By Melissa Farr, Senior Distributed Organizer, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter
“This was an awesome hike!” enthused Delilah Contreras, who learned about becoming a junior outings leader while out on the Old Mitchell Trail, one of several adventures available at this year’s annual chapter outing. Held August 2nd to 4th in Ohiopyle State Park, the event marked the highly anticipated return of a treasured Sierra Club Pennsylvania tradition that had been paused since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With several new staff members and volunteers joining the team since the last chapter outing in 2019, the weekend provided the first opportunity for many to meet in person and build those special relationships unique to living side-by-side at a campsite. Whether it was struggling to put up a tent, debating how to best distribute ice in the coolers, or sharing embarrassing anecdotes around the campfire, the participants came away with a strengthened sense of community.
Campers arrived Friday evening with fingers crossed that a forecasted storm would pass them by as they set up their temporary quarters at the Ohiopyle group site, just a few yards from the historic Mitchell Cemetery (to the delight of history buffs and those with macabre sensibilities). The skies remained clear that first night and good fortune followed, with only the August humidity to grapple with as participants enjoyed hikes at Old Mitchell Trail and Tharp Knob Overlook on Saturday and Great Gorge Trail on Sunday morning. Executive Committee members convened their quarterly meeting at the Laurel Highlands Falls Area Visitor Center while others took the opportunity to explore the quaint town of Ohiopyle and stock up on supplies for the evening’s potluck.
Saturday’s programming also offered yoga, ballroom dancing, and discussions about outdoor accessibility, the intersections of housing justice with climate justice, and electric vehicles. Those communing at the potluck, held at the Tharp Knob Picnic Area Pavilion, enjoyed a variety of delicious dining options, from vegan pizza and Mexican rice to camping standards like charcoal-grilled burgers and one-pot mac and cheese.
Chapter outings are already being planned for 2024 and YOU have the opportunity to shape those experiences! Sarah Corcoran, Deputy Director and head of the planning committee reflected, “We have not had the ability to be in community like this since prior to the pandemic, and it was wonderful to see volunteer leaders and their families in person again.” She continued, “In 2024 we are hoping to return to the larger scale chapter outings of the past and have begun the planning process to make it accessible and open to all. In order to make that happen, we are searching for volunteers who are interested in assisting with the planning process." Sarah also noted that planning committee volunteers do not have to be outings leaders to get involved. There are roles for everyone! Reach out to Sarah here. And while you're at it, please take a look at our slideshow!
This blog was included as part of the September 2023 Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!