CentennialFest: Celebrating 100 years of Volunteers
By Jayne Maye and Iva Gillet, Co-Chairs
We are excited to announce our third annual Fest October 2-4, 2026. CentennialFest kicks off PATC’s 100th Anniversary (1927-2027). Save the date now for a fun weekend full of friends, new and old.
CentennialFest will again be at Caroline Furnace in Fort Valley, situated in the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by the George Washington National Forest. Early bird $25 registration begins August 1. Regular $30 registration begins August 14. Registration closes September 18.
As last year’s survey requested, we will offer learning opportunities Friday afternoon. Initial possible offerings are First Aid, Hike Leader Training, and Trail Maintenance Techniques. New activities will be listed when confirmed. We will also offer hikes. Bring your dinner to Moyer Lodge as club leaders present their Hawksbill and Service Awards, followed by another AT/PATC trivia contest with prizes, and a chance to meet members running for the Executive Committee (ExCom). Moyer Lodge is in the center of the Caroline Furnace Cabin Village. It has a dining room, commercial kitchen and fireside room for fellowship and meals. Bring your camp chair and musical instruments for an evening campfire and a smile for the new friends you’re sure to meet.
Saturday we will offer an early morning hike. Day activities may include Women’s Trail Maintenance, GPS Basics, Trail Maintenance Techniques, Introduction to Trail Patrol, Using Hiking Apps, Hike Leader sessions, Trail Blazing, Cabin Work, Historical Lectures, Backpacking 101, and much more! Bring your drink and camp chair to Moyer Lodge for Happy Hour. Mills Kelly, PATC’s archivist, will tell stories about PATC’s history before top awards are presented to outstanding volunteers followed by dinner. And of course, the night can’t end without another evening around the campfire.
After you pack up Sunday morning, join a hike before you head home.
Saturday (6am-4pm) and Sunday (6am-10am) come to Moyer Lodge for a relaxed opportunity to enjoy coffee, tea and hot chocolate while chit chatting with other members.
Bring your own food and drink in closed containers kept in your car (yes bears do exist) except for Saturday night BBQ, which is included in the registration price.
There are two large bathhouses (Cabin Village and Sukkah Village) with hot showers, flush toilets, and electricity. Bring your bath towel and toiletries.
Lodging, included in the registration price, will again be offered Friday and Saturday nights.
- Cabin Village has 40 cabin beds in 8 cabins. Bring bedding and pillow. Think summer camp. Cabins have twin beds, electricity, one toilet and sink. Assume all genders. Must be 18 or over.
- Tents, hammocks and campers are allowed throughout Caroline Furnace except at Cabin Village.
- Sukkah Village has several screened, non-electric cabins which are first come, first serve.
Check the CentennialFest webpage as we update activities being offered.
If you have suggestions for activities you’d like to offer, reach out to Iva Gillet at IGillet@PATC.net. Do consider volunteering to help us make this another successful Fest by reaching out to Jean Stephens at JStephens@PATC.net.