As a Matolly girl since 2000, summer is, of course, my favorite season here at camp. As August winds down and the sound of dining hall singing is replaced by rustling leaves and the visiting day groups, it’s sometimes a little sad to be on camp post-summer. Luckily, my second favorite season, fall, is headed our way. I know I’ve already been layering sweaters and scarves, and am a little embarrassed to admit that I’ve already used my heater this September.
Though summer camp is still 9 months away (yes, the countdown is already on here in the office!), there are a ton of activities to get involved in this autumn. Put on your Matolly/Ocky/Stockwell long sleeve shirts, fleeces, and sweatshirts and come visit us! I love watching the leaves change on our beautiful property while participating in our fall events.
Next weekend, September 26-28, is our Mother/Child Adventure weekend. I know on Matolly check-in days, we have lots of moms who ask if they can stay for the summer. Now is their chance to spend a weekend with their children experiencing the same fun activities our summer camps offer!
Specifically for Military personnel and their families, camp is hosting a Military Family Retreat Weekend on October 10-12. Boating, challenge course, archery, arts and crafts, and more will be available. Last spring’s Military Family Retreat was a hit and we are looking forward to seeing those families (and new ones) back at camp this October.
October 12 is our annual Family Fall Festival. On that Sunday afternoon, camp’s program areas will be open and your family can walk around Ockanickon and try all the activities camp has to offer. Take a turn on the climbing wall, try your hand at archery, and go for a family boat ride. Food and snacks are included with admission.
For our adult campers, October 24 marks our 8th Annual Wine, Beer & Whiskey Tasting. The event will take place at The Mansion in Voorhees and proceeds will help provide financial aid to help families and campers who need some assistance affording camp. There will be live musical entertainment by Patrick Oberstaedt and his Jazz Scholars with No Commitment and Friends, a buffet dinner, as well as live and silent auction items.
On November 14, our Coach Bingo Fund Raiser returns. This event sold out last winter! There will also be a Chinese Auction. Tickets include 10 games of bingo, soda, water, coffee and tea. All guests must be 18 and older and are welcome to bring their own food and adult beverages. This is the perfect opportunity for a girls’ night out, though we did have some men join us at the last event, too!
Just in time for Thanksgiving, our chef, Kimmie Graham will host a Thanksgiving Pie Cooking Class on November 23. Camp will provide all of the ingredients and supplies and everyone will leave with two pies. (Feel free to bring one of the pies to your favorite camp directors for taste testing.) This is an all-ages class, and space is limited.
After your Thanksgiving feast, come get active at our 8th Annual Gobbler Run, a 5K on a dirt road through our our gorgeous property. If running isn’t your speed, we also have a Family Fun Walk. There will be prizes awarded in each age group. Proceeds from the run go toward camp scholarships.
You can see more fall (and winter) events and registration and pricing information here.
I hope to see everyone at camp this fall. (And please enjoy the last few days of summer weather, too!)
-Hana