SPRING 2022
A story about bringing families together..
NEWSLETTER
WOODLOCH.COM/REUNITE 800.453.8263 OPTION #2
& ICE BREAKERS
SOME GAVE REASONS TO REUNITE AT WOODLOCH: Dedicated staff Experienced coordinators Accommodates any size group Guest homes, hotel rooms, suites Various dining options Daily activity schedule Builds lasting memories!
ALL
[WOODLOCH AND FO LDS O F HO NO R]
r o f y d a e R Get pring!
S
Welcome
On the opposite page you see our campaign #BackTogether. It’s great to feel like we’re finally doing this - getting back together! Don’t get me wrong; we’ve certainly found new and innovative ways to achieve this over the past two years. That being said, when we did there was a looming sentiment of distance and fear over our heads. Now, as we move into spring, it feels as though some of the fear has lifted, like the early morning fog on Lake Teedyuskung. So let’s celebrate and get back together however we can! That last phrase, “however we can,” is an important one. It seems as though just about everyone is vying for a getaway, which is a great problem to have when you’re in the getaway business, but availability is tight. It’s going to be a busy summer! If you’re looking to get away to Woodloch (or anywhere for that matter) this summer, may we suggest you put your foot on the gas. On Woodloch.com, you’ll see our summer availability updates. We also recommend that you register to receive our emails, and you’ll be notified when rooms open up for certain dates. As we are all well aware, the world has changed quite a bit. One holdover from our “Covid lifestyle” is the ability for remote work and remote learning. We know everyone can do it. This might be something you can use to your advantage if you can’t get away this summer - look into the fall! In this issue, we’re excited to showcase a great ice breaker game we’ve developed that is very popular with the business retreats we host. May we suggest you try it at your next group gathering. We’ve whittled down the Final Four(k), which are the four fan favorite dishes from our, ehem, unique “regionals.” In an effort to showcase the important nonprofit organizations that we partner with, we feature Folds of Honor in this issue, just as we did for BK Hope Cures in the last. Folds of Honor assists in funding the educational legacy of soldiers fallen or injured in combat. John Pillar, our director of golf, has been a champion for the organization for nearly a decade and has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars while honoring many local heroes and their families in the process.
The Woodloch Family
#BACKTOGETHER @WOODLOCH Woodloch Resort
Life’s greatest adventures are the ones yet to be written... what will your story of the summer of 2022 be?
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What is your biggest challenge when planning a family vacation? For me, it’s making sure all the kids are happy and entertained. When the kids’ ages range from 7 years old to 2 years old, it can be a challenge to please everyone.
Here is just a quick preview of some of the wonderful fun that’s headed our way this season!
Thats why we love to go to @woodloch! There are SO many events, games and activities going on simultaneously and throughout the day, it’s easy to find something for everyone to do! Go Carts, Bumper Carts, Snow Tubing, Ice Skating, Toddler Splash Pad, Water Slide, Hot Tubs, Toddler Wading Pool, Bowling and SO much more! Check out my stories for more activity details! We can’t wait to go back in the summer for all their warm weather activities! #woodloch #backtogether #mywoodlochstory #winterfun #poconomountains #winterbreak
If you’re craving a fun-filled family vacation with a focus on togetherness and bonding, we highly recommend @woodloch in the Poconos! We loved having so many opportunities to tune in to each other, from family meals in the dining room to scavenger hunts. Get the full scoop in our new blog post about our Spring getaway at the resort that was voted #1 family resort in the U.S.! #woodloch #backtogether #poconos #MyWoodlochStory #worldtraveladventurers
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Traditions help form the foundation of our families. Things like insisting Team Murphy takes this lakeside photo every year on our summer Woodloch trip reminds us that we are part of a history that defines our past, shapes who we are today and who we are likely to become. Traditions matter. What are some of your family traditions? Grateful and sappy after our annual crumb cake, horse races, BINGO, dock dives, paddle boats, matchy outfits…there’s no place like home again at @woodloch Until next year! #woodloch #backtogether #mywoodlochstory #family #familytime #familytravel #familyovereverything #twinning #tradition
THE HISTORY Since Woodloch is all about tradition, the new stand holds an extra special place in our hearts. “Harry’s Lakeside Scoops” is named after our patriarch and founder, Harry Kiesendahl. Long before he found himself in the resort business, Harry served as the beloved neighborhood Good Humor Ice Cream man for many years in his hometown on Long Island, New York. He later opened his own “Paradise Sweet Shop” in Huntington, New York. The shop featured homemade pies (proudly baked by the lovely Mary Kiesendahl), a wide array of goodies, and of course, ice cream! Legend has it that the shop had the thickest and best milkshakes in town- all served with (future) Woodloch’s warm hospitality! worldtraveladventurers Woodloch Resort
We discovered a special place for families, where it feels like you’ve returned to the good ol’ days. If you’ve seen the movie Dirty Dancing, @woodloch feels like the resort from that movie with old-fashioned family values and fun. There are more family-friendly activities than any resort we’ve stayed at that are included with your stay, such as bumper cars, go karts, junior go karts, ice skating, snow tubing, rock climbing, cupcake decorating, archery, an indoor water park, and so much more! We have become believers in the magic of Woodloch. After just one weekend there, we understand why so many families come back year after year, many even multiple times per year. This family-owned and operated resort truly feels like home. The Kiesendahl family, who has owned the resort for 63 years, greets each family in the dining room at every meal, which made us feel welcome. We can tell how much pride they have in sharing their beautiful resort with their guests. We had a weekend full of smiles, laughter, and bonding while making beautiful memories as a family. Is Woodloch on your travel bucket list? #woodloch #backtogether #mywoodlochstory #poconoProud #poconos #worldtraveladventurers
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Reunited and it feels so good Last week we celebrated our first time back at @Woodloch since January 2020. At that time we were blissfully unaware of the burgeoning coronavirus in China and could never have imagined that only a few short weeks later the world as we knew it would be forever changed. Suddenly, our frequent weekend getaways and social engagements were replaced with countless months of isolating, quarantining, and social distancing. It was ROUGH, but finally we’ve started to see a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel.
THE “SCOOP” There is no lack of options when it comes to selecting your frosty treat. Perhaps you’ll side with some soft-serve, topped off with a multitude of sprinkles, candies or syrups. Cup or cone? Your choice!
No better way to celebrate the upcoming holidays than being #backtogether at @woodloch. Thank you for the memories we will cherish always. We were so thrilled to be invited back to our favorite all-inclusive family resort in the Poconos.
woodloch We LOVE hearing from our guests! Your Woodloch story deserves to be shared with the world! Please keep doing so by tagging all of your posts with #MyWoodlochStory and #backtogether. Who knows? You might even make your way into the pages of future issues of WLP Family Magazine!
To say it felt great to be #backtogether at @Woodloch is an understatement. Today on the blog I’m sharing 4 reasons why Woodloch should be your first post-pandemic family destination. #MyWoodlochStory #woodloch #pocono
Or maybe you’ll decide to go all in on our 100% homemade-in-our-bakery Woodloch hard ice cream sundaes or ice cream sandwiches. Play it safe with vanilla, or treat the taste buds to something extra special with “crumb cake ice cream”- blended to perfection with bites of our famous breakfast treat. No matter what you select, it is sure to be a winner. On your next lakeside stroll during the dog days of summer, remember the spirit of the friendly neighborhood ice cream vendor and bring the family to visit Harry’s!
Ice Cream Man (ia)
APPAREL // GLASSWARE // HOME DECOR // ACCESSORIES // PETS // AND MORE
A proud part of Woodloch’s history has returned in the sweetest of ways
Very few things resurrect those summertime and childhood vibes the way an old fashioned All-American ice cream cone does on a warm and sunny day. Which is why it was only appropriate- and long overdue- that Woodloch finally open a true ice cream stand right alongside the shores of Lake Teedyuskung. Situated just past our famous Tea House Dock in the shadows of our famous “Ripplecove” units, Harry’s Lakeside Scoops opened in August of 2021, just in time to catch the last of the summer’s heat.
Find that perfect something for that perfect someone... even if that someone is yourself. On-location and online.
SHOP.WOODLOCH.COM
WOODLOCH AND THE FOLDS OF HONOR FOUNDATION what started as a grassroots fundraising event in the pocono mountains grew into prolific local and national partnerships Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, then a majorand an F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, became aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled while aboard a flight home. As his plan landed, the pilot announced they were carrying the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin. Rooney watched as the fallen soldier’s brother walked somberly alongside the flag-covered casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Among them was the deceased Corporal’s young son, Jacob. Since that night, Rooney has committed his life to provide scholarships to the family of America’s fallen and disabled service members through the Folds of Honor foundation.
By 2015, however, Woodloch Springs had joined with Folds of Honor in a sizable way and their second golf classic fundraiser took on an important community role. “On the local level, we do things a little differently,” John Pillar explained. “A lot of clubs will just run the event and submit the funds to Folds of Honor. We still do that, but what we do is we identify local families, individuals, men and women who have been killed in action in our community. We acknowledge and present the children of those heroes with scholarship opportunities. And it doesn’t have to be just for college. It can be for a camp that they might want their child to go to that they might not otherwise be able to afford.” Funds raised for the local community are matched by the Folds of Honor before being presented to the scholarship recipients. In 2016, after honoring six fallen heroes, the golf classic funraiser was able to raise over 30,000 and send six children scholarships.
Golfers stand with their hands over their hearts for the National Anthem at Woodloch Folds of Honor Golf Classic
After seeing Rooney presented with the Patriot Golf Award at the PGA Annual Meeting in New Orleans, PGA Pro and Director of Golf at Woodloch Springs, John Pillar felt moved to do something in his local community to honor of the men and women who had given the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2014, John and his team at Woodloch pioneered a very small golf outing to raise funds to donate to the Folds of Honor foundation.
Since its inception, The Folds of Honor Golf Classic has grown significantly, expanding to include a collaboration with local veterans’ awareness group, Vetstock. And thanks to the overwhelming support from the local community as well as numerous successful partnerships, the golf classic has
RAISED OVER $225,000 FUNDING SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR MORE THAN
45 CHILDREN OF HEROES.
In 2018, Woodloch became an official Destination Partner for Folds of Honor. The core purpose of both Woodloch and Folds of
John Pillar, Director of Golf at Woodloch Springs, speaks to crowd at Fold of Honor Tournament.
Honor is to bring families closer together. As the destination partner for Folds of Honor, Woodloch hosts their annual golf classic, a fundraiser where a portion of the revenue is donated to the foundation. At the heart of the cooperative, Woodloch will host, at minimum, a half dozen military families throughout the year serving as a respite as they strive for reconnection and normalcy. “We want our families to be strengthened in many ways, even beyond the scholarships. Woodloch provides a new outlet for us to have them come together and take an important step forward, which may otherwise be a challenge given their sacrifice,” described Lt. Col. Dan Rooney. You can help this important cause grow by joining Woodloch for the 9th Annual Folds of Honor Golf Classic at Woodloch Springs this summer 2022 with a sponsorship, a dinner reservation, or a foursome. Watch the mission statement video from Folds of Honor, or donate to the Woodloch Folds of Honor initiative by scannning the QR code (to the right) with your smartphone.
PREVIOUS GUESTS OF HONOR AT THE WOODLOCH FOLDS OF HONOR GOLF CLASSIC 2017 GUEST SPEAKER
SGT Tim Lang was injured in action while serving in in Fallujah, Iraq in 2006. He fractured his back, suffered traumatic brain injuries, and lost his right leg when his vehicle was hit by a roadside IED. His mission is now to help others heal.
2018 GUEST SPEAKER
SGT Garrett Anderson was injured in action by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2005, losing an arm and breaking his jaw. He now helps soldiers transition to civilian life as well as get into higher education.
2020 GUEST SPEAKER
Army Captain Christina Martin served active duty for five years with two tours of deployment to Iraq and commanded a military medical unit. She served in the Army Reserve for 3 years.
Learn more about Woodloch or Folds of Honor by visiting:Woodloch.com/Folds-Partnership or FoldsofHonor.org.
Intimate weddings are gaining popularity everywhere, and there are some very clear reasons why: • You really know all of your guests: No long lost relatives or friends of parents who you’ve never even met. Your guests are the people you’re truly close to and who care deeply about you. This translates into lower stress levels. Planning a wedding is a lot in and of itself. It reaches a whole new level when thinking about entertaining guests who you’re just meeting for the first time. • Location, location location: The options are endless when you don’t run into capacity restrictions. The need to accommodate a large number of guests automatically restricts your venue choices. When the guest list is small, the couple has the freedom to choose somewhere they truly love that is cozy and intimate. Whether it is a family home in the mountains or a secluded beach on an island, the marrieds can showcase their personality and creativity. • Simpler planning: We’ll say it again; planning a wedding is a lot of work. However, keeping a wedding small allows the opportunity to be more hands-on with the details as well as the oversight. Maybe you want to use family heirlooms such as special china for serving or handcrafted wedding guest favors; limited quantity is not of concern.
• Spend less: We’ve listed it last but certainly not least! It’s a no brainer; when less people are invited, the overall wedding cost can be much less. This can be particularly helpful when you have your eye on a pricier venue. If the guest list is large, the location may not be attainable. However, if you can cut your guest list down to those closest to you, your dream wedding may become a reality.
Happy planning!
HEROES HONORED all gave some, some gave all. SIX HEROES LOST SEPTEMBER 2005
In 2016, we honored the lives of 6 heroic servicemen who were killed in action in 2005 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. All were assigned to the PA Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division.
IN TI M AT E W ED D I N G S
Finally, A Wedding Trend That Won't Break the Bank Although we have faced many dark days as a global community over the past few years, these challenging times have allowed us to reexamine what is truly important in life. And for many of us, that’s the vital importance of the relationships we have with loved ones. Considering that our core focus here at Woodloch is bringing people together, we’ve seen demand skyrocket across the board, and our weddings business is no exception, specifically in the form of intimate weddings. Here at Woodloch, we define intimate weddings as those that can accommodate between 15 and 45 guests. Given pandemic-related restrictions on the size of events, wedding celebrations were forced to scale down. However, this pandemic trend is still holding, and there is a steady increase in interest in hosting an intimate wedding where the guest list includes only those people closest to the couple. Woodloch’s Wedding Manager, Cara Bruschi, says, “We’ve seen a 50% increase in our intimate weddings business over the past two years. Couples are really impressed with the flexibility they offer when it comes to celebrating such a special day with their closest family and friends.”
LOST OCTOBER 2003
LOST MARCH 2006
LOST JUNE 2012
In 2014, we honored SSG Paul Sweeney assigned to Company A, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C. He died when his unit was ambushed while on patrol north of Musa, Qalax in Afghanistan.
In 2015, we honored LCpl Jacob Beisel of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. He died from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.
In 2017, we honored MAJ Paul Voelke of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA. He died in Mazar-E-Sharif, Afghanistan.
LOST AUGUST 2005
LOST AUGUST 2007
LOST MAY 2008
In 2019, we honored SSG Ryan Ostrom of the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, PA Army National Guard, Williamsport, PA. He died in Taqaddum, Iraq, of injuries sustained earlier from enemy small-arms fire in Habbaniya, Iraq.
In 2019, we honored SGT Jan Argonish of the 55th Brigade, PA Army National Guard, Scranton, PA. He died in Naray, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit during combat operations in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
In 2021, we honored 1st Lt. Jeffrey DePrimo of the 3rd Battalion, 103rd Armor Regiment, PA Army National Guard, Williamsport, PA. He died in Ghazni, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle hit an IED.
Set Your Budget
Travel Happy
Establishing your travel budget is critical in making a memorable and valuable getaway experience. After being cooped up for so long, traveling is on everyone’s mind, but what is the best way to start planning?
TOGETHER IS A GREAT PLACE TO BE.
Below we’ve broken down the most important categories to consider when establishing your budget.
Try Woodloch’s new team building activity: The Food Truck Challenge
Location, Location, Location The starting point in this process should be finding your vacation destination. You need to realize where you want to go geographically. Would you rather a winter escape during the heat of summer? Are you looking for a
“staycation” or transatlantic travels? These are the types of questions you need to ask yourself at the beginning of this process as the destination really sets the financial tone.
Test your design and marketing strategy skills in this timed event to win over a panel of judges. Each team will receive a food basket, a secret ingredient and access to a pantry to create a delicious dish for everyone to sample. It’s not all about the food however- you will create and design a food truck, business name, marketing plan and menu. Are you ready? Let the challenge begin!
Food and Beverage These expenses are the biggest variable. Your average family of four can rack up a $50 bill for a quick meal stop at your run-of-the-mill fast food joint. Or you can splurge at a Michelin-star restaurant and easily drop an entire paycheck on a bottle of wine. If you want to cut down on these a la carte charges, look for something that’s already included as part of a package. Most people walk right past the free tea and coffee in the lobbies of where they are staying. (Consider that at franchises such as Dunkin Donuts, the average coffee costs around $3!) Hotels with breakfast included are ideal, especially when traveling as a big family or group. Buffets are also a great choice to have on the table… literally! Street food is another inexpensive option that also gives you an authentic connection to your destination. Opt for brunch instead of breakfast AND lunch.
“When it was time to leave the resort, it felt like I was leaving home, and I really didn’t want to go!” -Danielle, Google “I can’t say enough great things about my experience with Woodloch. Each year, our company plans an annual retreat to escape the day-to-day for a few days and enjoy activities and bond with our colleagues.” -Erin, SeatGeek W O O D L O CH M E E T ING S.C OM | 80 0 .4 53.826 3
Lodging
Ice Breaker
BINGO!
Has broken more than one bone
Works with their hands
Is afraid of heights
Has a flip phone
Born in the month of June
Has brown hair
Favorite color is red
Drives an American car
Middle name starts with an “M”
Favorite sport is Baseball
Has a large collection of something
Is a good singer
Has 3 or more children
Is doublejointed
Has a hamster or small pet
Is left handed
Is an only child
Has been to Europe
Has a food allergy
Has won a first place trophy
Has a business card with them
Had or has braces
Wears eyeglasses
Prefers Pepsi over Coke
According to CNBC, the “average room rate in North America booked 15 days out was $203 while [the room rate] for a unit booked four months out was $233.” The price of lodging is increasing rapidly just like most things we’re buying today. To make an educated decision, focus on what is most important to you and your
family. Is the journey what you’re looking to experience, or is the destination your primary objective? Hotels are easy; everything is provided for you. Motels offer an inexpensive means to and ends if you’re passing through a region. Resorts bundle many things into one price. Vacation rentals offer space and freedom, but sometimes require more effort.
Transportation Are you flying or driving? If you are driving, renting the right family car might be a good solution long-term. To pick the best one, consider the vehicle with the best gas mileage and the most room. No one wants their child kicking the back of their seat or screaming that they are uncomfortable for a multi-hour road trip.
There are so many flight offers these days that trying to find the best deal can make you dizzy. However, many airlines are currently offering incredible miles/ points packages when you open a new credit card with them, often equaling the value of two domestic round trip tickets.
Activities Make a list of activities you want to do, and keep this list handy. But remember that you’re on vacation so you don’t need to follow it to a T. Doing some research beforehand may find you a cheaper price when it comes to activities such as a
mini golf course or a professional football game. On the flip side, maybe you’d rather not plan a thing! You can always take advantage of the amenities at your fingertips – the hotel pool, the nearby beach, the local boardwalk, etc.
Emergencies
In a world where we’ve had more than our fill of social distancing, getting to know somebody (especially for the first time) has never been more challenging! Luckily, our actvities team at Woodloch Meeting has just the thing to help “break the ice!” Check out our ICE BREAKER BINGO and help your team and classmates get to know each other! Download the whole set of cards by scanning the QR to the right!
When establishing your travel budget, it’s a great idea to either opt for travelers insurance, or set aside some extra funds for unexpected emergencies. In the era of Covid, we know the risks of booking
a vacation and having to quickly change plans as health guidance changes. No one wants to think of life’s little (or big) curve balls, so you might as well plan for them.
What else? A good rule of thumb is not to store all of your valuables in one spot. Spreading your assets out can help in a pinch; having your passport in your carry-on, cash in your suitcase, and your wallet in your back pocket is a good method to stay out of trouble. Remember to take photocop-
ies of all important documents before you leave. Last but not least, clean out your fridge! If you plan to be away for a while, make sure to throw away any perishable food, turn off all lights and unplug anything unnecessary. Next step, vacation!
Lodging
Ice Breaker
BINGO!
Has broken more than one bone
Works with their hands
Is afraid of heights
Has a flip phone
Born in the month of June
Has brown hair
Favorite color is red
Drives an American car
Middle name starts with an “M”
Favorite sport is Baseball
Has a large collection of something
Is a good singer
Has 3 or more children
Is doublejointed
Has a hamster or small pet
Is left handed
Is an only child
Has been to Europe
Has a food allergy
Has won a first place trophy
Has a business card with them
Had or has braces
Wears eyeglasses
Prefers Pepsi over Coke
According to CNBC, the “average room rate in North America booked 15 days out was $203 while [the room rate] for a unit booked four months out was $233.” The price of lodging is increasing rapidly just like most things we’re buying today. To make an educated decision, focus on what is most important to you and your
family. Is the journey what you’re looking to experience, or is the destination your primary objective? Hotels are easy; everything is provided for you. Motels offer an inexpensive means to and ends if you’re passing through a region. Resorts bundle many things into one price. Vacation rentals offer space and freedom, but sometimes require more effort.
Transportation Are you flying or driving? If you are driving, renting the right family car might be a good solution long-term. To pick the best one, consider the vehicle with the best gas mileage and the most room. No one wants their child kicking the back of their seat or screaming that they are uncomfortable for a multi-hour road trip.
There are so many flight offers these days that trying to find the best deal can make you dizzy. However, many airlines are currently offering incredible miles/ points packages when you open a new credit card with them, often equaling the value of two domestic round trip tickets.
Activities Make a list of activities you want to do, and keep this list handy. But remember that you’re on vacation so you don’t need to follow it to a T. Doing some research beforehand may find you a cheaper price when it comes to activities such as a
mini golf course or a professional football game. On the flip side, maybe you’d rather not plan a thing! You can always take advantage of the amenities at your fingertips – the hotel pool, the nearby beach, the local boardwalk, etc.
Emergencies
In a world where we’ve had more than our fill of social distancing, getting to know somebody (especially for the first time) has never been more challenging! Luckily, our actvities team at Woodloch Meeting has just the thing to help “break the ice!” Check out our ICE BREAKER BINGO and help your team and classmates get to know each other! Download the whole set of cards by scanning the QR to the right!
When establishing your travel budget, it’s a great idea to either opt for travelers insurance, or set aside some extra funds for unexpected emergencies. In the era of Covid, we know the risks of booking
a vacation and having to quickly change plans as health guidance changes. No one wants to think of life’s little (or big) curve balls, so you might as well plan for them.
What else? A good rule of thumb is not to store all of your valuables in one spot. Spreading your assets out can help in a pinch; having your passport in your carry-on, cash in your suitcase, and your wallet in your back pocket is a good method to stay out of trouble. Remember to take photocop-
ies of all important documents before you leave. Last but not least, clean out your fridge! If you plan to be away for a while, make sure to throw away any perishable food, turn off all lights and unplug anything unnecessary. Next step, vacation!
Set Your Budget
Travel Happy
Establishing your travel budget is critical in making a memorable and valuable getaway experience. After being cooped up for so long, traveling is on everyone’s mind, but what is the best way to start planning?
TOGETHER IS A GREAT PLACE TO BE.
Below we’ve broken down the most important categories to consider when establishing your budget.
Try Woodloch’s new team building activity: The Food Truck Challenge
Location, Location, Location The starting point in this process should be finding your vacation destination. You need to realize where you want to go geographically. Would you rather a winter escape during the heat of summer? Are you looking for a
“staycation” or transatlantic travels? These are the types of questions you need to ask yourself at the beginning of this process as the destination really sets the financial tone.
Test your design and marketing strategy skills in this timed event to win over a panel of judges. Each team will receive a food basket, a secret ingredient and access to a pantry to create a delicious dish for everyone to sample. It’s not all about the food however- you will create and design a food truck, business name, marketing plan and menu. Are you ready? Let the challenge begin!
Food and Beverage These expenses are the biggest variable. Your average family of four can rack up a $50 bill for a quick meal stop at your run-of-the-mill fast food joint. Or you can splurge at a Michelin-star restaurant and easily drop an entire paycheck on a bottle of wine. If you want to cut down on these a la carte charges, look for something that’s already included as part of a package. Most people walk right past the free tea and coffee in the lobbies of where they are staying. (Consider that at franchises such as Dunkin Donuts, the average coffee costs around $3!) Hotels with breakfast included are ideal, especially when traveling as a big family or group. Buffets are also a great choice to have on the table… literally! Street food is another inexpensive option that also gives you an authentic connection to your destination. Opt for brunch instead of breakfast AND lunch.
“When it was time to leave the resort, it felt like I was leaving home, and I really didn’t want to go!” -Danielle, Google “I can’t say enough great things about my experience with Woodloch. Each year, our company plans an annual retreat to escape the day-to-day for a few days and enjoy activities and bond with our colleagues.” -Erin, SeatGeek W O O D L O CH M E E T ING S.C OM | 80 0 .4 53.826 3
HEROES HONORED all gave some, some gave all. SIX HEROES LOST SEPTEMBER 2005
In 2016, we honored the lives of 6 heroic servicemen who were killed in action in 2005 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. All were assigned to the PA Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division.
IN TI M AT E W ED D I N G S
Finally, A Wedding Trend That Won't Break the Bank Although we have faced many dark days as a global community over the past few years, these challenging times have allowed us to reexamine what is truly important in life. And for many of us, that’s the vital importance of the relationships we have with loved ones. Considering that our core focus here at Woodloch is bringing people together, we’ve seen demand skyrocket across the board, and our weddings business is no exception, specifically in the form of intimate weddings. Here at Woodloch, we define intimate weddings as those that can accommodate between 15 and 45 guests. Given pandemic-related restrictions on the size of events, wedding celebrations were forced to scale down. However, this pandemic trend is still holding, and there is a steady increase in interest in hosting an intimate wedding where the guest list includes only those people closest to the couple. Woodloch’s Wedding Manager, Cara Bruschi, says, “We’ve seen a 50% increase in our intimate weddings business over the past two years. Couples are really impressed with the flexibility they offer when it comes to celebrating such a special day with their closest family and friends.”
LOST OCTOBER 2003
LOST MARCH 2006
LOST JUNE 2012
In 2014, we honored SSG Paul Sweeney assigned to Company A, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C. He died when his unit was ambushed while on patrol north of Musa, Qalax in Afghanistan.
In 2015, we honored LCpl Jacob Beisel of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. He died from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq.
In 2017, we honored MAJ Paul Voelke of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA. He died in Mazar-E-Sharif, Afghanistan.
LOST AUGUST 2005
LOST AUGUST 2007
LOST MAY 2008
In 2019, we honored SSG Ryan Ostrom of the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, PA Army National Guard, Williamsport, PA. He died in Taqaddum, Iraq, of injuries sustained earlier from enemy small-arms fire in Habbaniya, Iraq.
In 2019, we honored SGT Jan Argonish of the 55th Brigade, PA Army National Guard, Scranton, PA. He died in Naray, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit during combat operations in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
In 2021, we honored 1st Lt. Jeffrey DePrimo of the 3rd Battalion, 103rd Armor Regiment, PA Army National Guard, Williamsport, PA. He died in Ghazni, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle hit an IED.
WOODLOCH AND THE FOLDS OF HONOR FOUNDATION what started as a grassroots fundraising event in the pocono mountains grew into prolific local and national partnerships Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, then a majorand an F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, became aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled while aboard a flight home. As his plan landed, the pilot announced they were carrying the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin. Rooney watched as the fallen soldier’s brother walked somberly alongside the flag-covered casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Among them was the deceased Corporal’s young son, Jacob. Since that night, Rooney has committed his life to provide scholarships to the family of America’s fallen and disabled service members through the Folds of Honor foundation.
By 2015, however, Woodloch Springs had joined with Folds of Honor in a sizable way and their second golf classic fundraiser took on an important community role. “On the local level, we do things a little differently,” John Pillar explained. “A lot of clubs will just run the event and submit the funds to Folds of Honor. We still do that, but what we do is we identify local families, individuals, men and women who have been killed in action in our community. We acknowledge and present the children of those heroes with scholarship opportunities. And it doesn’t have to be just for college. It can be for a camp that they might want their child to go to that they might not otherwise be able to afford.” Funds raised for the local community are matched by the Folds of Honor before being presented to the scholarship recipients. In 2016, after honoring six fallen heroes, the golf classic funraiser was able to raise over 30,000 and send six children scholarships.
Golfers stand with their hands over their hearts for the National Anthem at Woodloch Folds of Honor Golf Classic
After seeing Rooney presented with the Patriot Golf Award at the PGA Annual Meeting in New Orleans, PGA Pro and Director of Golf at Woodloch Springs, John Pillar felt moved to do something in his local community to honor of the men and women who had given the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2014, John and his team at Woodloch pioneered a very small golf outing to raise funds to donate to the Folds of Honor foundation.
Since its inception, The Folds of Honor Golf Classic has grown significantly, expanding to include a collaboration with local veterans’ awareness group, Vetstock. And thanks to the overwhelming support from the local community as well as numerous successful partnerships, the golf classic has
RAISED OVER $225,000 FUNDING SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR MORE THAN
45 CHILDREN OF HEROES.
In 2018, Woodloch became an official Destination Partner for Folds of Honor. The core purpose of both Woodloch and Folds of
John Pillar, Director of Golf at Woodloch Springs, speaks to crowd at Fold of Honor Tournament.
Honor is to bring families closer together. As the destination partner for Folds of Honor, Woodloch hosts their annual golf classic, a fundraiser where a portion of the revenue is donated to the foundation. At the heart of the cooperative, Woodloch will host, at minimum, a half dozen military families throughout the year serving as a respite as they strive for reconnection and normalcy. “We want our families to be strengthened in many ways, even beyond the scholarships. Woodloch provides a new outlet for us to have them come together and take an important step forward, which may otherwise be a challenge given their sacrifice,” described Lt. Col. Dan Rooney. You can help this important cause grow by joining Woodloch for the 9th Annual Folds of Honor Golf Classic at Woodloch Springs this summer 2022 with a sponsorship, a dinner reservation, or a foursome. Watch the mission statement video from Folds of Honor, or donate to the Woodloch Folds of Honor initiative by scannning the QR code (to the right) with your smartphone.
PREVIOUS GUESTS OF HONOR AT THE WOODLOCH FOLDS OF HONOR GOLF CLASSIC 2017 GUEST SPEAKER
SGT Tim Lang was injured in action while serving in in Fallujah, Iraq in 2006. He fractured his back, suffered traumatic brain injuries, and lost his right leg when his vehicle was hit by a roadside IED. His mission is now to help others heal.
2018 GUEST SPEAKER
SGT Garrett Anderson was injured in action by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2005, losing an arm and breaking his jaw. He now helps soldiers transition to civilian life as well as get into higher education.
2020 GUEST SPEAKER
Army Captain Christina Martin served active duty for five years with two tours of deployment to Iraq and commanded a military medical unit. She served in the Army Reserve for 3 years.
Learn more about Woodloch or Folds of Honor by visiting:Woodloch.com/Folds-Partnership or FoldsofHonor.org.
Intimate weddings are gaining popularity everywhere, and there are some very clear reasons why: • You really know all of your guests: No long lost relatives or friends of parents who you’ve never even met. Your guests are the people you’re truly close to and who care deeply about you. This translates into lower stress levels. Planning a wedding is a lot in and of itself. It reaches a whole new level when thinking about entertaining guests who you’re just meeting for the first time. • Location, location location: The options are endless when you don’t run into capacity restrictions. The need to accommodate a large number of guests automatically restricts your venue choices. When the guest list is small, the couple has the freedom to choose somewhere they truly love that is cozy and intimate. Whether it is a family home in the mountains or a secluded beach on an island, the marrieds can showcase their personality and creativity. • Simpler planning: We’ll say it again; planning a wedding is a lot of work. However, keeping a wedding small allows the opportunity to be more hands-on with the details as well as the oversight. Maybe you want to use family heirlooms such as special china for serving or handcrafted wedding guest favors; limited quantity is not of concern.
• Spend less: We’ve listed it last but certainly not least! It’s a no brainer; when less people are invited, the overall wedding cost can be much less. This can be particularly helpful when you have your eye on a pricier venue. If the guest list is large, the location may not be attainable. However, if you can cut your guest list down to those closest to you, your dream wedding may become a reality.
Happy planning!
THE HISTORY Since Woodloch is all about tradition, the new stand holds an extra special place in our hearts. “Harry’s Lakeside Scoops” is named after our patriarch and founder, Harry Kiesendahl. Long before he found himself in the resort business, Harry served as the beloved neighborhood Good Humor Ice Cream man for many years in his hometown on Long Island, New York. He later opened his own “Paradise Sweet Shop” in Huntington, New York. The shop featured homemade pies (proudly baked by the lovely Mary Kiesendahl), a wide array of goodies, and of course, ice cream! Legend has it that the shop had the thickest and best milkshakes in town- all served with (future) Woodloch’s warm hospitality! worldtraveladventurers Woodloch Resort
We discovered a special place for families, where it feels like you’ve returned to the good ol’ days. If you’ve seen the movie Dirty Dancing, @woodloch feels like the resort from that movie with old-fashioned family values and fun. There are more family-friendly activities than any resort we’ve stayed at that are included with your stay, such as bumper cars, go karts, junior go karts, ice skating, snow tubing, rock climbing, cupcake decorating, archery, an indoor water park, and so much more! We have become believers in the magic of Woodloch. After just one weekend there, we understand why so many families come back year after year, many even multiple times per year. This family-owned and operated resort truly feels like home. The Kiesendahl family, who has owned the resort for 63 years, greets each family in the dining room at every meal, which made us feel welcome. We can tell how much pride they have in sharing their beautiful resort with their guests. We had a weekend full of smiles, laughter, and bonding while making beautiful memories as a family. Is Woodloch on your travel bucket list? #woodloch #backtogether #mywoodlochstory #poconoProud #poconos #worldtraveladventurers
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Reunited and it feels so good Last week we celebrated our first time back at @Woodloch since January 2020. At that time we were blissfully unaware of the burgeoning coronavirus in China and could never have imagined that only a few short weeks later the world as we knew it would be forever changed. Suddenly, our frequent weekend getaways and social engagements were replaced with countless months of isolating, quarantining, and social distancing. It was ROUGH, but finally we’ve started to see a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel.
THE “SCOOP” There is no lack of options when it comes to selecting your frosty treat. Perhaps you’ll side with some soft-serve, topped off with a multitude of sprinkles, candies or syrups. Cup or cone? Your choice!
No better way to celebrate the upcoming holidays than being #backtogether at @woodloch. Thank you for the memories we will cherish always. We were so thrilled to be invited back to our favorite all-inclusive family resort in the Poconos.
woodloch We LOVE hearing from our guests! Your Woodloch story deserves to be shared with the world! Please keep doing so by tagging all of your posts with #MyWoodlochStory and #backtogether. Who knows? You might even make your way into the pages of future issues of WLP Family Magazine!
To say it felt great to be #backtogether at @Woodloch is an understatement. Today on the blog I’m sharing 4 reasons why Woodloch should be your first post-pandemic family destination. #MyWoodlochStory #woodloch #pocono
Or maybe you’ll decide to go all in on our 100% homemade-in-our-bakery Woodloch hard ice cream sundaes or ice cream sandwiches. Play it safe with vanilla, or treat the taste buds to something extra special with “crumb cake ice cream”- blended to perfection with bites of our famous breakfast treat. No matter what you select, it is sure to be a winner. On your next lakeside stroll during the dog days of summer, remember the spirit of the friendly neighborhood ice cream vendor and bring the family to visit Harry’s!
Ice Cream Man (ia)
APPAREL // GLASSWARE // HOME DECOR // ACCESSORIES // PETS // AND MORE
A proud part of Woodloch’s history has returned in the sweetest of ways
Very few things resurrect those summertime and childhood vibes the way an old fashioned All-American ice cream cone does on a warm and sunny day. Which is why it was only appropriate- and long overdue- that Woodloch finally open a true ice cream stand right alongside the shores of Lake Teedyuskung. Situated just past our famous Tea House Dock in the shadows of our famous “Ripplecove” units, Harry’s Lakeside Scoops opened in August of 2021, just in time to catch the last of the summer’s heat.
Find that perfect something for that perfect someone... even if that someone is yourself. On-location and online.
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#BACKTOGETHER @WOODLOCH Woodloch Resort
Life’s greatest adventures are the ones yet to be written... what will your story of the summer of 2022 be?
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What is your biggest challenge when planning a family vacation? For me, it’s making sure all the kids are happy and entertained. When the kids’ ages range from 7 years old to 2 years old, it can be a challenge to please everyone.
Here is just a quick preview of some of the wonderful fun that’s headed our way this season!
Thats why we love to go to @woodloch! There are SO many events, games and activities going on simultaneously and throughout the day, it’s easy to find something for everyone to do! Go Carts, Bumper Carts, Snow Tubing, Ice Skating, Toddler Splash Pad, Water Slide, Hot Tubs, Toddler Wading Pool, Bowling and SO much more! Check out my stories for more activity details! We can’t wait to go back in the summer for all their warm weather activities! #woodloch #backtogether #mywoodlochstory #winterfun #poconomountains #winterbreak
If you’re craving a fun-filled family vacation with a focus on togetherness and bonding, we highly recommend @woodloch in the Poconos! We loved having so many opportunities to tune in to each other, from family meals in the dining room to scavenger hunts. Get the full scoop in our new blog post about our Spring getaway at the resort that was voted #1 family resort in the U.S.! #woodloch #backtogether #poconos #MyWoodlochStory #worldtraveladventurers
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Traditions help form the foundation of our families. Things like insisting Team Murphy takes this lakeside photo every year on our summer Woodloch trip reminds us that we are part of a history that defines our past, shapes who we are today and who we are likely to become. Traditions matter. What are some of your family traditions? Grateful and sappy after our annual crumb cake, horse races, BINGO, dock dives, paddle boats, matchy outfits…there’s no place like home again at @woodloch Until next year! #woodloch #backtogether #mywoodlochstory #family #familytime #familytravel #familyovereverything #twinning #tradition
Welcome
On the opposite page you see our campaign #BackTogether. It’s great to feel like we’re finally doing this - getting back together! Don’t get me wrong; we’ve certainly found new and innovative ways to achieve this over the past two years. That being said, when we did there was a looming sentiment of distance and fear over our heads. Now, as we move into spring, it feels as though some of the fear has lifted, like the early morning fog on Lake Teedyuskung. So let’s celebrate and get back together however we can! That last phrase, “however we can,” is an important one. It seems as though just about everyone is vying for a getaway, which is a great problem to have when you’re in the getaway business, but availability is tight. It’s going to be a busy summer! If you’re looking to get away to Woodloch (or anywhere for that matter) this summer, may we suggest you put your foot on the gas. On Woodloch.com, you’ll see our summer availability updates. We also recommend that you register to receive our emails, and you’ll be notified when rooms open up for certain dates. As we are all well aware, the world has changed quite a bit. One holdover from our “Covid lifestyle” is the ability for remote work and remote learning. We know everyone can do it. This might be something you can use to your advantage if you can’t get away this summer - look into the fall! In this issue, we’re excited to showcase a great ice breaker game we’ve developed that is very popular with the business retreats we host. May we suggest you try it at your next group gathering. We’ve whittled down the Final Four(k), which are the four fan favorite dishes from our, ehem, unique “regionals.” In an effort to showcase the important nonprofit organizations that we partner with, we feature Folds of Honor in this issue, just as we did for BK Hope Cures in the last. Folds of Honor assists in funding the educational legacy of soldiers fallen or injured in combat. John Pillar, our director of golf, has been a champion for the organization for nearly a decade and has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars while honoring many local heroes and their families in the process.
The Woodloch Family
SPRING 2022
A story about bringing families together..
NEWSLETTER
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& ICE BREAKERS
SOME GAVE REASONS TO REUNITE AT WOODLOCH: Dedicated staff Experienced coordinators Accommodates any size group Guest homes, hotel rooms, suites Various dining options Daily activity schedule Builds lasting memories!
ALL
[WOODLOCH AND FO LDS O F HO NO R]
r o f y d a e R Get pring!
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