By Jason Ostroski (Food Service Director – and husband of Gab Ostroski, the Director of Camp Matollionequay)

Some of you may know, I’m a pin addict. I have a constantly growing collection of unique pins from all sorts of great artists, collectives and some basics like the Zoo or local sports teams.

Well, I finally got the chance, through my amazing job, to design and see through to completion, a set of 25 different pins! I have worked this summer camp (YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc.) for the last 22 years and through my obsession, we have created a Recognition program for our Campers and Staff for their years of attendance and service. Most of the pins in the set are unique, with some special metals and coloring for the “milestone” years (5, 10, 15, 20+).

We revealed and distributed them for the first time ever – at the end of our first camp session of 2017. The reaction and reception of the pins was quite amazing. I am honored to have been given the opportunity to use my time and talents to put a program in place that recognizes the girls at YMCA Camp Matollionequay for their summers spent here amongst the pine trees, walking the sugar sand trails, swimming and boating on our gorgeous lake… and learning the values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. I hope these become something the girls treasure as a keepsake and memories of Camp… as I will never forget what this place has done for me. Pictured, below, is my own 22nd year pin.