For 120 years, YMCA of the Pines has been a steward for the outdoors and the Pinelands while providing a place where young people can unplug, explore, challenge themselves, build themselves, build friendships, and discover their potential.
For Mayor Michael Czyzyk, he and his family learned that firsthand.
“When my son, who at the time was 8, we were told he would never be able to ride a bike because of different motor skill challenges that he faced,” shared Czyzyk, who fought back emotions. “We dropped him off at the first week of camp and we come back and we can’t find him.”
To the amazement of his parents, the youngster came riding through the woods – on a bike.
“My wife and I broke down in tears,” Czyzyk said. “We couldn’t believe it and it turns out that he just needed to be motivated in a different way…
“It’s really remarkable with what you [YMCA of the Pines] do.”
Czyzyk presented Suzanne Williams, vice president of development and governance at YMCA of the Pines, with a proclamation at a council meeting on Sept. 1.
Formerly YMCA Camp Ockanickon, YMCA of the Pines began in 1906 and has grown into a cherished South Jersey institution providing year-round programs and outdoor experiences for more than 800 acres in the heart of the Pinelands and in Medford Township, according to the proclamation.
Since then, the leading nonprofit organization, has touched so many families as they remain committed to their mission of providing young people with opportunities to experience nature, build character, develop confidence, and form lasting friendships.
As Mark Dibble, CEO at YMCA of the Pines, notes “We are not only a camp.”
“Many people don’t realize that our reach and impact extend far beyond our popular summer camps,” he said in an article on the YMCA of the Pines website in 2018.
They introduced its new name – YMCA of the Pines – in December 2018.
“We wanted a name and a vision that is inclusive of all of our camps, our departments and our impact,” Dibble said.
Through Camp Ockanickon – overnight camp for boys, Camp Matollionequay – overnight camp for girls, Lake Stockwell Day Camp – day camp for boys and girls, wilderness programs, retreats, family programs, outdoor education, childcare and other initiatives, YMCA of the Pines provides opportunities for children, teens, adults and families to connect with nature and one another.
“We are impacting the lives of children, teens, and families 52 weeks per year,” Dibble said. “We offer school-age childcare, teen leadership programs, family programs, outdoor education and recreation programs, corporate team building and retreats, school trips, and conferences during the non-summer months.
“We also provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial aid for these non-camp programs.”
The value of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, courage, and inclusiveness are woven into the campout experience, helping young people develop not only skills and confidence, but the character to become responsible and cooperative members of their community, according to the proclamation.
YMCA of the Pines has become an important part of the fabric and history of Medford Township, with generations of family throughout the region, sharing memories and lifetime connections to camping.
In 2021, the YMCA of the Pines expanded its impact by acquiring the Gloucester County YMCA, further strengthening its reach and community presence.
The YMCA of the Pines has celebrated its 120th anniversary throughout the year across all branches with special events, themed camp weeks, time capsules, and community celebrations.
It kicked off the anniversary with a winter hike in January. Together, members hiked through memory lane.
Their signature anniversary event took place over Labor Day weekend, with a special weekend retreat that was open to all. The celebration featured alumni gatherings and special activities with generations of campers, families, staff, and community members.
Upcoming events include Fall Festival weekend from October 16 at 5 p.m. to Oct. 18 at noon, the 38th annual golf tournament at 9 a.m. on Oct. 26 at Little Mill Country Club in Marlton, and Breakfast with Santa from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Dec. 5.
For more information visit ycamp.org.
