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We at YMCA of the Pines are grateful to Gabrielle Ostroski and her service to Camp Matollionequay and YMCA of the Pines for over 20 years. Her commitment to youth development, and the core values of YMCA of the Pines (caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, courage, and inclusion), has been integral to the growth and development of a generation of young women at Matolly. Gab helped Matolly weather the storm in 2004 in which the camp dams broke, and the fallout during the subsequent summer in which there was no lake. In the years that followed, she led with integrity and [...]

By Chef Jason This year at Winter Camp I wanted to take a slightly different angle at what we were teaching the children to prepare. We all know allergies are something that affects the lives of people across the spectrum of ages, lifestyles, and so on. I don’t see any rhyme or reason as to who may be affected by what when it comes to allergies. Although not 100% of the children and staff here at camp are directly affected by allergies, I bet everyone knows at least one person in their lives who has some sort of allergy or [...]

By Carol Yard, Outdoor Center Director So many times when a camper gets dropped off for a trip into the wilderness and we ask that they leave their phones behind, it’s the parents who have more of a problem with it than the child.  We had a participant this summer whose mother called approximately every 3 hours the first two days to stay updated on all the happenings with her son.  Then we told her he would not be available to talk for 4 days straight when he was out on trail.  That even we, at basecamp, wouldn’t necessarily know [...]

By Lynn Passarella, Lake Stockwell Day Camp Director   As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s nice to reflect on what we are grateful for this year. After 10 summers here at camp, I am still thankful for Lake Stockwell Day Camp. Camp has brought me a variety of “things” that I will be forever grateful for – meeting my husband through friendships, watching my daughter grow up in the camp environment, seeing campers year after year, relationships with staff members, and everlasting summer memories.   This year I have asked Stockwell staff members, “Why are you grateful for being part of Lake [...]

By Becca Gutwirth, School Age Child Care Director When schools are closed, there’s something for everyone at School’s Out at Camp. On November 7 and 8, we welcomed 45 students, ages 5-12, from Medford, Medford Lakes, Tabernacle, Shamong, and Mount Laurel. Students started Day 1 at the Ockanickon Dining Hall with board and card games, Legos, loom bands, coloring and more. After a hearty breakfast of pancakes, potato coins, cereal, yogurt and fruit, our School’s Out staff was joined by staff from the YMCA of the Pines Outdoor Center. Before and after lunch, students rotated through three stations, getting to [...]

By Matt Foran, Director of Camp Ockanickon  A Popular Video Game Ad Entitled, “Journey Ahead” “Wake Up … Wake Up,” begins the ad for a very popular video game this season. A young male with a serious case of bed hair awakens and wanders off into a new world. The protagonist encounters challenges and trials, makes his way into a deep cave with a glinting treasure before a dragon emerges from the depths. The narrator makes a call to action – to come together, to overcome fears. It sells the idea of a journey into a new place away from [...]

by April Eyler, Matollionequay Program Coordinator Leadership. That’s a big word. Character. Another big word. At Camp Matollionequay, we instill the core values each and every day through our character and leadership development initiatives. This begins the moment a camper of any age in any village steps foot on camp. It extends to our Leadership Development Program, also known as LIT/CIT. This program introduces, develops, and fosters leadership and character development through observation, discussion, and hands-on experience with campers of all ages and has increasing responsibility throughout three summers. Within this program, the Counselors in Training learn to be high [...]

by Matt Foran, Director of Camp Ockanickon for boys We tell Ockanickon campers, “The Hero Is You.” Why? Think about the heroes of stories. When you read or hear a story, there’s something you’re meant to understand. In fact, we believe it’s the main reason we tell stories.  You’re meant to understand that the hero is you. In your own life, it’s you who is at the center of the story.  It’s you who encounters fear and failure.  It’s you who meets allies and mentors.  It’s you who could explore, grow, and discover new potential. It’s you who could use [...]

By Lynn Passarella, Director of Lake Stockwell Day Camp And in the blink of an eye, 10 weeks of simple joy has come to an end. I cannot believe how fast summer 2019 came and went. I am so thankful that your camper was able to be part of Lake Stockwell Day Camp this summer. Many new friends were made and countless smiles were seen throughout each day. It is my hope that your camper completed their final session happy, more confident and independent, and full of great stories. I hope it will take a long time for the smiles [...]

Dear Camp Matollionequay Parents! As the 2019 summer has come to an end and the school year has begun, I wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU.  Thank you for sharing your summer with us and for sharing your greatest gift of all – your daughter.  It is truly an honor to be a part of this wonderful community and without you, there would be no Matolly.  THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Throughout this summer we have shared some really special moments as a community – whether it was a musical lunch, the array of activities, the [...]