In addition to projects and service weekends to support the School of Conservation, the Friends officers wanted an opportunity for supporters to gather just for fun, and thus the Family Fun Weekend was born. Held annually on Columbus Day Weekend in October, Friends travel to SOC from near and far to enjoy traditional camp activities and each others’ company. Arriving early on Friday evening, participants often kick off the weekend with music and a campfire at Piney Point or an indoor jam session with an assortment of “found” instruments.
More Friends arrive on Saturday morning and the group meets over a continental breakfast in Long House, which early risers may have preceded with a trail run or birding walk. Program volunteers are soon heading off in several directions with Friends in tow for the morning activities, including boating, archery, climbing wall, and Action Socialization Experiences. In the afternoon, these activities repeat, with additional options such as hiking, fly fishing, orienteering, or craft actitivities available as well.