Uncategorized

Family Fun with Woodloch's Winter Olympics! | Woodloch Resort

class trips, group events

As a lifelong resident of the Pocono Mountains, I have to say that this has been one of the most bizarre winters that I can remember. It started off with a Halloween mini-blizzard which ushered in almost a foot of snow, followed by a solid two and a half months of . . . nothing. And I do mean nothing. I have always expected at least some powder on the grounds in January, but the grass is still remarkably green.

Yet when you come to visit us here at Woodloch Pines, we find a way to bring winter, even if Mother Nature has other plans! During the few cold snaps we’ve had, we stockpiled mountains of snow for the situation. And every time temperatures permit, we make more.

Thankfully after New Years, we were able to have our first Winter Olympics by the lakefront. Events are new and unique as always. This year incorporates the use of “double-tubes,” fun with frisbees in our “Kan Jam” event, bowling in the snow, and cramming your entire team into one of our giant tubes! (Quite honestly, I’m rather envious that I am working these events while everybody around me is having an absolute blast!) As always, top teams are awarded the coveted Woodloch medals. And of course there’s always the consolation prize of hot chocolate by a warm fireplace.

From the outside looking in, I can understand how some of our new guests may be a bit intimidated. The best advice I could give new friends is NOT to be bashful with these games. I have worked here for 14 years now and have NEVER seen anyone walk away without a smile, even if your team comes in dead last! The true “Spirit of the Woodloch Games” lies in the fact that we strengthen family bonds and meet new friends playing these crazy games, in both success and the occasional failure. Being open-minded and trying our games will bring out the best in everyone around you.

Like everything here at Woodloch, a blog article really does not do these games or the resort itself justice. This truly is a vacation, or rather an experience, that needs to be felt firsthand.

T-Shirt Time in the Poconos! | Woodloch Resort

Woodloch's Wall of Fun in the Poconos!

On your first visit to Woodloch, it is our hope that you get the chance to strengthen bonds between both family and friends and leave us with a lifetime of memories. Upon your return to us, we thoroughly enjoy seeing those fortified connections come back- often, that spirit takes the form of team custom T-Shirts. We’ve literally seen HUNDREDS of unique garments pass through over the years!

poconos family, luxury spa

In summer of 2011, Woodloch hosted its first ever “Team T-Shirt Contest.” Guests had all summer to snap shots of their teammates wearing their custom-made shirts and then tag us in their photo on Facebook. Once all submissions were reviewed, voting for the winning t-shirt began. Since final voting was very close, we ended up with 2 winning shirts, which are now proudly shadow-boxed and on display in our North Lodge on the famous “Wall of Fun!”

The winning design was submitted by “The Weenies” consisting of the Stewart, Marinis, Gulmi, and Robinson families. The groups met and became friends here over MANY years of family vacations. In spirit of the games, they felt it was necessary to make a shirt of their own. “We tried to include many of the things that made Woodloch special and that only those that go would really understand,” says Megan Stewart. “Only those that know Woodloch could identify all those times giving your child money for the game room, the importance of checking out and buying yet another sweatshirt, comprehend the excitement of winning a horse, and understand the stress when reviewing your bar bill. The final item is of course the most precious one. The friendships we have made are the most valuable things of all.”

The runner-up design, created by Brianne Pepe, is a “mad lib” salute to her family’s Woodloch vacations. She and her family have been guests for over 15 years and made many friends along the way. “Over the years we have made a bunch of shirts, some using old activity sheets, some using our inside jokes and even one to celebrate our friends 21st birthday,” says Brianne. “This year we wanted to make a shirt that all of us could wear. John Gavin came up with the idea of making a Woodloch mad lib and I took the idea and ran with it. I wanted to make sure it could be personalized for

hotel resort, class trips

everyone and really describe the Woodloch experience. I wanted to leave room for things to be funny, like talking about JK’s pants, and leave opportunities to be a little bit sentimental too.” Brianne is already in the planning stages for next years shirt!

All in all, it’s not really what these shirts look like or how flashy and appealing they are. It’s about the good times with great friends that they will ALWAYS represent. Long after you leave our lots and start the tread home, the memories from your Woodloch vacations live on in your team shirts- perhaps best exemplified by these two outstanding designs. Perhaps Ms. Stewart said it best- “Our friendships continue because Woodloch brought us together. For that we will be forever grateful.”

🙂

The Scenic Beauty of the Poconos | Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

The Scenic Beauty of the Poconos

If you are looking for beautiful landscapes, Pennsylvania is where you want to be. With its green covered summer mountains, and snow-kissed winter forestry, Pennsylvania shows nothing short of beauty all year long.

Looking around and seeing the nature that surrounds me is something I really appreciate about living in the Poconos. I can look out my window and feel as if I am looking at a calendar of unrivaled scenery. There is nothing that I find more beautiful than watching the sunset against the forest and seeing its reflection on the lake. I really understand why people enjoy vacationing here. It is amazing to just take in all of the views, whether it is in the spring, summer, fall or winter. reunions, kids travel Woodloch is THE resort to utilize the scenery that Pennsylvania has to offer. Enjoying our outdoor activities really helps you take in the gorgeous surroundings. Take a tour on our nature trail or simply hike/bike it! Our snowmobiling area allows you to cruise a powder-covered field while basking in the peaceful wintery ambience. And how could we possibly forget about the wildlife? Animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and the occasional black bear also call Woodloch “home.”

And you aren’t limited to just land; Woodloch sits on its own magnificent private lake, Lake Teedyuskung. You can also enjoy the landscape while waterskiing, swimming, or boating. Or just relax with a good book or beverage by the shore. When the lake freezes over in the winter, it provides prisitine skating conditions. And nothing says family bonding like a pick-up hockey game!

Whether you join us for our fun and competitive contests or are just looking to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate, one thing is for certain: the lush natural landscapes of Woodloch will add that extra special something everyone seeks out of a vacation. You can’t help but to be completely surrounded by it!

Filed Under: Nature, Travel, Uncategorized

Woodloch: A Family Vacation Creating Lifelong Memories | Woodloch Resort

You know that warm welcoming feeling you get when you’re amongst family and good friends; that closeness, acceptance, and general feeling of well-being? That’s Woodloch!

Family is the word that comes to mind when talking about this fun-filled, all-inclusive Poconos resort. It’s like my friend Sharon B. says, “Working here for 27 years, I have seen and experienced families enjoying our resort and each other . . . such a wonderful feeling, from the owners to the landscapers, everyone has a ‘happy’ attitude that bounces off the guests.”

“What’s special about Woodloch to me is that we offer many activities like our family Olympics and the Amazing Race that give families of all ages the opportunity to compete with other families while working together to win,” says reservationist Jeremy B.

“What I find endearing and very unique about Woodloch is how our guests look forward to seeing their favorite staff members as if they are family or old friends, mirroring our very own mission statement, to treat every guest as company in our own homes,” Selina T. says.

Working in Woodloch’s reservations department, I am lucky enough to speak with numerous guests each day, from newcomers to frequent visitors who have been coming to Woodloch since it opened its doors back in 1958 — before I was even born!

There are so many wonderful different stories of families capturing priceless moments and memories that last a lifetime. For example, there was the exuberant young man planning to propose to his girlfriend, complete with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Or the woman booking a 60^th anniversary celebration for her parents, both 83-years young, who made me laugh about how much her father loves racing down the snowtube run.

It’s like my friend Sarina B. says, “We all take dozens of vacations in our lifetime, but few, if any, will create the lasting memories of child-like happiness that Woodloch gives you.” That’s the good stuff.

Or how about the poignant story of a young mom who had bravely battled breast cancer, and upon receiving a clean bill of health, thought not of herself but rather surprising her son with a return trip to Woodloch for his birthday. There are no words for that.

Each story is unique. Each story is touching. Each story is Woodloch.

Creating Lifelong Memories in the Poconos

Poconos Employment Profile: Meet Melissa! | Woodloch Resort

At peak operation, Woodloch employs over one thousand employees. We’d like to introduce you to one of them! Meet Melissa Latsch: Melissa is a human resource assistant and the coordinator for Woodloch’s International Work Program!

When did you first start working at Woodloch, and how exactly did you end up in HR?

I started at the end of August 2005. I just moved up here from New York. I interviewed with Anthony, our Human Resource Director, a couple of days before I moved up here permanently. The interview was for front desk and/or human resources. I found out on my wedding day that I was hired, and I would start in HR when I returned from our honeymoon. I was so excited; I was hoping for human resources!

Melissa in HR in the Pocono Mountains
Approximately how many employees have you seen start working here? (Work at an All-Inclusive Family Resort)

A LOT! I’m guessing over 1,000!

Outside of the office, where do you enjoy spending your “free” time (assuming you have any at all, we know your kids keep you BUSY!)

Ha, that’s a good one! First, I love spending time with my family. Then going out with my friends dancing and shopping of course too!

What is your absolute fondest Woodloch memory?

I would have to say the first week I started working; everyone was so nice and helpful to me. I was nervous moving to a different state and starting a new job, but everyone made me feel so comfortable. I was surprised that JK actually shook my hand and was sincere in welcoming me on-board. Any company I have ever worked for, the CEO never even acknowledged you existed. I have made many friends here, and I hope to make more!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There are several things, but probably the top two are working with the internationals and helping the employees. I love hearing about all the different cultures, and I try my best to help out staff with any type of issues.

Everyone has at least one “hidden talent.” What is yours?

I used to be dancer, not dirty … ballet, tap and jazz. I went to school for dance from when I was 3 to 16. I LOVED it! I always wanted to be a backup dancer for someone famous or a choreographer.

Make a BOLD prediction for 2012.

I hope this comes true; I hope for everyone to be healthy, happy, and wealthy. I know it’s corny, but being healthy will make you happy and having some wealth won’t do anyone harm ;)!

Poconos Playtime- NAME THAT TUNE TRAINING! | Woodloch Resort

Pocono activities

One of the first years I actually consciously remember was 1995. Although the year of course featured the world debut of Buzz Lightyear and Cal Ripken Jr. smashing a baseball record, my best memories from that year all stem from the wonderful MUSIC that had been released. This was the first year in my life in which I actually grew an appreciation for the art. Yes, I went “chasing waterfalls” with TLC, only wanted to be with Hootie and the Blowfish, and became a complete “basket case” for Green Day. This was the year that propelled me to being a true music lover.

Over my 14 year tenure at Woodloch, I’ve met many guests who share my passion. The great thing about our resort is that you can put your musical appreciation and palattes to the test in one of our featured “Name That Tune” competetions. In this game, we span many different generations and genres of music to see which team has the best musical chops. Though I could NEVER share any inside information to help your team get a leg up in the contest, I thought I would recommend some resources and helpful techniques for you to get yourself ready:

1. Online Music Services– many of these are free, and offer you a great opportunity to broaden your listening horizon. Recently, a free program called Spotify seems to have taken the web by storm. With limited commercial interruptions, you can listen to literally hundreds of thousands of tracks on demand. Alternatively, internet radio stations like Pandora not only offer free streaming music but can also adjust your playlists based on your personal tastes. And like all great things in life, there’s a mobile app for your iPhones, Blackberries, cherries, grapes and etc. I find both of these sites very good at helping you connect what you hear with a name/band.

2. Publications– although newspapers and magazines are becoming less and less commonplace in this wonderful digital age, they can still keep you up to beat with what’s hot and trendy in the music industry. Publications like SPIN and Rolling Stone are great for stories, but Billboard Magazine gives a statistical rundown on the country’s hottest tracks.

3. Quiz Websites– in my opinion, this is the best way to get yourself ready. Namely, a gaming site named Sporcle features quizzes that will test your mental reflexes and condition you to be able to name that tune in a matter of seconds. There’s a great variety here so I encourage you to practice, practice, practice!

4. Friends– and last but not least, when assembling your team, choose wisely and don’t underestimate people. Play to everyone’s strengths. For instance, while I love classic rock and alternative music, I am completely in the dark on many of todays pop hits. That’s where having a teammate like my 13 year-old-sister would come in handy. A good diverse team is usually a strong one!

And that’s all the tips I’m willing to share with you. Of course, you can always visit THE EDGE for a chance to win hints at the games. So please study up, come on back, and play some “Name That Tune” with us. And impress us with what you’ve learned!

poconos games