Community, Campfires, and Appalachian Trails: Fellowship Community Takes on the Great Outdoors!

Blue skies and perfect weather welcomed 37 members of our Fellowship Community as we headed up to the highest point in New Jersey for an unforgettable weekend of camping. From seasoned outdoor veterans to brave first-timers pitching their very first tents, a fantastic time was had by all. Together, we swapped stories, shared laughs, and roasted the perfect s'mores around a roaring campfire. Even when a brief rain shower rolled through, it couldn't damp our spirits—everyone immediately pitched in to keep camp dry, showcasing the true definition of teamwork and community.

The weekend was also a culinary triumph. Sheila Battaglia spoiled the crowd by whipping up a massive batch of her famous pancakes, while Steve Parker served up unbeatable breakfast sandwiches using fresh eggs straight from the "Lackawanna Ladies" (the Donaldsons’ beloved chickens).

Tom and Donna Perch dropped in for the day, beautifully balancing the afternoon by leading the adults on a scenic hike while the kids enjoyed playtime together. Later on, Jason Salisbury and Caroline Blanchard laid out an spectacular make-your-own sandwich spread that fueled everyone up for the next adventure.

That next adventure came courtesy of Steve Parker, who led an energizing hike along the historic Appalachian Trail. Along the way, he taught the children about the core principles of “Leave No Trace,” demonstrated how hikers filter drinkable water, and even introduced them to a bit of authentic “Trail Magic.” The eagle-eyed hikers were also treated to an abundance of local wildlife and vibrant plant life along the path.

Dinner proved to be a hands-on highlight, thanks to Nick Wallwork and Megan Hein’s genius Foil Packs. Campers had a blast customizing their own foil packets with an assortment of ingredients before cooking them right over the open campfire—making dinner both delicious and incredibly interactive.

The fun kept rolling all weekend long. Wendy DeSarno and Jules Paul kept everyone energized with an endless supply of snacks, while Nicole Spaldo and Caroline Blanchard brought creativity to camp with lovely Solstice crafts. When people weren't crafting or hiking, the campground was alive with fierce board game battles, badminton, and pickleball matches.

A massive thank you goes out to everyone who lent a hand to make this weekend a reality, with a special shout-out to Caroline Blanchard and Jason Salisbury for their stellar coordination.

Save the Date! Our next camping adventure is already locked in for October 2nd–4th at Voorhees State Park. Keep an eye out for more details dropping later this summer—you won't want to miss it!

Check out some more pictures below