On February 10 – 11, twenty Friends gathered at Camp Onas for PYM’s Winter Family Overnight! Crystal Hershey and Abigaile Brace-Higgins, PYM Children & Families CoFacilitators, planned and facilitated the event. As everyone arrived over the course of the afternoon, they opened their arms to one another for big hugs! After hauling luggage into cozy bedrooms, it was time to explore the grounds. The youth went straight to the tire swing and long rope swing hanging from huge old trees. There were trails to hike outdoors, art crafting tables in the common room, and air hockey to play in the game room. Everyone gathered in a circle outside for a game of “The Big Wind Blows.” There was a lot of laughing and chasing one another around!
Saturday evening included a community effort to make dinner. Many hands made light work of meal preparation! All feasted on spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread, and salad. After the dishes were done, the children snuggled with their parents on couches while Abby read The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise. The story reminded everyone to notice how much more generous, productive, and happy people are when they feel loved. Crystal led a craft for families – hand decorating mugs for gifts for loved ones!
The youth put a ton of creative energy into their art making! Then it was time to gather around the fire pit for roasting marshmallows. Nothing ends a beautiful day like s’mores! The adults shared warm fellowship by the fire while the children burned off the last of their energy playing tag by porch light. Then all settled in for a good night’s sleep.
The morning started with feasting on pancakes, sausage, eggs, and fruit for breakfast. Everyone gathered in a circle on the wooden platform outside to have Meeting for Worship. Families bundled up and snuggled together in sleeping bags and coats in the crisp morning air. There were beautiful periods of silence, listening, and sharing. Abby told a Faith & Play story about Prayer and Friends Meeting for Worship. Everyone wondered together until the rise of Meeting. Friends spent their last hours at Camp Onas enjoying the landscape and each other’s company. It was hard to say goodbye, but it helped to know that Friends plan to see each other again soon for more great adventures together!
Upcoming Children & Families adventures include an intergenerational afternoon gathering at Spring Continuing Sessions; an all-ages Spring Family Meetup at Old Haverford Meeting; and Spring Family Overnight at Camp Dark Waters. We hope to see you at one (or all!) of these events!
