Annual trip creates fond memories for a generation

We just got back from our annual camping trip to Lake Hope State Park near the Hocking Hills region of Ohio. I’m always amazed that I can convince 15 to 20 people to head to the woods with us for a few days every year…year after year!

Even better, our son who’s a senior at Ohio State joined us this year with a friend. He hasn’t made an appearance on the annual camping trip for the last three years. But he missed it and decided to drive down for the weekend.

How it all began

The annual trip started 21 years ago. 

Back then, we were a family with a child who just turned one. I was between jobs. Money was tight. Regardless, we needed a vacation badly. My husband remembered some cabins in southern Ohio he had stayed at many years ago when he was a poor college student. He looked them up. The cabins were still inexpensive. We decided to go. The three of us had a great time.

The area was lovely! It boasts some of the best hiking trails in the state of Ohio. At the end of the trip, we decided to go again the following year. I started talking it up to our friends. We didn’t have any takers in year two. Our family of three went again and had another great trip.

Year three rolled around. My husband, along with many of our friends, worked for Penton, a local company that was on the verge of its eventual demise. Finances were a concern for most of the families in this group of friends because some were laid off or worried they would be soon as the company struggled.

Again, I floated the idea to our friends that we should rent cabins at Lake Hope for an inexpensive getaway. (Back then, the cabins were $60 per night for a two-bedroom and $75 for a three-bedroom. Prices have risen since then, but it’s still a good value.) 

The idea gained traction for whatever reason (probably because it was the only vacation most of us could afford that year). Several people rented cabins. Some families doubled up. We had a mix of campers: Some couples with young kids, some without kids and some single people. 

We enjoyed beautiful fall weather. The leaves were colorful. The days were warm. The nights were cool, yet we were plenty toasty sitting around the campfire sharing stories. The camaraderie made it fun. Everyone had a great weekend. At the end, the group decided we should go again the following year. 

A tradition is born

This weekend in the woods became an annual trip for several of us. Cabins in the fall are a hot commodity in a state with trees that consistently produce gorgeous fall colors. To keep the tradition going, I took on the task of making the reservations each year – about a year in advance. 

Just as all things evolve, over the past 19 years, we’ve had people come and go as part of the crew on the annual camping trip. A few have been along the whole time. The kids who were the youngest on the first trips are now in their mid-20s.

Fond memories

This past summer, we were at a retirement party for the Dad of one of our earliest camping couples. Many of the couples who’ve camped with us over the years were also at this party. 

A daughter of one of the couples, came up to my husband and me, and gave us hugs. She said she was hoping she’d see us at this party. She wanted to know if we still did the annual camping trip. When we said we did, she said she wanted to get back in on the trip next year after she graduates from college. Even though her family hadn’t been camping with us for at least 10 years due to her sports commitments in high school and college, she had fond memories of the trip. She gave me her phone number so I could let her know when I book the cabins. As we were leaving the party, she flagged us down and said, “Don’t forget to let me know when you’re booking the cabins!”

The kids want to go again

Last night I got a text from another friend who was a camper in the early years, but hasn’t been able to go for years due to her kids’ school activities. The text said, “The girls are wondering how we get back on the camping list now that they’ll both be done with high school.” Apparently they were experiencing some FOMO because their cousin who was on the camping trip with us this past weekend had been texting them photos!

One set of parents told us their kids cried the year they told them they would not be going to Lake Hope because they decided to go to Disney World instead. The parents planned it as a treat. The kids said they’d rather go to Lake Hope and camp with all their friends.

Why a weekend in the woods is so memorable

Many vacations are far more luxurious or exciting. But for some reason the camping trip resonates with both adults and kids. Over the years, I’ve contemplated its appeal. Is it spending time in nature, the hiking, being social, or the benefits of being disconnected from electronics? All of these are factors that tend to affect happiness. I’m guessing our camping trip is so enjoyable because it’s a combination of all the above.

Next year?

I have no idea if the young people who say they want to go camping again will actually be able to commit when it comes time in a few weeks to book the cabins for next year. It’s hard for us older adults to plan a year in advance, let alone young people in college or those just starting their careers. 

But I love the fact that they want to. 

I love that they have fond memories of these trips from long ago. 

And, I love that we built something that just might get handed down from one generation to the next.

Ironically, a weekend in the woods – a trip born out of economic hardship – is a trip these young adults remember fondly and want to re-experience. 

It will be amazing if the kids (now adults) join us next year for the 20th anniversary of our annual friends’ camping trip to Lake Hope. 

(If they do, I have some photos that would be awesome to recreate!) 😉

Engage with us: In the comments, do you have fond memories of trips from your childhood? If you could pass down a memory from generation to generation, what would it be?