For the first time this year, Goshen had two Family Camps – one during Memorial Day Weekend and one during Labor Day Weekend. The inaugural Memorial Day Family Camp had good turnout for the new event. It was a little stormy, but campers crammed in fun in the sunny mornings at Aquatics and Shooting Sports and then, when the storms came in the afternoon, tried their hand at crafts in Handicraft. The event was popular enough that Goshen is happy to announce it will be offering Memorial Day Family Camp again in 2019!
The traditional Labor Day Family Camp once again had great attendance this year and had the full range of activities. Families could have fun shooting rifles and BB’s, test their skills at archery, go swimming and boating, fly on the giant swing, and more. It was a little rainy on Saturday, but that didn’t stop the hike to the Swimming Hole, where families could hop in and float down the river. The sky was nice and clear the next day for the Viewing Rock Hike, which afforded those who went beautiful views. In addition to swimming and boating, Aquatics also offered tours of the lake on the pontoon boat.
The newest aspect of Family Camp during the Labor Day Weekend was the return of the Saturday evening Square Dance. Way back in the day, the Square Dance was a staple of Family Camp, but it gradually faded away as there was no one who knew how to call. Lucky for Goshen, one of the current summer camp staff members, Lauren Brown, knows how to call from her off-season job at an outdoor school. She led much of the camp in square dancing and line dancing at Forster Hall. Everyone had a fantastic time and we’re looking forward to adding the Square Dance back in as a regular event at Goshen’s Family Camps.
Family Camp closed off, as usual, with the Sunday evening campfire. Families, Troops, Packs, Staff, and Staff Alumni shared their favorite songs and skits before heading back to their campsites for bed.
Miss out on the fun? Want to come back again? Join us for Family Camping fun in 2019. Goshen Family Camps will be offered Memorial Day Weekend (May 24-27, 2019) and Labor Day Weekend (August 30-September 2, 2019). The cost is $20 per person. Bring your own tent, bring your own food, and Goshen supplies the program. All ages are welcome. Registration is already open! Learn more and sign up at www.gotogoshen.org/family-camp.
