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“FUN”-tastic 2006 WWME Campout

Ray & Beth Ginepro

Seven families were represented at the 2006 WWME cabin experience this past August at the diocesan Holy Cross Campground in beautiful Goshen, MA. Even the weather cooperated with sunshine during the daytime for all events and to enjoy swimming and canoeing on the lake. It was an intimate gathering which allowed more time to visit and catch up with old friends as well as new ones. There was something for everyone among this year’s campout activities and a few surprises too.

Lower Highland Lake, Goshen, MA

After settling in for a sound sleep after smaller campfires on Friday night, Saturday dawned pleasantly sunny with temperatures in the 70’s. Activities began in the afternoon with the Free Throw shooting contest. Nearly all campers participated in their respective age groups. Winning in the under ten girls was Kaylia L’Heureux. Lucas O’Brian won among the U10 boys. Winners of the 11-14 age groups for girls was Renee Lussier, for boys was Michael Danielczuk. In a close shoot out among the adult men, John “JD” Danielczuk emerged the winner. From the ladies bracket, Kathy “KD” Danielczuk finished victorious.

Under 10 Basketball Free Throw Shooters

Winners of the Free Throw Shooting contest. L to R: Lucas O’Brian, Kaylia Lereux, John Danielczuk, Kathy Danielczuk, Michael Danielczuk, Renee Lussier

Following the hoops shooting, the youth were eager to begin the annual WWME scavenger hunt. Teams of two or three worked diligently together in search of items on this year’s list, including the names of the youngest camper and longest married couple. The first couple of teams came racing back, but missed on the names of the most recently encountered couple. Jess Ginepro and her friend, Kirsten, arose the victors having all the correct items and information from the list. Even better, new friendships were forged in the process. That’s a pat on the back to everyone who participated!

Something new this year in the “Geezer vs. Whippersnapper series” was the wiffle ball game which came next. The sport was new to most of us, but easy enough to pick up. Played much like baseball, but with a light plastic ball that’s much easier on the hands, players of all ages could and did join in the fun. It was a tight game with 6 runs a piece when the Geezers drove in the seventh and winning run in the final inning.

The Whippersnappers came on strong though in the soccer game which followed. Basically the Geezers got ‘gassed’ trying desperately to get net against their younger, more experienced opponents. The Whippersnappers were well ahead 6 to 0 against the older team. But the Geezers refused to give up even when Whippersnappers began to lose interest and their ranks dwindled to 3 players…Finally with 6 adults against the remaining 3 youths, the Geezers scored a goal. The Whippersnappers won 6 to 1.

Dinner cooked on the open fire was followed an hour or so later by mass at the chapel. Fr. Michael Lillpop, from Blessed Sacrament in Westfield, MA presided. At mass and at the big bonfire that night, we dearly missed the singing talents of some of our former campers who were unable join us again this year. (God bless you! We hope to see you there next year!)

Tim & Lynda LaPorte work together to pop Jiffy Pop popcorn over an open flame in the bonfire.

There was a bit of excitement, when three of the young ladies walked down to the lake Saturday night and discovered that what they mistook for a canoe in the water was actually a black bear swimming in the lake. They quietly, high tailed it back to the group at the bonfire before the bear knew they were there. It was the first time a bear had been spotted in the past 10 years of WWME campouts in the area, but the story supports all the information posted about bears in the woods to keep campers safe. That same night, a couple of other WWME families were visited by three raccoons, who silently ate the graham crackers left on the picnic table while marshmallows were being roasted over the fire!

Sunday morning was the annual Couples Canoe Race. With last year’s champions, Dan & Helene Robillard, unable to be present to defend their title, the race was wide open. Strategy proved crucial for the winning couple, as they chose the windward side of the turn at the marker boat. There were no collisions and no spills. A lot of teamwork and hard paddling led to a victory for Kathy and John Danielczuk at the finish line at the beach. Each of the other couples, who’d also participated in last year’s race, improved their standings as well. Way to go!

Second Annual Couples’ Canoe Race contestants

Launching the Annual Couples’ Canoe Race

Winners of the Couples’ Canoe Race, John & Kathy Danielczuk and their children, Kara & Michael

The final event Sunday was the annual pie eating contest. Children’s champion pie eater was Thomas LaPorte. It was a very close race to the final swallow among the adults. Edging out his opponents, opening his mouth only split seconds in front of them, Josh Ginepro clinched the championship and rolling pin trophy.

Winner of the Children’s Pie Eating Contest, Thomas LaPorte, 14

Champion of the Annual WWME Adult Pie Eating Contest, Joshua Ginepro, 17

2005 Champion pie eater, Ray Ginepro (R) passes on the Rolling Pin Trophy to 2006 Champion, Josh Ginepro (L)

There’s LOTS of FUN to be had at the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Campout. If this sounds good to you, please join us again - or for the first time - next year on: August 10-12, 2007 at Holy Cross Campground, Goshen, MA. For registration and information contact Kathy & John Danielczuk at (860)763-3675 or email them at . Unencountered families and friends are welcome to join us!

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