By Turner L.
Building family relationships, getting to know each other, and having a good time at the beach describes the days spent at Oquaga Creek State Park during the annual summer picnics.
The picnics were scheduled for three separate weekends with Wilson and Mann House going together on July 11; Lake House flying solo on July 25; and Betton House, Talbot House, and Smith House joining together on August 1.
The trips were coordinated and organized by Kurt Hock, Joe Barbiere, Joe Rogalavich, and Bill Cordts. Barbiere and Cordts were in charge of the menu while Hock and Rogalavich planned activities. Hock said “The work was worth it because it brings joy to us staff to watch families hang out on the beach with their kids having fun.” Barbiere agreed with Hocks view; “The change of scenery is good for everybody, and the bringing of families together in a festive way, really helps the morale.” he said.
The days’ activities consisted of volleyball, football, frisbee, swimming, fishing, boating, and simply hanging out and having a good time. This year, the most popular activity was volleyball. From start to finish, there were consecutive games one after the other. “It was fun and intense and it was nice because Staff and families also got involved,” said FFS student Robbie O.
The barbeque crew offered a lot of help and support before the picnic. They set up the grills, set up the tables, and made sure everything went according to plan. The barbeque crew consists of seven different kids from each family. Betton House student Nash B, the leader of the crew, said, “It was fun, and even though it was work, it was still the finest work that could be done.”
After the picnics, families went their separate ways, returning to homes, all over the map, while the students headed back to the school, glad to have had the chance to visit with their loved ones. “I had a really good time. I was happy that I got to see my family. I had fun hanging out with my friends, and I loved all the features at the picnic, especially the rowboats and the good food,” said Talbot House student Brendan O.
