By Lensca Cherubin and Dikshya Upadhyaya
Nestled on scenic Cape Cod, YMCA Camp Lyndon has been a beacon for youth and community enrichment for over 50 years. Originally established as a summer camp, Lyndon now doubles as a community hub, providing nutritious meals for local public schools and Head Start programs and fostering opportunities for growth among children during off-seasons. This legacy and its commitment to service made it the perfect destination for Springfield College’s Alternative Break trip.
David McMahon, one of the trip’s key organizers, explains that the inspiration to return to Camp Lyndon was built on history and meaningful connections.
“Our relationship with Camp Lyndon goes back years,” McMahon said. “Last year’s successful trip and a long-established bond through former representative Scott Woodaman set the stage. At Springfield, our service trips are deeply rooted in leadership and community service, providing students with experiences they might not otherwise have during the busy academic term.”
The planning process was notably streamlined by these preexisting relationships, although not without challenges.
“Housing logistics for our students were a hurdle, and coordinating tasks at a camp that’s seen half a century of service meant addressing some aging facilities,” McMahon said.
Despite the challenges, the team’s enthusiasm was unwavering. From outdoor tasks in the rain (where even brush clearing turned into a cathartic team exercise) to indoor activities like meal preparation and painting, every moment was an opportunity to bond and contribute meaningfully.
The trip’s goals extended far beyond simple labor. Camp Lyndon’s dual role as a summer retreat and a community service center provided a rich environment for students to learn about the broader needs of the Cape Cod community.
“Our work was not just about physical tasks,” McMahon said. “It was about exposing our students to issues like seasonal economic hardships and the challenges faced by local youth. In doing so, they develop transferable skills in leadership, teamwork and creative problem-solving.”
Mike DeJoseph, a Springfield College student who attended his second Alternative Break, captures the essence of this transformative experience. Reflecting on his time at the camp, he recalls the collective effort of preparing the facilities for a bustling summer and the memorable construction of the AmphiTheatre.
“Seeing the theatre come together, knowing that so many kids will benefit from it, was incredibly rewarding,” DeJoseph said.
With a Springfield College alum now serving as Camp Lyndon’s director, the bond between the camp and the college remains strong. Future trips are already in the planning stages, with ideas extending to other destinations such as the Dominican Republic.
Despite the challenges of post-pandemic student engagement, the commitment to service is unwavering, especially as the college focuses on inspiring first-year and sophomore students.
In the spirit of embracing challenges and creating lasting memories, the students concluded their journey with a spontaneous leap into Camp Lyndon’s chilly lake, a symbolic plunge that epitomized their willingness to dive headfirst into new experiences, no matter how daunting. This lighthearted moment of camaraderie serves as a refreshing reminder that amidst hard work, there is always room for joy and shared laughter.