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Water Skiing Returns to Woodloch!

Woodloch’s Blog

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Water Skiing Returns to Woodloch!

person waterskiing.

The sport (and some may argue, “art”) of water skiing is, and always has been, near and dear to the hearts of many Woodloch guests and staff alive for many years.

Since 1960, water skiing has been not only a summer tradition for many but has also served as a right of passage for youngsters and Woodloch “newbies” alike. After going on a COVID-19 mandated break, we are delighted to announce skiing is officially back for the summer of 2022!

Every Memorial Day weekend, the waters of Lake Teedyuskung hum with the sound of speedboats, racing to pick up seasoned and rookie skiiers alike from the renowned “Teahouse Dock.” From there, staff members prep everyone with lifejackets and offer some final tidbits of advice.

Succeed in making it up, and you’ll be rewarded with two full speed laps around the 3 mile perimeter of the lake.

Milestone Trophies!

A PROUD SUMMER TRADITION

Shredding the lake has been a very proud tradition in the Woodloch family since the early days! So much, in fact, that the Kiesendahl Family even once performed a stunt show across the lake along with staff members. With Uncle Harry driving and his children John, Steve and Nancy in tow, guests were dazzled and delighted to see all sorts of tricks performed right before their very eyes.

Woodloch celebrates and recognizes skiers every year with their “ski club” cards. At weekly award ceremonies, guests who successfully took their laps receive ski cards, reaching different milestones along the way. Trophies are even given to those who have reached 10 consecutive years, with some folks with even 50+ years of experience!

HELPFUL HINTS!

Need a little bit of guidance to refine your skiing skills? We’ve got some advice!

  1. Make sure both your skis and vest are fitted snugly
  2. Sit in the water with skis UP, knees BENT and butt DOWN
  3. Keep your knees BENT and arms STRAIGHT
  4. Let the boat pull you- do NOT pull the rope!
  5. Gradually lift your behind out of the water until you are steady
  6. Keep knees slightly bent, but “go with the flow”
  7. Enjoy!

Waterskiing at Woodloch is for ages 13 & up and is offered Memorial Day through Columbus Day.

 

Woodloch’s Summer 2022 Preview!

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SUMMER 2022 PREVIEW: Coming soon to Woodloch!

The May flowers that were so elegantly promised us after the “April Showers” have finally popped, and one thing is on just about everyone’s mind: SUMMER TIME. 

Considering the circumstances of the past two years, one could even argue that we are hungrier for sunshine, warm temperatures, barbecues and family travel more than ever. So it is fitting that this summer at our resort will be one of the most exciting in years!

The team at Woodloch has been working hard behind the scenes to bring summertime travelers something truly memorable this season… and here’s just a little sneak peak!

NEW ADVENTURES AHEAD

The success or failure of any trip largely lies on the shoulders of the toughest critics… and by that, we of course mean children! Luckily for everyone’s sake, we’ve got an amazing new amenity headed our way this summer to keep the youngest adventurers in your party truly satisfied!

Our brand new ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND will feature all sorts of obstacles perfect for the little Indiana Jones, Lara Croft or Nathan Drake in your lives. Set to open this summer, this playground will keep active children at bay with a whole set of satisfying challenges, complete with a deep breath of mountain fresh air!

 

TRIBAL COUNCIL RETURNS

Not to be outdone, our big games will finally come back to the beautiful Lake Teedyuskung with the triumphant return of our SURVIVAL GAMES! 

A set of six challenges await you and your “tribe” as you prove your worth to our staff. Games will test your physical endurance and mental limits as your family partakes in a unique set of relays in pursuit of that legendary Woodloch gold medal!

WE LOVE ROCK AND ROLL

We are ready to ROCK you! Mondays will not only feature our delicious Woodloch summer cookouts (worth the trip alone!), but will also feature a double dose of rock n’ roll!

First up, all ages can enjoy games of skill and chance as we salute BRITISH MANIA with an all new carnival! Partake in a series of midway games (themed around all of your favorite rock n’ roll groups from the UK!) in pursuit of golden tickets and ultimately, some fabulous Woodloch prizes!

As the day cools off into the evening, do NOT miss out on one of the best tribute bands around with the music of “Xtreme Queen!” Friday nights will be featuring an all-new Woodloch original production with our “Radio Woodloch” show featuring the live music of “Nowhere Slow,” covering all of your favorite genres of music!

Woodloch’s famous Broadway-style Theme Show is returning to the hot lights of our big stage with “Islands of the World!” A musical revue complete with a professional cast, elaborate sets, pyrotechnics and more, it is not to be missed!

YOU’RE “IT”

In addition to our marquee games and brand new evening shows, visitors can look forward to brand new medal events and competitions for all!

We are taking the time-honored game of tag and taking it to new heights with our “MEGA TAG” contest! Fusing elements of “Steal the Bacon,” “Capture The Flag” and a little bit of Flag Football, this 3-on-3 event is almost as fun to watch as it is to play.

Individuals and academics looking to flex their intellectual prowess will be pleased to know that Woodloch’s classic take on SCRABBLE will be returning after an over 15 year hiatus! Brush up on your vocabulary and be prepared for this intense trivia game!

WOODLOCH… REBOOTED!

64 years of returning family and friends can’t be wrong- it just wouldn’t be summertime without the return of all of our favorite big-team Woodloch events and games!

This summer, expect completely revamped editions of Woodloch “staples” including Scavenger Hunt, Family Double Dare, Pool Games and Family Field Day- tried and true, and sure to bring smiles to all ages!

Speaking of triumphant returns… we are happy to announce that our WATER SKIING program will return this summer!

WIN A STAY WITH “LOCH TOK”

As a special added “bonus,” we’re even hosting a great new contest that will appeal to the Tik Tokkers out there!

Our #LochTok summer video contest is a great way to share your summer vacation experience with the world while competing for more great Woodloch prizes, including a 2-night stay for a family of 4! Stay tuned for more details!

SEE YOU SOON…

We rather enjoy the fun of a good surprise or two, so expect a few surprises headed your way in the days and weeks to come. Summer of 2022 at our resort is playing out to be one for the books!

Woodloch Summer 2021: Sneak Peak!

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Woodloch Summer 2021: A Sneak Peak!

Ahh, the smell of freshly cut grass. That first whiff of delicious barbecue foods winding through the neighborhood. The gentle crash of waves at your favorite beach, lake or watering hole. The sweet songs of roosting birds as the sun heads over the hills for the night. 

All of these things remind us that the bitter cold days of winter are in the rearview mirror, and that wonderful season of summer has finally arrived.

In 2021, all of this renewal comes with a greater appreciation for these sorts of things in life. After a year which none of us could have possibly predicted or foreseen, we are finally able to start gathering with friends and loved ones the way we were so accustomed to- but with a fresh appreciation for all that we have.  

Having said that, Woodloch is very excited to be kicking off into a new season in 2021! While we are very heavy on the concept of tradition, we are always “back in the lab” creating new and exciting ways to celebrate the reunion of family and friends! Here is just a little sneak peak at some new events that will be headed your way this upcoming summer!

THE KEYSTONE GAMES

We have a special place in our hearts for the incredible state of Pennsylvania- it is HOME, of course! From Philly to Pittsburgh, from the farmlands to the mountains, our state is full of character! With that in mind, we thought we’d take the opportunity to write a “love letter” to the Keystone State in the form of this summer’s field day games!

We cordially invite our guests this summer to band up with friends and family to tackle 6 new events and relay-style challenges, all in the pursuit of that oh-so-coveted Woodloch gold medal (or, at least a lot of fun trying)! 

EVENTS INCLUDE: 

  • “The Happy Valley QB Experience” – 
  • “Hershey Candy Scramble”- 
  • “Rocky Balboa’s Punchout”
  • “The Turnpike Toss”
  • “Milk The Cow”
  • “The Office Olympics”

All teammates, no matter how big or small, can contribute to your team’s success! Don’t miss out!

COOKOUT & CARNIVAL

When the grills get fired up, you KNOW things are about to get real!

Our traditional summer cookout has been a fan-favorite for all of our guests for over 40 years. With a little help from the sunshine, our front lawn becomes the perfect place to settle in for one of the best BBQ’s around!

Summer favorites abound! Angus burgers, all-beef franks with all the fixings, fresh corn on the cob, steamed clams, baby back ribs, grilled chicken, wraps and so much more will fill a plate or two as you dine under the summer sun. Don’t forget to save some room for watermelon and our famous ice cream sandwiches- they are not to be missed!

Hand in hand with our summer cookouts is an all-new family friendly carnival! Our theme of Pennsylvania carries over into our midway style event. Each visitor gets 10 free tickets to try their luck on all sorts of games of skill and chance, this time chasing down special edition Woodloch prizes! Games range from simple to tricky, but all ages will find something that is just their speed.

Games include:

“Shoe Fly Pie” launch
“The Liberty Bell” putting challenge
“The Philly Phanatic” baseball roll
“Groundhog Day” Plinko
“The Crayola Challenge”
“Pocono Raceway”
“Name That Tune”
And so much more!

THE BOYS ARE BACK

Even after a long day of all sorts of fun in the sun, the good times roll right into those wonderful summer nights! This summer, Woodloch is paying homage to lots of fond summer memories of millennials, gen z’s and yes, even the boomers with the upbeat sounds of LARGER THAN LIFE, a boy band tribute spectacular!

Larger Than Life is “the ultimate boyband tribute.” This is the only act of its kind featuring actual singing, dancing, and costumes. Larger Than Life will take you back in time with the biggest 90s Party since the Backstreet Boys shut down Times Square.

Performing over 40 Boyband songs by the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, New Kids On The Block, 98 Degrees, O-Town, Boyz II Men, LFO, One Direction and many more! And for extra fun, the boys take us even way back with hits by The Jackson 5, Temptations, Four Seasons, and other classic male groups truly making this The Ultimate Boyband Tribute! 

THE GREAT ESCAPE

Do you fancy yourself clever? Prove it to us by making it through our all-new escape room, “If I Only Had A Brain!”

That’s right, this summer we’ll be headed somewhere over the rainbow for a brand new labyrinth of challenges down the yellow brick road as we try to find our way to the wonderful wizard! Beware of lions, tigers and bears (oh my) and of course, that wicked witch! Make it back home by the time your clock expires to claim victory!

AND MORE…

Though we love to keep things fresh, some summer favorites are just too much fun to not bring back! Events like our famous Pool Games, Olympics, Scavenger Hunt and Family Double Dare will be revitalized with all new challenges! Our team is hard at work at all sorts of great trivia contests and medal events, plus new and returning family-friendly acts will take the stage in our Nightclub all season long. It’s going to be a terrific summer to visit!

Filed Under: Summer Tagged With:

Summer Bucket List for Teens – Pocono Mountains | Woodloch Resort

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A Quintessential Summer Bucket List for Teens

Summer’s is HERE. This summer aims to be a memorable one for various reasons at Woodloch Resort. The Pocono Mountains, mainly Woodloch’s 1,500-acre lakeside haven, are an idyllic place to try new things, conquer fears, make new friends, and see another wilder side of Mom and Dad. A fun activity for many teens and adolescents is crafting a summertime bucket list, complete with a bevy of attainable yet undeniably outrageous activities. Thus, we decided to craft our own summer bucket list for teens. Each of these items can be achieved right here in Hawley, PA, under two hours from the heart of Manhattan.

 Summer Bucket List for Teens: 35 Items in 35 Days

This comprehensive summer bucket list for teens could stretch for days. But, for your own sake, we’ve whittled it down to 35 items. Feel free to print off this summer bucket list for teens to enhance the overall visitor experience. Otherwise, make a mental note of your favorite ideas!

  1. Hike into the wild
  2. Crash into your foes in a bumper boat
  3. Successfully climb a rock wall
  4. Toss a ringer while playing horseshoes
  5. Master KanJam
  6. Putt a hole-in-one at a mini-golf course
  7. Lap your family on the go-kart track
  8. Land a bullseye on the archery range
  9. Build a sandcastle with your younger siblings
  10. Kayak (or paddleboard) into the middle of the lake
  11. Capture the perfect Insta pic
  12. Win a game of bingo
  13. Dance to the pleasingly raucous beats of a silent DJ
  14. Win gold at the Summer Olympics
  15. Join a scavenger hunt
  16. Splash in the lake
  17. Stargaze at a bonfire
  18. Slurp the world’s tastiest ice cream cone
  19. Start a water gunfight
  20. Bake your heart out at cake wars
  21. Road trip with the fam
  22. Watch a popcorn flick while devouring a large bowl of unduly-buttered popcorn on a rainy day
  23. Catch a scale-tipping walleye
  24. Finish an enthralling young-adult novel in the sand
  25. Create a wavy summer playlist for those long car rides (with Tame Impala, Washed Out, Beach House, LCD Soundsystem, and Kurt Vile as your DJs)
  26. Try Geocaching
  27. Learn to love coffee
  28. Write a letter to a sweetheart (or Grandma and Grandpa)
  29. Sleep in…a lot
  30. Turn off your phone for an entire day
  31. Conquer a fear
  32. Picnic with the family
  33. Make a new “pen pal” at the resort
  34. Play beach volleyball
  35. Perform a random act of kindness

The Liveliest Mountain Resorts in Pennsylvania

Hopefully, these 35 summer bucket list ideas for teens stir up smile- or laugh-inducing visuals of prior rousing vacations to Woodloch. You won’t find a more suitable destination for your next family getaway, as Woodloch is all-inclusive, family-centered, top-reviewed, historical, and solely dedicated to providing the wildest, most unforgettable experiences yet. So, please feel free to browse through our all-inclusive Poconos vacation packages to start saving on your next escape from New York City. We’re currently offering some of the most outrageous savings to date! Again: The Woodloch experience is officially back! Together we can stop the spread. And together, we can ensure that this summer is celebrated for many years to come.

Filed Under: at home, reunions, Summer, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Cool off and Vacation in the Poconos this Summer | Woodloch Resort

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Cool off and Vacation in the Poconos this Summer!

The weather is heating up, and that means it’s the perfect time to head to the Pocono Mountains for an unforgettable vacation at one of the best PA resorts. Beat the heat and cool off this summer season when you book your vacation at Woodloch Resort. Ideal for families, couples, and groups, we have everything you’ll need to spend your days basking in the sun and having lots of fun!

Splash Around

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There are plenty of places to cool off around our resort. We offer both an indoor and outdoor pool for everyone to enjoy. You’ll find a sweet Tiki Bar nearby where you can stay hydrated. For the littlest kiddos, we have indoor and outdoor splash parks, home to splash pads, waterfalls, and slides that will keep your kids entertained all day. Adults will love slipping into our outdoor hot tub and relax with friends.

Our sister property, The Lodge at Woodloch, is ideal for couples getaways and offers an indoor waveless pool. It’s perfect for those wanting to swim a few laps or have a quieter experience. The Springs Sports Complex is also home to additional water features including an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a jacuzzi tub.

If you can’t get enough of the water, Lake Teedyuskung is here for all-season use, but it’s great to get out on the lake and cool down after a hot day full of adventures. The lake is the perfect place to play volleyball on the beach, race at high speed across the lake on tubes or waterskis, or just lay back and soak up the sun.

However you decide to spend your time cooling off in the heat, we have everything you need to make your summer vacation the best one yet. When choosing one of the top PA resorts near NYC, make sure to choose Woodloch Resort. With over 30 fun and fabulous activities, your group will enjoy every minute spent in the Poconos Mountains this summer.

Young girl sliding down a small waterslide in an outdoor splashpad.Young woman running on inflatable pool item and throwing a football.Outdoor pool and view of Lake Teedyuskung.

The Woodloch EDGE- Insider Tips on How to Win BIG!

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The Woodloch EDGE- Insider Tips on How to Win BIG!

The great American football coach George Allen once said, “Winning is the science of being totally prepared.” Though every once in a while we’re brushed with a stroke of good luck, more often than not, champions are crowned through hard work, persistence and mental preparation. (I feel inclined to make a joke about the Cleveland Browns… but that city has been through enough.) 

I’ve had the pleasure of working in activities with guests for the past 20 years and I feel like I’ve gotten to know many of them on a personal level. And while we all know that the real joy in competing in Woodloch events is simply forgetting life’s troubles and enjoying some smiles with your family and best friends, we all know that winning sometimes just feels really GOOD. 

So be glad that you took the time to read this article. Whether you’re a “Woodloch veteran” or new to the game, we thought we’d give you guys just a little heads-up on ways to get an “edge” on your competition this summer. While I can’t ensure that this will get a medal on your neck, I can promise you that it will be worth your time to heed our advice! 

SCAVENGER HUNT

This one always takes the “newbies” by surprise. Forget any conventional hunts that you may have done in the past- there’s nothing quite like Woodloch’s Traditional Scavenger Hunt. Every year, we make it a point to make our hunts bigger, more challenging and ultimately better by adding new puzzles and mixing things up.

At its core, though, the same principles will always give teams a competitive advantage. Research our social staff’s website, WoodlochEdge.com, thoroughly just before you leave for your stay. There are several puzzles and games that offer list items as a reward, but we also give quite a few FREEBIES. Boom! 

Additionally, it can’t hurt to look at our Photo Gallery for additional clues. After all, you might just end up needing to dress up as a certain character! 

family reunions poconos

BIG TEAM ATHLETIC EVENTS

You know. The stuff that ONLY happens at Woodloch!

Whether you are competing in our new Them Games or our famous Summer Olympics, one thing remains constant: you are going to need to hustle. You don’t necessarily need the biggest and fastest team, but there needs to be some heart and motivation as your driving force! Those are the factors that make the biggest difference between being THE BEST instead of one of the rest.

Speaking of size, it’s actually a strategic advantage to have some smaller teammates in many of our games!  Nimble, agile and more compact friends on your team come in handy during many of the events in Family Double Dare and Pool Games! Small… but mighty!

Before heading out in that hot summer sun, be ready. Eat a good meal for energy before gametime (we feed you guys plenty here) and don’t be afraid to stretch out a bit beforehand. 

There’s a better than good chance that many of us haven’t ran in a while… and you’ll know this because you haven’t ran in a while. 

TRIVIA & MORE

So… maybe athletics aren’t your forte- which I understand completely. I was, and still am, the kid that would get hit in the face with a basketball every week in phys ed. Some of the more scholarly individuals find our greatest joys in flexing our intelligence for the gold. Woodloch offers an abundance of great trivia contests to showcase our smarts. As the old saying goes… “10 heads are better than one.“

“Name That Tune” and “Woodloch Goes to the Movies,” how I love thee! As much of a pop culture aficionado that I may be, I simply cannot tackle this all alone. To win big in these very competitive events, you have to properly recruit. Can’t tell Taylor Swift from Katy Perry? Recruit some young blood to help you out. Know that Grandma is a huge film noir fan? She’s going to come in handy. Some of the most successful teams we’ve seen here were the most eclectic groups of individuals you could think of! 

Our Dessert Wars are a true fan favorite! And there a lot of elements to a successful team. Someone needs to be artsy, neat and clean for a stellar presentation. RECRUIT THEM. You need someone with a vivid imagination (young kids are CLUTCH here). RECRUIT THEM. You need someone who is wise with a budget and can make good decision in a bind. RECRUIT THEM. All of these factors collectively make the best Dessert Wars teams! 

O CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN…

Last but not least, I will say that teams that earn medals always have a good leader. All of these games require a Team Captain. That captain is a coach, cheerleader and judge all at once, and good leadership brings in medals. Your captain must be an adult and somewhat responsible (which should, in theory, limit it to just about one person on your team. Easy decision)

THE LESSON TO BE LEARNED

Of course, you can follow all of this advice and simply be beaten. Hey, it happens- we have a lot of guests craving that same Woodloch gold that you are. A long time ago, someone once told me that they never “lose”- either you win big or learn something. Take that knowledge back, grow from the experience and keep trying. 

Because if one thing’s for sure, quitters never win and winners NEVER quit!

Good luck to everyone out there this summer- may the odds be ever in your favor. 

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