are grateful that, despite Covid restrictions, construction crews are still in business. We’ve had the opportunity to re-build road beds and drainage systems here at Skyland. While it sounds like a boring project, it’s SUPER important that the foundation be strong and that it drains well. (You remember those July thunderstorms that bring inches of rain in a matter of minutes!!)

We have been upgrading the barn and the pastures – all the spaces that our four-legged friends call “home.” Our goal has been to transition the Skyland barn into a four-season place of comfort for our horses and a lovely and relaxing space for humans year-round. We have come a long way from the original Skyland barn built in the late 1800s that many of us grew up with on the Hill! We now have 12 large box stalls, hot running water in our renovated wash stalls, new fencing around our three pastures, hay feeders and two run-in sheds.

Also, we have signed a contract for a cover to be put on the riding ring. This new, 80 by 180 -foot cover will make summer horse activities more comfortable, and create year-round opportunities for all kinds of horse activities including equine-facilitated leadership programs.

We are doing these projects on Skyland Hill to expand the season during which we can offer camping and retreat programs. We also are eager to increase the number of events we offer to families and alumnae who have joined us at Skyland when we have had Alumnae Work Weekends and 5-year reunions.

Many of you have requested family camps, or the opportunity to host retreats or family reunions at Skyland. We’ve listened to you and plan to have our first Family Camp in 2021 along with a longer format for our Mother/Daughter Retreats (which include grandmothers and aunts!). And, we will be providing the opportunity for alumnae to rent the camp for family reunions or other family events.

The sad news is we won’t be offering our traditional girls camp in the summer of 2021. Skyland cannot effectively operate a girls camp with Covid restrictions – we are just too small to adhere to social distancing and occupancy restrictions needed if Covid is still around next summer. Think of trying to get 60 campers spaced out enough in our dining room and on the dining porch. Or, the challenges of keeping everyone separated in the Club House. Having smaller events, like Family Camp and Mother/ Daughter Retreats will enable us to provide a fun and rewarding experience for all without the worry of capacity issues necessitating radical camp program changes. While the summer of 2021 will look different, we are excited for families and alumnae to join us for a great summer experience.

 

We are now planning the schedule of programs for 2021 that will include Family Camp and Mother/ Daughter Retreats. Follow us on social media and sign up for our email list to be the first to know when we release more information about these upcoming programs, including dates and registration.

We love you all!

-Sherry and the Skyland Team