Written By Joanne Aspinall
The first weekend of August 2025 saw 42 AYC members, friends, and family retreat to the cool pines near Mormon Lake for the annual AYC Summer Campout. The cool weather is undoubtedly a big draw, but there are multiple reasons to love the campout. Here are my Top 10 Reasons why it’s my favorite event of the summer!
10. I’ll start with the obvious—it’s cooler than back home! Highs in the 80s versus 110°F. That’s a no-brainer! Which leads me to…
9. Songs around the campfire. Yep, it’s even cool enough to want to be near a fire! This year, Ed Scheletsky serenaded us with his guitar, leading us in the singing of many popular tunes. There was a restriction on wood fires, so the fires were propane-fed, but the s’mores still tasted amazing!
8. Sharing food and sharing stories. Before the sun set and the fires started, the group gathered for a potluck and our now-traditional salsa contest. Congratulations to Talia Scheletsky, who won a few homemade items from the kids!
7. Speaking of kids, the campout is AYC’s family-friendliest event of the year. Three days without cell service means making new friends with outdoor games, activities, and creative play. This year, the Botts family provided the fun crafts—basket weaving and googly-eye rocks.
6. Of course, the games aren’t just for the kids—this year’s horseshoe competition was fierce. Eight pairs (pulled out of a hat) battled it out in a bracket arranged by organizers Dave and Will Nowak. Second place (two cans of Spam) went to Melissa Sutton and Steve Nahkala. Congrats to Mike and Jo Grijalva for taking home the grand prize!
5. Not only are the Grijalvas great at horseshoes, but they sure mix a mean Bloody Mary! There’s nothing like spice and alcohol in the morning to get the conversations started—and make mid-day naps essential. (Darn!)
4. Camping not required! Bruce and Dianna Andress made a day trip of it again this year, and according to Andrew Fulton, the nearby Mormon Lake Lodge has comfy accommodations. (He made sure to tell us dusty campers how much he enjoyed the soft bed, warm shower, and cable TV!)
3. Take it easy, or be active—your choice! Most campers made the weekend low-key and relaxing, while others opted for more energetic activities. New member Don Briner took advantage of the cool weather for a long ride on his recumbent bike, while Tom Fuge and family headed to Lake Mary for some Sunfish sailing. Michael Mowry also headed to the lake, but after injuring himself helping Tom, he ended up at urgent care in Flagstaff for some souvenir stitches. At least it made for a good story around the campfire! (And perhaps a good Blunder Bucket nomination…)
2. “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” —John Muir
Along with the cool, clean air, scent of pine, occasional squirrel, and a myriad of stars, some campers were granted a special treat this year—a short drive to Mormon Lake at sunset rewarded us with a view of hundreds of elk grazing in the meadow!
1. While seeing the elk was special, my favorite part of the campout every year is the people. The campout is for everyone—young, old, new members, kids, adults, non-sailing family and friends—it’s even for the dogs. Taking a few days out of our busy schedules to relax and get to know one another better is what makes this event truly special.
Hope to see you there next year!
More photos can be found on the AYC SmugMug site
