A Weekend of Bonding and Giving Back
During a weekend before the start of fall practice, several Penn State football players gathered at Pine Valley Camp, a youth retreat that blends recreation with community service.
Linebacker Tony Rojas recalled a light‑hearted moment when a moth fluttered into his personal space, prompting a chuckle that underscored the relaxed atmosphere of the camp.
Offensive tackle Anthony Donkoh said the experience of mentoring younger participants gave him a sense of purpose, noting how children would cling to him and plead for his attention before he left.
Head coach Matt Campbell, who previously cultivated similar cultures at Toledo and Iowa State, used the camp to reinforce his belief that camaraderie off the field fuels success on it, emphasizing the program’s commitment to giving back.
Although the Nittany Lions face a comparatively easy schedule this season, Campbell acknowledges the team is still rebuilding; he believes the relationships forged at Pine Valley will help translate the new culture into on‑field improvement.