BUCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP -- The summer camp season is coming to a close. But for anyone who wants to relive that experience and mix in a little live music, there's a festival later this month in Wayne County.
Hundreds of summer campers in northern Wayne County said tearful goodbyes, packed up their stuff and ended another memorable two months of camp.
For the first time ever, Camp Lavi north of Honesdale will have one more big bash before summer's out: Campfire Festival. It's three days of music and outdoor adventure over Labor Day weekend, August 29, 30 and 31.
"You come back, get to experience what you did in your youth, but now as an adult," said promoter of Campfire Festival Steve Kops.
Kops spent summers at the camp in Buckingham Township as a kid and teamed up with festival pros to bring some up-and-coming musical acts to the stage as well as some grown-ups back to summer camp for some summer fun.
Kops expects as many as 2,000 people to show up the last weekend in August. The camp, with its volleyball courts, mini golf, and lake will be there waiting.
"So one minute they're swimming in the lake, then playing basketball, then hearing a band they've never heard of. That's what we're trying to do, is capture a more intimate music experience," he said.
Now that summer campers have moved out, the Campfire Festival can move in and while some people can camp in tents for the festival, others can rent a cabin and stay with friends or complete strangers.
As lots of work gets underway to get the camp ready for the festival, its owners are looking forward to having another crowd get to enjoy this experience just like the kids did for eight whole weeks.
"I would love to see people enjoy camp like I love it. This is the first year, sure it will be great, grow and grow and grow, next year have 3 times the number of people," said Joe Hoenig.