For the last 20 years, I have spent my summers in a gated community nestled in the Pocono Mountains. It served as a time to escape the city heat and touch-and-go lifestyle. Arrowhead Lake is home to some of my fondest memories and best friends.
Here are some signs you have experienced a summer in Arrowhead Lake:
1. You felt a sense of relief when your car drove past this sign for the first time in almost a year.
Nothing felt better than realizing you had no responsibilities for the next few months.
2. Your biggest decision was whether or not you wanted to go to the beach or the pool.
Choctaw, Minisink or Island Pool? Decisions, decisions. What about the beaches though? Beach 1, 2, 3 or 4? Let's be real: NO ONE ever went to Beach 1.
3. You've tried every sandwich from the Pinewood at least once.
When mom didn't want to cook dinner that night, a trip to the deli was inevitable. It happen frequently too.
4. You sent your kids to camp and they probably hated it.
It took a special kind of kid to look forward to going. You also know that the clubhouse had its own smell.
5. Jubilee Wing Night was like Christmas.
You and three friends easily put down a bucket of wings here. Extra blue cheese and celery was always a must.
6. You were a lifeguard or knew someone who was.
Arrowhead Lake's finest always enforcing the rules and not falling asleep in the lifeguard stand.
7. You've gone skinny dipping at Choctaw.
Arrowhead Lake offers the finest lakes and facilities for you and your friends to strip and hop in. You've all done it.
8. The Rapid Arrows/Lifeguard vs. Swim Team.
You were on the swim team even if it was one time and for a week. The Lifeguard vs. Swim Team charity event is an annual summer occasion. The lifeguards are subject to some pretty funny things as you may have noticed. Swim team always won (I still think it's rigged).
9. It was your own personal playground.
We did what we wanted and broke the rules. Then, some nights may have felt like they went too far, but in retrospect you wouldn't change a single thing about anything you ever did there.
10. You and your friends threw some pretty weirdly-themed parties.
There's really no picture to accurately justify this one. Just imagine a bunch of college kids either dressed up fancy, as old people or in the weirdest outfit that could be thrown together.
11. You felt like a bad ass because you drove a golf cart at the age of 13.
You thought you were the hottest thing driving this 12 mph bad boy around the community.
12. You spent one too many nights at 940 Golf N' Fun.
If you weren't getting a Moosetracks milkshake, then you were blowing money in the arcade or on mini golf.
13. Bringing your badge/bracelet everywhere.
Security's always on the hunt for these things and gave you the hardest time if you didn't have it while at the pool.
Security: Where's your bracelet?
Me (while wearing my lifeguard uniform): I work here.
Security: Ok but where's your bracelet?
14. They started out as "summer" friends, but now they're you're best friends.
15. Despite how much you claim to hate the place, you love it.
You never really leave Arrowhead Lake. You always pass that sign one more time or swipe your card and watch the gate open.
Arrowhead Lake has been home to my best memories, the ones that I'm able to remember at least. It's where I have met the people that I've been friends with for 15 years now. There's no place else in the world like this hideaway in the Poconos... and that is something I won't forget.
