By Mikal Doke
You may have noticed modified school buses and extra people around town at the beginning of the month. These were not regular yellow school buses that we see during the school year; these were something known as “Skoolies”.
This year, an event called “Skoolie U.P.” selected Newberry to put on their huge family-oriented summer celebration. It was created years ago by Michigan natives Frank and Jennifer Walenski, their children, and Jennifer’s parents, Bill and Pam Montambo. The event keeps growing, with around 100 Skoolie buses this year, and hopefully more to add in the future.
What is a Skoolie? Locals who went to the free tours were given a flyer that explained: “A Skoolie is a school bus that has been converted into a home on wheels. No two are exactly alike. The blood, sweat, & tears involved in creating each one of these works of art makes lots of entertaining stories that their owners are always excited to share!”
The exteriors are painted in various artistic styles, and the insides have been gutted and then outfitted with rooms and furniture for living, like an RV.
Some owners use them seasonally, like you would your own camper. However, many Skoolie people are year-round nomads. Many own their own businesses or work remotely and homeschool their children. These families are self-sufficient and can fit their entire lives in a small space, while travelling the country, experiencing what the U.S. has to offer. Looking at the license plates, there were people here from all over the country! Many continued onward from Newberry to their next adventure in other states.
This year, Skoolie U.P. offered many events for those that decided to buy tickets: community meals and campfires, workshops, go kart rides, food contests, movie nights, a Mad Hatter tea party, kids crafts and gaming, musical theater, costume karaoke, fire spinning classes, wellness and workout groups, bingo, water fights, line dancing, an art fair, and even a traveling family circus and fireworks show on the last night. It’s like a fun summer camp, but for the entire family! There is a true sense of community at the event. Everyone gets to know each other. Children make new friends. Adults share their stories and travel tips.
Our community was welcomed to attend a free open house day on Saturday, August 9. Guests were invited to tour the Skoolies, ask questions, and buy products made by the Skoolie families.
As many people saw on the tours, every Skoolie is different. Every Skoolie has its own personality. A lot of them even have their own social media accounts so people can stay up to date on their adventures as they travel the country.
As with any event in a new location, the first year is a great way to work out the kinks, try new ideas, and then reflect on what could be different for next year. Many local businesses and community members commented on how great the group was during their time here. They brought money into the local economy, had a positive presence, and set a good example of leaving the place better than they found it.
We are hoping they bring their event back to Newberry next summer, but at the rate it is growing, they may have to move to a larger space. You do not have to own a Skoolie to attend this event–just have a love for these beautiful buses and for their community!
For information about next year’s event, please feel free to contact them through their social media pages or email: skoolieup@gmail.com.
