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My Socially Distanced Woodloch Wedding | Woodloch Resort

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My Socially Distanced Woodloch Wedding

Miranda and her fiancé Andrew were over the moon to be celebrating their wedding at Woodloch in May of 2020. All was going well, until mid March.

“Andrew and I were so excited for our big day at Woodloch,” says Miranda. “We’d been planning our big day for about 15 months at that point and were just 9 weeks away. Next thing we knew, the world was shutting down from the global pandemic.”

Like so many of us, there was much uncertainty with how long life as we knew it would be different. “We tried to continue forward with our May 16th wedding.” With the situation changing with government regulations at an almost daily rate, the situation was stressful. “Eventually, Cara called us and notified us that we could no longer have our wedding as planned. We went through just about every emotion and had accepted that we’d likely be having a courthouse wedding.”

Luckily, certain regulations were eased just in the nick of time. “Cara called about a week later and said that the Resort was now able to make an exception and let us have our wedding there at the end of July.”“We got back to replanning and our guest list dwindled with every passing day. We were working through final details again when the Governor dropped another restriction on us just 9 days before our new date. We either had to cut our guest list to 25 people, or find a way to have everything outside.”

“Andrew and I decided to have just our bridal party and parents in attendance. All we wanted was to be married. After the stress of the last two years, we wanted it all to be over. By the time the ceremony began, none of that mattered. We ended up having the best day thanks to our families, friends, our incredible vendors and most importantly Cara and her team at Woodloch! Our intimate wedding was a day we’ll never forget with a story we’ll tell forever!”

Venue: Woodloch Resort

Photos: Kelli Cornelia Photography

Flowers: Floral Cottage

Gown: Hayley Paige/The Plumed Serpent

Hair and Makeup: Utopia Salon & Spa

Filed Under: Uncategorized, Weddings

Fall Specials, Vibrant Foliage, and Spooktacular Fun at Woodloch Resort

Spooktacular Fall Specials, Vibrant Foliage, and More!

Autumn is nearly upon us here in the rolling, densely-forested Pocono Mountains. As summer slowly fades, millions of American families begin planning their long-awaited fall getaways to idyllic destinations, such as award-winning Woodloch. We’re not only proud to be the top-rated family resort in America (according to USA Today), but our 1,200-acre estate remains one of the most beloved fall getaways from New York City. Families can enjoy seemingly endless Halloween-themed programming, vibrant natural beauty, and outrageous, all-inclusive fall specials. The kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and tastes will leave a lasting, smile-inducing impression on the season.

Spooky Fall Specials and Savings

Before diving into the vast array of homegrown activities that are readily available on any given day, it’s crucial to outline some ways to save a few bucks this autumn. Woodloch’s array of fall specials (which includes up to 30 percent off and free kids stays) are sure to put a smile on your face leading up to another vivid autumn.

On select dates, children under seven stay free. Meanwhile, all “kids” between the ages of seven and 19 are 50 percent off! Our most popular fall specials revolve around midweek getaways, including a 30 percent discount (from early September through mid-December, not including holidays). But, that’s not all. Use the promo code “STAY3” on select three-day weekends to earn up to 15 percent off. These spooky fall specials and savings may not return, so take full advantage of them while you can!

Pocono Mountain Leaf Peeping

Photo of Lake Teedyuskung in Autumn. Click Here for Wacky Fall Specials! Now that you have an idea of how much money you could save this autumn, let’s dive into potential mid-day adventures. Below, we cover many Halloween-themed activities that we typically offer. In this section, however, we want to shine a light on the various outdoorsy pursuits that are particularly enjoyable during autumn’s peak. To gain a better understanding of our nonstop entertainment opportunities, please take a peek at a sample activity sheet. Adventurous families can hike, paddle, climb, trap shoot, fish, go-kart, and golf without a care in the world. Or, embark on a horse-drawn hayride, meet some furry friends at the petting zoo, splash in the indoor pool, and play a tennis match. You could visit the resort a dozen times and still have plenty of new activities to try.

Halloween-Themed Fun

Photo of Three Trick or Treaters. Click Here for Amazing Fall Specials! The best part about holiday seasons at Woodloch is that we take every opportunity to supply a seasonal twist on each activity. During Halloween, for example, everything gets a little spookier, spicier, and more colorful. Kiddos can try pumpkin painting, scarecrow decorating, trick or treating, and everything in between. Other popular activities include the “Boo-Lympics,” Halloween-themed scavenger hunt, the shriek-inducing escape room, Halloween parade, and haunted walks. Scaredy-cats and self-proclaimed ghost hunters alike will discover ample opportunities for autumnal fun.

Please visit us online at Woodloch.com for more information about our fall specials, including the exceedingly popular Spooktacular Weekends. We also want to draw your attention to our ongoing Woodloch Wellness Standard, which includes a Pocono Promise.

Canoeing in the Poconos During Autumn’s Peak | Woodloch Resort

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Canoeing in the Poconos During Autumn’s Peak

The Pocono Mountains possess three distinct paddling seasons, including spring’s thaw and summer’s swelter. However, paddling atop a placid lake that mirrors the colorful array of trees during autumn’s peak is an ethereal experience. Canoeing in the Poconos remains a favorite pastime for countless adventurous families, whether they reside in the city or the rolling mountains near Woodloch. Paddling is just one of the many autumnal offerings at America’s top-ranked family resort. Other mid-day pursuits include hayrides, pumpkin painting, archery, and a bevy of Halloween-themed activities.

Canoeing in the Poconos: Setting the Scene

When the Poconos shed its “summer skin,” these peaks and valleys transform into a colorful palette that would make Bob Ross blush. And, while fall is often regarded as the season of romance, kids cannot resist the urge to dive into piles of leaves, photograph the foliage, and indulge in a variety of chocolatey, pumpkin-flavored beverages. Whilst canoeing in the Poconos, families can wholly immerse themselves in nature’s most beautiful state.

There are innumerable lakes, rivers, creeks, and ponds that dot the terrain near Woodloch’s Lake Teedyuskung, a private, 15-acre marvel hidden in Pike County’s most remote landscape. The birches, dogwoods, maples, and elms restyle their leaves in short order, much to the delight of nature enthusiasts and curious leaf-peepers of all ages. Canoeing in the Poconos is best suited for two lakes: the aforementioned Lake Teedyuskung and world-famous Lake Wallenpaupack, a 5,700-acre behemoth southwest of the resort.

Lake Teedyuskung

Yes, Lake Teedyuskung is private, convenient, and calm. It’s a four-season delight that fosters fun of all kinds, including ice skating, water skiing, and, of course, canoeing. However, don’t overlook its tall, leafy friends that spire along nearly every shoreline acre. While the lake certainly isn’t devoid of wind gusts, much of the experience is tranquil. It’s in these moments that paddlers “snap” photos of the mirroring water, lanky trees, and bright skies. Paddlers often pack a light picnic to be enjoyed in the lake’s hearth. During summer’s radiance, Lake Teedyuskung is filled with shrieks of joy, jovial birdsong, and rumbling motorized echoes. In the fall, however, everything seems to come to a halt. And a new type of exhilaration is born—one that’s gained in the quietest moments, accented by the crisp air and the musky-sweet aromas of leaves.

Lake Wallenpaupack

Ten miles southwest of Woodloch lies the fifth largest body of water in Pennsylvania: Lake Wallenpaupack. With so much aquatic acreage available within a few paddle strokes, it’s easy to see why the lake is home to the best canoeing in the Poconos. Mangan Cove near Wilsonville is a convenient place to launch into the lake, which houses four uninhabited islands (most notably, Epply Island). Paddle out to Epply Island for a picnic before or after exploring Wallenpaupack’s northern shorelines. A lot of folks, young and old, lug their fishing equipment onto both Wallenpaupack and Teedyuskung as the area is known for its variety of bass, as well as walleye, pike, and muskies.

All-Inclusive Poconos Vacation Packages

Combine an hour or two of paddling with a bevy of other homegrown, all-inclusive activities, many of which have become Woodloch favorites. Fill your days with scarecrow decorating, Halloween-themed bakery wars, rock climbing, trapshooting, and go-karting. Woodloch features several fall packages, including Spooktacular Weekends and Autumn Midweeks. And don’t forget about our money-saving specials, with discounts reaching 30 percent off. Woodloch has joined the Pocono Promise to “Resort Responsibly.” Our Woodloch Wellness Standard ensures that each guest remains safe, comfortable, and happy. Click our “Book Now” button to start planning your next fall getaway!

Filed Under: fall, Nature, Uncategorized

Boy Scout Camps in PA – Girl Scout Trips | Woodloch

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All-Inclusive Girl and Boy Scout Camps in PA

The Girl and Boy Scouts of America’s popularity has seen many peaks and valleys over the past 110 years. As you can probably imagine, the next three to five years aim to be one of the most desirable stretches in scouting history. Millions of Americans, including those between the ages of five and 18, are rediscovering the allure of outdoor recreation. Many activities, such as hiking, canoeing, bicycling, and rock climbing, have witnessed a meteoric rise in popularity amongst adolescents and preteens. Thankfully for New York City residents, the most beloved all-inclusive Girl and Boy Scout camps in PA are only a two-hour drive from the George Washington Bridge.

We’d like to welcome another generation of Scouts to Woodloch, the top-rated family resort in the U.S. We offer a wide variety of all-inclusive perks, not to mention various merit badges, STEM activities, and community service opportunities!

The Best Girl and Boy Scout Camps in PA: Discover Woodloch

Photo of Two Scouts Birding at One of the Best Boy Scout Camps in PA.

Many New Yorkers search for “Girl (or Boy) Scout camps near me” without much direction. Luckily, some of those researchers stumble upon Woodloch Resort, home to the most extensive Girl and Boy Scout camps in PA. We’re a family-focused destination that provides homegrown programming and over 1,200 acres of sheer Pocono Mountain wilderness. Most Boy and Girl Scout destinations on the East Coast focus on one unique team-building activity: whitewater rafting, rock climbing, or canoeing. However, Woodloch’s team masterfully curates dozens of activities that promote community outreach, physical exercise, and skill-building in several different factions.

What’s Included?

All of our Girl and Boy Scout camps in PA’s Pocono Mountains include four key perks: 1) up to three daily meals, 2) comfortable, sizable accommodations, 3) countless social activities, and 4) rousing nightly entertainment. Of course, there’s a lot more that goes into these enthralling, educational Boy and Girl Scout trips, including history lessons, relaxation, and non-merit exploration. Customizable packages can vary in length, lodging type, seasonality, and, of course, preferred patch-earning activities.

Merit Badges and Potential Team-Building Activities

Below, you’ll find a shortlist of patch-earning activities, ranging from the Woodloch-famous Summer Olympics to various crafting workshops and sporting contests. Unlike most Girl or Boy Scout Camps in PA, we also provide ample opportunities to simply have fun and bond. Mid-day possibilities include the archery range, a climbing wall, mini-golf, batting cages, bumper cars, and so much more!

Woodloch’s 1,200-acre, Troop-friendly resort is a short drive from New York and Philadelphia. Depending on the season, rates start at just $180 per Scout, per night. Please call us today at 800-453-8263 (option #2) to get a quote.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: class trips, scouts

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!

Hike into the wild
Crash into your foes in a bumper boat
Successfully climb a rock wall
Toss a ringer while playing horseshoes
Master KanJam
Putt a hole-in-one at a mini-golf course
Lap your family on the go-kart track
Land a bullseye on the archery range
Build a sandcastle with your younger siblings
Kayak (or paddleboard) into the middle of the lake
Capture the perfect Insta pic
Win a game of bingo
Dance to the pleasingly raucous beats of a silent DJ
Win gold at the Summer Olympics
Join a scavenger hunt
Splash in the lake
Stargaze at a bonfire
Slurp the world’s tastiest ice cream cone
Start a water gunfight
Bake your heart out at cake wars
Road trip with the fam
Watch a popcorn flick while devouring a large bowl of unduly-buttered popcorn on a rainy day
Catch a scale-tipping walleye
Finish an enthralling young-adult novel in the sand
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)
Try Geocaching
Learn to love coffee
Write a letter to a sweetheart (or Grandma and Grandpa)
Sleep in…a lot
Turn off your phone for an entire day
Conquer a fear
Picnic with the family
Make a new “pen pal” at the resort
Play beach volleyball
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: kids, summer, teens

Embrace the Outdoors: 10 Nature Activities for Kids | Woodloch Resort

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Embrace the Outdoors: 10 Nature Activities for Kids

Children, not unlike adults, are complex beings. Each child’s personality is unique, like a snowflake. Much of our programming here at Woodloch Resort is geared toward family bonding, team-building, competition, and group collaboration, which suits social butterflies. However, we fully understand that some kids would rather meander through the wilderness and explore the region’s distinct flora rather than splash about with dozens of other giggling youngsters. It is only natural that we focus on Mother Earth in a time like this, as millions of Americans begin to rediscover the unique allure of this great land. To ensure that your next visit is nothing short of spectacular for the entire family, we’ve compiled 10 fun nature activities for kids (as seen below).

10 Fun Nature Activities for Kids

Some children naturally gravitate toward the outdoors. However, helping your child strike a balance between outdoor exploration and social interaction is vital. That’s why we simultaneously promote nature while also fostering healthy group interplay. These 10 on-site nature activities for kids are available nearly every day of the week:

Guided nature hike: There’s nothing more soothing for the soul than meandering into the densely forested Pocono Mountains, with nothing but the soothing sounds of nature as your mid-summer playlist.
Fishing: Throw a line into Lake Teedyuskung to snag a prized walleye or a feisty largemouth bass.
Geocaching: Using the Geocaching app, let your kids explore the woodlands in search of hidden treasures. There are dozens of caches in the area.
Birdwatching: Blue jays, cardinals, red-billed woodpeckers, and cedar waxwings frequent our sprawling 1,200-acre property.
Nature scavenger hunt: After a couple hours of water skiing, swimming, and rowing, hide some fun prizes in the forest. Unlike most nature activities for kids, a scavenger hunt takes a lot of planning.
Collect rocks: Each rock has a story. Thus, each shiny or jagged stone has potential to be a lasting keepsake.
Insect hunting: Keep your eyes peeled for colorful butterflies, legions of ants, curious ladybugs, diligent bees, limber leafhoppers, and stoic dragonflies.
Build a bonfire: Gather around Woodloch’s fire pit well before dusk to learn how to build a proper, well-constructed bonfire. There’s nothing more rewarding than roasting marshmallows above a fire that you helped build.
Nature journaling: Many of us grew up loving to write. Why not take that passion and focus it on nature’s beauty? Making note of the five senses is always a rewarding challenge for adolescents.
Photography: Capture the Poconos’ serene beauty without barely moving a muscle. Nature photography often harbors vital skills, such as patience, creativity, and attention to detail.

A Well-Deserved Poconos Family Getaway

Hopefully, these 10 nature activities for kids gives you a “taste” of what we can offer here at Woodloch, America’s top-rated family resort. All-inclusive family programming includes meals, lodging, and, of course, countless on-site activities, ranging from bumper boats to Summer Olympics. And, as one of the premier all-inclusive resorts in Pennsylvania, we saw a recent opportunity to add “Home Programming” to our repertoire. To learn more about a potential summertime escape into the Poconos, please visit us online at Woodloch.com.

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