In the hopes of adding some closure to our Summer 2010 blog, I decided it would be appropriate to reflect publicly in front of you, the reader.
The sun has indeed risen and set once again on our summer camp program. I couldn’t be more thankful for having been a part of each and every magical moment spent on the grounds of YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. this summer. The amount of pride, passion and accomplishment I feel for our organization is immeasurable. Admittedly, there were days that were hot and nights that were hotter. Swimming never lasted as long as we wanted it to and pulling canoes out of the water never got easier. Early morning bathroom trips always seemed to happen five minutes before the alarm was set to go off, and even if we dosed ourselves in bug spray, bug bites inevitably suffocated our ankles. But we did it. The amount of patience, creativity and spirit exuded by our staff falls short to none, as was shown in our ability to craft an unforgettable experience for our campers and each other day in and day out.
We did a lot this summer. We labored over color choices for our Arts & Crafts projects. We played silly tag games on the Landsports Field. We swam in a cedar lake. We canoed and kayaked beneath the beautiful South Jersey summer skies. We slept on bunk beds. We kept our cabins clean. We ate delicious food. We took long and exciting Nature walks through the Pine Barrens. We shot arrows at the Archery Range. We shopped at the Trading Post. We built fires. We even camped out in tents! But most importantly, amidst all the pre-scheduled activities, we tried new things; we met new people; and we laughed.. harder and louder than any day from September to June could ever promise you. How could I have chosen to be anywhere else?
My last camper to check out of Seneca Village on Friday did so with sparkling tear-stained eyes. Although equally as sad that the final session had come to a close, I attempted to comfort her with the fact that “There’s always next year!” To which her response was, “But that’s 365 days away!” Hand in hand, we both let out a few sniffles as we walked towards her parents. Beaming, their daughter’s belongings in tow, laughing and shaking their heads at the intensity of our emotional circus, I gave their daughter a big hug and turned to them, “Thank you for sending your daughter to us. She was a pleasure to have in our village. I hope I see you again next summer!”
Their response went a little something like this, “I don’t think we have a choice. If we didn’t sign her up, she’d find a way to get here. Matolly has her heart.”
After dropping my heart off eleven years ago at Camp Matollionequay, it is empowering and reassuring to know future generations are still dropping theirs off, too. The events of an entire day are now all a blur, but the distinct memories of all sorts have been painted in my mind in colors that never fade. We did it.

Cristina Lepore

Seneca Village Chief