Seasonals at Twin Ponds Lodge: The Values That Define Us

As the seasonal season winds down and we pack it all away until next April, it feels right to pause and reflect on what makes our seasonal community so special. At Twin Ponds Lodge, seasonals aren’t just campers with long-term spots—they’re the heart of this place, the ones who show up week after week and stitch together the fabric of community that everyone weaves in and through.

There are certain characteristics and values that, without exception, every seasonal brings to the table. Seasonals are builders of community, generous with their time and resources, dependable in ways both big and small. They’re imaginative and silly, wise and willful, invested and adaptable. They bring positivity, inclusivity, flexibility, and the kind of quiet care that makes TPL more than just a campground—it makes it a home, it makes it a community.

Each and every one of our seasonals demonstrates these values, and I could rattle off examples for every single person. But as this is the last blog post of the seasonal season, I want to highlight a few members of our seasonal family who went above and beyond this year—clear, undeniable examples of the individual values that define what it means to be a seasonal at TPL.

(And before anyone starts giving me grief about “favoritism” or any similar nonsense, let me be perfectly clear: both Eric L. and Duck are on this list. So obviously I spent an extraordinary amount of time and effort finding redeeming factors for everyone.)

Communal and Collaborative Ryan, Ryan, and Simon 

Always hosting, always inviting, always thinking of what will bring the community together. Whether it’s South Park viewing parties or waiting to start those viewing parties so the bar staff didn’t miss out, they remind us that building community is as much about small gestures as it is about big events.

Supportive and Silly Glen and Dan

The kind of guys you never have to ask for help—they’re already there, whether they know they are or not. Dependable, steady, and always ready with a joke (and most of them are funny). And when I say dependable, I mean it: they once let me fill their fridge with 100 Jell-O shots (without warning), and they didn’t even yell when they arrived for the weekend with groceries to discover there was no room in the fridge. That’s support with a smile.

Renowned and Reassuring Bloom and Eric L.

Well-known, well-loved, yet somehow always  steady. They bring calm, reassurance, and a sense of belonging to those around them—reminding us how vital it is to have anchors in the whirlwind of lodge life.

Fun and Flexible Don and Roger

If pasta dinners could earn Michelin stars, these two would already be decorated chefs. For two years running, their Wednesday night pasta tradition has remained a highlight of the season. Despite last-minute hiccups, shifting headcounts, and the occasional chaos, they kept the pots boiling, the meals delicious, and the nights unforgettable.

Dependable and Devoted Terri

The kind of person you can count on without hesitation. Terri shows up for both people and projects, over and over again. That kind of devotion isn’t flashy, but it’s what holds the community together.

Generous and Gregarious Jim

Always ready to share time, energy, or resources, Jim pairs generosity with warmth. His gregarious nature makes space feel welcoming and open (like his legs), and his spirit helps set the tone for the community around him.

Committed and Caring Ira

Care shows in a thousand small ways, and commitment is proven over time. Ira embodies both. His steady presence and genuine concern for others have made a real impact on our community this year.

Invested and Imaginative Dan E.

Being a seasonal isn’t just about showing up—it’s about making something more of it. Dan E brings creativity and imagination to lodge life, looking at familiar challenges with fresh eyes and turning ideas into creative action.

Wise and Willful Rick and Jim

They’ve been here since the day gays took over—and they carry the lodge’s history with them. Rick and Jim don’t just hold wisdom, they share it. Morning coffee at their site often turns into lessons in lodge history, community life, and a healthy dose of humor. They remind us that wisdom is a gift best shared.

Tenacious and Teachable Don and Monty

Tenacity is about grit, teachability is about openness—and together they make a powerful combination. I’m writing this, so to celebrate my boyfriend and puppy feels a little weird, but if I learned anything this season, it is just how genuine and deep TPL intertwines with the success of my little family. On top of that, our lil family is ever so grateful to be a part of this seasonal community. 

Versatile and Vigorous Cyrus

Versatility means being able to step into any role the community needs; vigor means bringing energy, strength, and determination to every effort. Cyrus embodies both in every sense of the words. Whether it’s adapting to unexpected challenges, lending a hand where it’s most needed, or keeping spirits high, he brings flexibility and drive that make a real difference at TPL. And yes—we all know he exemplifies the other meanings of “versatile” and “vigorous” too, which only proves the point: Cyrus truly embodies these values in every possible way.

Obnoxious and Ostentatious Duck

Yes, Duck made the list. And for good reason. Bold, brash, and unafraid to stir things up, Duck brings personality and color to the lodge in ways only Duck can. A little obnoxious? Sure. A little ostentatious? Absolutely. But does he inspire and instigate thought provoking conversation? Does he in some way or another challenge you to be bigger and do better? And has he at least once this season caused you to laugh (with or at him)? Yes. While I may hate the taste of the words as they leave my mouth - Duck adds an element that truly makes our community a greater place.

Tis the End

Seasonals are the backbone of the Twin Ponds Lodge Community. Each one embodies the values that keep this community thriving, and each one has played a role in making this year unforgettable. To those highlighted here, thank you for going above and beyond.

And to our other incredible seasonals—Matt and Scott, Paul, Warren, Jan and Jody, Ray and Mitch, Steve and Steve, Rick and Rodney, Jay and Michael, and Eric and Kevin—your contributions this year mattered deeply, and I see you in every value listed above.

Finally, while technically not seasonal campers, there’s a special place in this reflection for the folks who live and work here—Ren, Don, Evan, Tommy, and Roberto. You demonstrate these values day in and day out. Our weird little family may technically not all be seasonals, but we’re absolutely woven into the same fabric.

So here’s to the seasonals, the staff, the family, and the community. Rest up this winter—we’ll be ready to do it all again come April, and I assure you it will be even BIGGER and BETTER. 

Yours in Community, 

Ranger Alli