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April Is Here!

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-04-09T10:01:34-04:00April 9th, 2013|

Last week was very exciting for all of us here at camp. We hosted the Northeast YMCA Outdoor Education Affinity Group Retreat, Spring Break Day Camp, Learn to Climb, the Moorestown Friends School Fourth Grade, and the South Jersey Law Enforcement Outdoor Challenge. We found ourselves in many different settings learning, instructing, and playing. Some things that really flapped my shutters; - Watching so many campers get to the top of the wall when they thought they couldn’t. - The exciting new games I learned from my friends at The New York YMCA Camps like Sonic the Hedgehog and Super [...]

79 Degrees!

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-04-08T13:05:46-04:00April 8th, 2013|

What's the best part of working about 30 seconds from home AND having your office 15 seconds away from the playground....... .......sneaking out of the office and hanging with my favorite girls for a bit :) Hope you're enjoying the beautiful "Camp Weather!"

From the Ocky Kitchen Cookbook…

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-04-07T08:00:49-04:00April 7th, 2013|

Hello dear readers… This week I’m sharing an amazing recipe for my all time favorite cookie… the Coconut Macaroon. There is a place in Atlantic City, New Jersey called James’ Candy that makes my favorite macaroon and while these are slightly different it is a simple recipe that yields a spectacular cookie. I made these delectable treats for Easter this year and got rave reviews from friends and family. As a bonus these cookies are inherently Gluten Free for those of you concerned with gluten wether for allergy or other dietary reasons. Just be sure to check all the ingredients [...]

South Jersey Law Enforcement Outdoor Challenge 2013

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-04-06T12:50:45-04:00April 6th, 2013|

We are extremely proud and honored to host the 4th Annual South Jersey Law Enforcement Outdoor Challenge This year, 40 teams braved the cold to participate in the SJLEOC, which consists of a 5K trail run, 10 miles of mountain biking, 2 miles of canoe paddling and a final 5K run…over 18 miles with the winning team coming in just under 2 hours. This SJLEOC was developed by Dcpl. Jason Deroian of the Medford Police Department to raise money and awareness in memory of Police Officers killed in the line of duty. In May 1997 the Police Unity Tour was [...]

Friends for Life

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-04-05T19:03:12-04:00April 5th, 2013|

“I made a promise, Mr Frodo. A promise! 'Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee.' And I don't mean to! I don't mean to.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings How many of you have been there for a Camp Friend when it mattered most? How many of you have had a Camp Friend there when it mattered most? Brent Birchler Boys Camp Director

Social butterflies…

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-04-04T09:10:35-04:00April 4th, 2013|

Hello all! A BIG announcement (and a quick reminder)... Camp is now on Instagram!! Follow us there for gorgeous photos all sorts of things going on here at Camp. Our official user name on Instagram is @CampOckanickon. We activated the account last night and already have 15 followers!!Help spread the word!! If you haven't already, don't forget to find us on Facebook... facebook.com/camp.ockanickon... and on Twitter... @ymcaockanickon... for updates, news, notes, pictures, etc... Keep your eyes on all our social media to keep up on everything going on out here in the pines... especially when you are feeling a little "camp-sick". [...]

A thought on summer …

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-04-02T12:15:54-04:00April 2nd, 2013|

"Nobody changes at summer camp. They merly find out who they are and become it more." - Wichita (Brad Renfro), Happy Campers

Happy Easter!

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-03-31T04:40:20-04:00March 31st, 2013|

Hello all!! Yesterday morning Camp had a very special visitor. A delicious breakfast was enjoyed by one and all and in the middle of the meal the Easter Bunny stopped by to greet everyone. After having a chance to get their picture taken with our famous, furry friend, the Bunny accompanied everyone outside for a god old fashioned egg hunt! […]

Breakfast with the Bunny

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-03-30T12:45:28-04:00March 30th, 2013|

Camp was covered with a light blanket of fresh snow less than a week ago. Today we held our annual Breakfast with the Bunny event. I consider this the 'unofficial' start to the summer, because the next couple of weeks, Camp will be filled with more and more children and adults participaint in various events. Thank you to all the families who came out to celebrate with us, the staff at Camp for decorating and serving a delicious breakfast and of course the Bunny! https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.10151534150845743.1073741827.558140742&type=1&l=03b43bb6cc

Mark Twain was Smart (and Funny!)

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-03-29T19:52:15-04:00March 29th, 2013|

Mark Twain once wrote, "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years." This quote really hits home for me. Where Mr. Twain said "father," you can substitute whoever that person is who you look up to and who looks out for you. For our more seasoned readers, I hope you read this quote and chuckle. For you younger readers who may not quite get what he was [...]

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