[Photo Story] Camping out with YMCA leadership in Lebanon

Every year, the Lebanon Valley Family YMCA raises funds to get kids into YMCA programs who might not have otherwise been able to join.

All photographs by Cheyenne Tobias.

This year, the leadership of the organization decided to stage an all-night camp-out in front of the building at 201 North 7th Street from 6 p.m. on Friday night through 6 a.m. on Saturday morning (March 26-27). LebTown checked in on how the festivities were unfolding and grabbed a few pictures of the unusual camp at the Y.

The fundraising goal, as stated in a Facebook video on Friday evening, was $5,000. Thanks to the campers’ participation and the generous donations sent in by supporters, the target goal was reached before 11 p.m. that night – plus some more. A later Facebook video announced that the fundraiser had been a success with some $6,500 raised for local kids.

What would a camp-out be without a game of beanbag toss?

The simple game was set up in front of the Lebanon YMCA building on North 7th Street along with tents and a small campfire.

It’s a lot of ground to cover with a single toss, but a successful hole-in-one can be done.

The other team had plenty of bags to try and score (typically, one point is awarded for hitting the board while three points are awarded for making it in the hole).

With temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s, it was a chilly but not freezing night.

As twilight faded, the game proceeded into the night.

A visitor from the nearby Lebanon stretch of the Quittapahilla Creek showed up partway through the night.

For those that wanted a break from the cold, the interior boasted card and board games with friends.

The camp-out aimed to raise funds for local kids who might not otherwise be able to attend YMCA programs.

These programs include day camp at YMCA Camp Shand, after-school events, and early learning programs.

The Lebanon YMCA is now administrating Camp Shand, a summer camp south of Cornwall, after the county purchased the property in 2020.

This table’s game evidently included both cards and a board to play with.

Sometimes all it takes to have a good time is a nice conversation around a table.

Any good camp-out will have a few snacks set aside in case people get peckish.

Tents and chairs were set up on the grass in front of the building.

It might not be a full-fledged bonfire, but the campers did manage to cook a few s’mores on the campfire setup out front.

A Facebook video posted just past 3 a.m confirmed that the campers were still up and warming themselves in front of the fire.

The full list of campers and participants included: Phil Tipton, CEO; Darin Pickles, Director of Operations; Amy Pennycoff, Director of Community Engagement and Development; Christie Unger, Director of Marketing; Linda Kubica, Director of Business Administration; Jaci Arnold, Director of Membership Relations; Susan Manno, Director of Human Resources; Brian Wolfe, Director of Operations at the VA; Chris Smith, Executive Director of Camp Shand; Spencer Shambaugh, Program Director of Camp Shand; Kelly Benasutti, Director of Childcare Services; Mary Newhouse, Director of School Age Childcare; Rebecca Powell, Director of the Arnold Early Learning Center; Mary Andrews, Director of Ebenezer Childcare Center; Zach McElheny, Aquatics Director; and Chris Fisher, Maintenance Director.

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