Camp Stories

News from the Waterfront

with Tara McVeigh, Waterfront Director 2022-2023   Tara McVeigh, Camp Woodstock’s Waterfront Director for 2022 and 2023 has been a Woodstocker for nearly her entire life. Woodstock runs in her family, and so does the Waterfront. In 2017, when Tara was working as a counselor, her brother Shane McVeigh held the position of Boating Director, and he served as the Waterfront Director in 2018. In 2023, Tara led the Waterfront team through an incredible season. At YMCA Camp Woodstock, summer means adventure, and the Waterfront Program takes center stage in [...]

2023-10-24T15:39:59-04:00October 23rd, 2023|Categories: Camp Stories, Camp Updates|

From Camper to Camp Caretaker: Welcome Home, Bill Parkman!

by Jackie Orlowski To many of you, Bill Parkman may be a friendly familiar face, but for others this may be your first time getting to know Bill. Either way, we are thrilled to welcome Bill back "home" to settle into retirement working at Camp Woodstock. For many people, summer camp is a cherished memory from childhood, filled with new friendships, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable experiences. But for Bill Parkman, camp was more than just a summer getaway – it was home. As a camper, counselor, program director, and off-season [...]

2023-05-30T21:57:33-04:00May 1st, 2023|Categories: Alumni, Camp Staff, Camp Stories, Camp Updates|

Enjoy our new podcast, Woodstock Whispers! (The First 8 Episodes)

Capturing 100 years of stories YMCA Camp Woodstock celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2022. As we head to that milestone, we are looking to capture (and re-capture) conversations with Woodstockers over the ages to hear what's changed, what has stayed the same, what memories people have and how Woodstock impacted their lives. Let us know if you have a story to share with the Woodstock community as a part of this history project. Email: georgezack@gmail.com You can also call in to the podcast now!  We have set up a Google [...]

2021-02-16T22:41:54-05:00August 14th, 2020|Categories: Alumni, Camp Stories|

The Woodstock Spirit

A Teacher's Reflection Anyone who has walked in the Pines of YMCA Camp Woodstock has sensed the magic that transcends Black Pond, the shaded paths, and the cozy cabins. Campers of all ages have felt the Woodstock Spirit linger in their hearts for over 95 years. The joy of camp permeates the darkest of places in some of the saddest of times. December is a hard time of year for students, the light of summer memories is fading and the stress of first quarter report cards is looming. As a Woodstock [...]

2019-12-06T19:01:30-05:00December 6th, 2018|Categories: Camp Stories|

We’re having a SCORCHER today!

Woah! The weather reports are for some serious heat today! Never fear, we'll still have fun in the Pines. We will be making sure all of our friends are SUPER hydrated and covered in sun lotion...and, as a special treat we are having a Morning Free Swim! Campers will get a chance to cool off in Black Pond twice today! We'll be bringing you photos of all the fun soon! Stay cool today!

2015-07-29T09:11:05-04:00July 29th, 2015|Categories: Camp Stories, Camp Updates|

Staff Spotlight: Alissa S.

Meet Alissa, one of our amazing Senior Counselors at Camp Woodstock and most recent recipient of the Staff Creed Award. During her time on staff, Alissa has handled every curveball thrown out her with grace and integrity and we couldn't be more proud of her achievements. She credits former staff member Hannah Aitken for showing her the value of constantly improving, and she has made that commitment to improvement clear. She can be found doing anything and everything at camp, which is where she says she feels most at home [...]

2015-07-30T07:48:57-04:00July 28th, 2015|Categories: Camp Stories, Camp Updates|