Medford, NJ (February 12, 2026) – YMCA of the Pines is proud to celebrate its 120th anniversary this year, marking more than a century of serving children, families, and communities across southern New Jersey and the greater mid-Atlantic region through camp, youth development, outdoor education, and community programs.
What is now a vibrant, 800-acre campus in Medford, New Jersey, began in the early 1900s as an abandoned mill and cranberry bog, tucked deep within a forest of pine, oak, cedar, and laurel. In 1906, the YMCAs of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Monmouth counties established what was then known as YMCA Camp Ockanickon as a place for young men to spend their summers building character, confidence, and lifelong friendships.
Before settling permanently in Medford in 1926, the camp operated at several locations, including sites along the Delaware River and in New Egypt, New Jersey. The camp’s name honors Chief Ockanickon of the Mantas Lenape tribe, an early Native American leader and friend to settlers in Burlington County. The camp’s current property was acquired through the efforts of Henry Stockwell, a prominent Moorestown attorney, whose name now lives on through Lake Stockwell and Lake Stockwell Day Camp.
In 1937, the organization expanded to open Camp Matollionequay, an overnight camp for girls, named for Princess Matollionequay, Chief Ockanickon’ s wife. As surrounding communities grew in the mid-20th century, YMCA of the Pines expanded its year-round programming, outdoor education, and community offerings. Lake Stockwell Day Camp launched in 1990, and additional land acquisitions — including Green Acres preservation and the purchase of more than 200 acres in 2011 — helped protect and expand the campus for future generations.
Today, YMCA of the Pines serves thousands each year through a diverse and growing portfolio of programs, including Camp Ockanickon, a boy’s overnight camp; Camp Matollionequay, a girl’s overnight camp; Lake Stockwell Day Camp, a co-ed day camp; a thriving Outdoor & Retreat Center; and Preschool and School’s Out programs based on the Medford campus.
In 2021, YMCA of the Pines expanded its impact further by acquiring the Gloucester County YMCA, strengthening its reach and deepening its commitment to meeting evolving community needs.
“For 120 years, YMCA of the Pines has strengthened our community by helping people explore, grow, and thrive, while creating opportunities that change lives for generations,” said Mark Dibble, CEO of YMCA of the Pines. “As we celebrate this milestone, I’m energized by the future we are building together through expanded programs, stronger facilities, and an even deeper impact on the families and communities we serve.”
The organization’s 120th anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year across all branches with special events, themed camp weeks, time capsules, and community celebrations. The signature anniversary event will take place over Labor Day Weekend, Friday, September 4, through Monday, September 7, and will be a special weekend retreat open to all. The celebration will feature alumni gatherings, special activities, and beachside events on the Medford campus, bringing together generations of campers, families, staff, and community members. Registration is now open at ycamp.org/register under 2026 Year-Round Camp and Family Programs, and all are encouraged to join in this milestone celebration.
From its humble beginnings in the early 1900s to its role today as a regional leader in camp, outdoor education, and youth development, YMCA of the Pines remains committed to its mission as an interfaith, charitable organization dedicated to helping children, teens, and families explore, grow, thrive, and ultimately become the best version of themselves.
About YMCA of the Pines | https://ycamp.org/
Founded in 1906, YMCA of the Pines is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility across southern New Jersey and the greater mid-Atlantic region. Situated on an 800-acre preserved campus in Medford, New Jersey, YMCA of the Pines offers a wide range of programs, including Camp Ockanickon (boys overnight camp), Camp Matollionequay (girls overnight camp), Lake Stockwell Day Camp, a robust Outdoor & Retreat Center, and Preschool and School’s Out programs. In 2021, the YMCA of the Pines expanded its impact by acquiring the Gloucester County YMCA, further strengthening its reach and community presence. Guided by a mission to help children, teens, and families explore, grow, thrive, and become the best version of themselves, YMCA of the Pines continues to serve thousands each year through transformative experiences rooted in character, connection, and community.
Media Contacts:
Eliana Koenigsberg
Camp Ockanickon Director
609-654-8225 x1512
Suzanne Williams
Vice President of Development and Governance
609.654.8225 x1513