Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo), Dingmans Ferry, PA

Introduction / Overview

For organizations, large families, and community groups across Pennsylvania seeking a fully equipped and versatile venue for retreats, gatherings, or camps, the facility located at Log and Twig Road in Dingmans Ferry offers a unique solution. While the specific name "Shomrim Kollel (ShoKo)" may refer to one of the specific groups that utilizes this location for its educational or recreational programs, the property itself is widely recognized as the Log and Twig Retreat. It operates as a dedicated group rental facility nestled in the heart of the scenic Pocono Mountains.

This expansive property is not a traditional public campground offering individual nightly sites for the general public, but rather a large, fully serviced retreat center designed to host organized groups. It serves communities, students, and families looking for an overnight getaway with comprehensive amenities in a beautiful, natural setting. The venue has been substantially refurbished and modernized, providing a comfortable and well-appointed environment that perfectly balances a rustic setting with essential conveniences. Its history as a significant camp location in the region means the grounds are expansive and purpose-built for group activities, making it an excellent, all-inclusive destination for Pennsylvanian organizations.

Location and Accessibility

The Log and Twig Retreat is advantageously situated at the gateway to the beautiful Pocono Mountains region, a popular destination for Pennsylvania locals seeking natural recreation.

The official address for the facility is:

127 Log and Twig Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328, USA

Geographic Positioning:

The facility is located in Dingmans Ferry, in Pike County, placing it in the northeastern part of the state. This area is known for its stunning landscapes, dense forests, and proximity to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, though the facility itself is distinct from the national park's public camping areas. The tranquil environment ensures a peaceful backdrop for any group event.

Accessibility for Pennsylvania Users:

For local Pennsylvanians, the location is conveniently accessible via a network of state routes and highways leading into the Poconos. While it offers a sense of being "away from it all," it remains within a reasonable driving distance from major metropolitan areas in Eastern Pennsylvania. Its specific address on Log and Twig Road indicates that it is very close to another established natural venue, benefiting from the scenic, well-known local environment. Although the site is intentionally secluded to maximize the retreat experience, the nearby Dingmans Ferry area provides easy access for provisioning and supplies.

Services Offered

The Log and Twig Retreat is built to provide a full-service experience for large groups, minimizing the logistical burden on event organizers.

Group Accommodations: Newly refurbished, heated cabins and apartments designed to house groups of various sizes, with some air-conditioning available for warmer months.
Dining Services: Features top-of-the-line, dedicated Glatt Kosher kitchens, allowing the facility to offer full catering services, which can be tailored via a group menu planner.
Common & Dining Halls: Includes spacious dining and recreation halls suitable for large gatherings, meetings, and indoor activities.
Tea Room Service: An adjacent 12-hour tea room is often available, offering snacks, coffee, tea, and water for guests outside of main meal times.
Optional Linen Service: Groups can opt for a linen service for bedding and towels, streamlining the packing and preparation process for attendees.
Dedicated Staff: A dedicated team is often available on-site to assist with the group’s needs and ensure a smooth, well-managed stay.
Refrigeration: Communal refrigeration space is available in the main dining area for guests to store clearly labeled personal items.
Utilities & Comfort: Cabins and apartments are equipped with heating for cooler weather and air-conditioning when necessary, ensuring comfort year-round (though the facility operates seasonally from approximately April through October).

Features / Highlights

The recreational and structural features of the Log and Twig Retreat are designed to maximize both outdoor activity and community bonding for organized groups.

Extensive Sports Facilities: Features multiple dedicated areas for group exercise and competition, including:
- Sport Fields and Courts (for basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, and tennis).
Private Lake Access: Guests have access to a private lake on the property, suitable for activities such as boating, fishing, and scenic relaxation.
Swimming Pool: An on-site swimming pool provides a managed area for water recreation and is a major highlight during the warmer months.
Adventure Elements: Includes a challenging zip line and a climbing wall, offering supervised, high-energy activities for youth and team-building exercises.
Nature Trails: Marked on-site trails allow groups to enjoy hiking and exploring the wooded grounds without leaving the property.
Traditional Campfires: Multiple campfire rings are available for traditional evening activities, storytelling, and community engagement.
Scenic Pocono Setting: The facility is situated on wooded hills, offering a beautiful natural environment typical of the Pocono Mountains, perfect for photography and relaxing in nature.

Contact Information

As the Log and Twig Retreat is primarily a group rental facility, contact is generally made through the managing organization for booking inquiries and specific event planning details.

Address: 127 Log and Twig Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328, USA

Note: General public phone numbers for group rentals are often associated with the managing entity. Based on public records indicating use by organizations such as Log and Twig Retreat or Gan Israel Retreat in the Poconos, direct booking inquiries often go through their designated director or central office.

Example Contact for Group Rentals: Gershon Sandler, Director (Publicly associated with Log and Twig Retreat management). Phone: (845) 425-0903 (Note: This is an external group-specific number and not the physical location's general line.)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For large, organized groups within Pennsylvania—be they religious organizations, academic institutions, youth sports leagues, or corporate teams—the Log and Twig Retreat offers a solution that is uniquely valuable. This is not a drop-in spot for a solo camping trip, but a sophisticated, all-in-one venue designed for community-focused retreats.

The suitability for local Pennsylvanian organizations stems from several key factors:

Turnkey Event Planning: The availability of full catering services, quality accommodations, and expansive recreational facilities significantly reduces the complexity of organizing a large-scale retreat. Everything a group needs for lodging, dining, and activities is already on the property.
Designed for Community: The layout, with heated cabins and large communal halls, is explicitly optimized for community living, group bonding, and shared experiences, which is often the primary goal of any organization’s retreat.
Accessibility to Nature with Comfort: Located in the cherished Pocono Mountains, the facility provides an immersive natural escape—complete with a private lake and on-site trails—without forcing participants to sacrifice comfort, thanks to the newly refurbished and climate-controlled accommodations.
Proximity to Home: Its location in Dingmans Ferry makes it a manageable drive for many groups across Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, making weekend or short-term retreats more feasible than those requiring significant long-distance travel.

In essence, the Log and Twig Retreat serves as an ideal, self-contained hub for Pennsylvanian organizations looking to foster team spirit, education, or family bonding in a structured, scenic, and well-supported environment.