Banquets

Banquets have long been associated with Camp Deerpark, from special evening banquets during summer camps to fundraising banquets in New York City and Pennsylvania. Many people connected to Camp Deerpark have a banquet memory, including some combination of tasty food, good friends, special music and sharing of the latest camp news.

A tradition during the summer is having a banquet on the last evening of a summer camp. Campers might dress up a bit and enjoy a spruced up dining room. A special menu is planned. The evening has been a favorite activity of campers for many years.

“I started as a camper when I was about 8 or 9 years old,” said Melody Pannell, “and kept going all the way up to 17. One of my earliest memories was the banquet. It was amazing because we dressed up and it was a special day. It was a wonderful part of my development. I felt special, I felt secure, I felt loved. I felt loved by God, and I felt loved by the people around me, the staff members who were there.”

On November 4, 1969, the M.A.P. Board met. One item on their agenda was having a banquet in Pennsylvania.

The first banquet held in Pennsylvania was on January 20, 1970, at Willow Valley Restaurant. Since this time, a banquet has continued to be held every year in Pennsylvania. It is a time to support the camp financially, but also to touch base with friends who have been involved with camp over the years. The banquets average about 280 in attendance.

Dan Glick, who has a long history with Camp Deerpark, has worked diligently to help organize banquets in Pennsylvania since 1987, when he sold tickets for $8. He took over the leadership for planning the banquet in 2002, and continued in that role until 2015. “I helped with announcements, tickets, making arrangements with the restaurant and seating plans,” he said. “I stopped being in charge about three years ago, when Janice Barrett from the Deerpark staff became the coordinator. At that point I was grateful to pass on the responsibilities.”

“I attend Forest Hills Mennonite Church, and I got the congregation very involved with camp,” he said. “We often filled six to seven tables at the banquet. People from the church have gone up to camp for years for work projects. We’ve helped with repairs, renovations and new buildings.”

When asked why he contributed so much time and work to Camp Deerpark, Dan said, “The first time I saw camp I thought it would be ideal for the kids from the city—bring them out and let them enjoy the grass and the trees. I have a soft spot for kids and teenagers, and I love to see them have opportunities. I never got to know my father as he passed away when I was 3. But I was told my dad had that kind of mindset—that we had similar personalities. He was humble and worked for others, especially for the underdog. He left this world early, but I have tried to carry on what was in our hearts. Throughout my life I have tried to help those who need help.”

The first banquet for the New York City churches was held at the Neptune Inn in New Jersey in December 1971, raising $1,725. The cost of the facilities and meals eventually became too expensive to make the fundraising aspect of New York banquets worthwhile. Instead, camp now hosts a homecoming weekend with a fundraising auction every fall. This weekend has also become a reunion event—a mix of people from the early days of camp to the present.

—Written by Donna Stoltzfus, former camper and staff.

Dan Glick, volunteer and advocate, attends Forest Hills Mennonite Churchin Leola, PA.

Melody Pannell, former camper and staff member; attended Seventh Avenue Mennonite Church in Harlem.

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