After many months of waiting, we finally set out on our first camping trip of the season. Needless to say, it was not quite the same.
For the past 6 years, we have spent Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Glory Campground. Secluded in rural Pennsylvania, Lake Glory is owned by Knoebel’s Amusement Resort. Many visitors stay there for its shuttle access to the park. Thanks to COVID-19, Knoebels has yet to open for the season.
As a result, our stay this year was quite different. Usually teeming with patrons on holiday weekends, the campground wasn’t even at half-capacity. This made for a very quiet stay, but the campground was lacking the communal energy we usually enjoy. Social distancing was requested and masks were required when entering the camp office. 
The biggest change, obviously, was not being able to go to Knoebels. For us, it wasn’t that big of a deal because we don’t live that far away and can go anytime throughout a normal season. Still, it felt odd not to be headed to the park for our first taste of rides and yummy park food.
Instead, we filled the time with quiet family activities. We played cornhole and explored the creek side. The kids got in several hours of fishing, having a good time despite not catching anything. Jim got to try out his new Blackstone Griddle and, as a result, we enjoyed several delicious meals. 
This was likely our last Memorial Day weekend at Lake Glory for quite a while, as our 13yo will be entering high school next year and we will most-likely be chaperoning field trips during the holiday. It seems fitting that we spent all our time at the campground during our last year.
I am so grateful for the memories camping has given our family. Despite the challenges this year has brought, camping has remained our refuge. We have several more trips scheduled throughout 2020, and I am so grateful for the opportunities to get away and enjoy nature with my family.
To watch our Lake Glory weekend on YouTube, click the image below: