BY MARK PLATTNER
The Timberbats are Timberlane’s own
creation, created after the Minacqua-Bat Show became a favorite of
the kids at camp. The organization started in 1963 by Nick Belinke,
Jeff Garner, and Greg and Bruce Wynn. As in the Minacqua Bat Show,
the camp’s show includes such highlights as three and five-man
pyramid acts, various barefoot acts , the five-man
‘welcome’ act performed by many rookie members,
shoe-skiing, slalom skiing, and Timberlane’s own slalom shoe-ski
act. One of our reporters talked to a Timberbat about the trails and
tribulations of being one.
TIMBERLIFE: How does one qualify to be
a T-bat?
BAT: First, you have to pass a tough screening, in which you are
asked to cut the wake while on two skis, you are then asked to lift a
ski and wave.
TIMBERLIFE: When do you find out the results?
BAT: They tell you later on in the day.
TIMBERLIFE: What about past members of the show?
BAT: Those that come back to camp are asked to again be in the show,
and are expected to do advanced acts.
TIMBERLIFE: Such as...
BAT: Such as Harry Stern doing slalom for his fourth year; and Bobbo
doing trick skiing.
TIMBERLIFE: Thank you, Mr. Bat.