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Mid-Atlantic Field Hockey Camp ends long run at Cape Henlopen State Park

Popular summer sessions to end after 46 years
The Mid-Atlantic Field Hockey Camp’s final two sessions were held July 13-24 at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
July 21, 2025

Mid-Atlantic Field Hockey Camp owner Frannie Slabonik has been involved with the camp for 46 years. She first arrived as a camper, then as a counselor. For the last 21 years, she’s been the owner. The camp was founded by Rich Miller in 1978. 

“It is with a mix of both sadness and gratitude that I announce the 2025 season of MAFH will be our final season,” said Slabonik. “This last dance will be a poignant farewell to a tradition that has touched the lives of so many. I'm grateful for the legacy we've built together.”

Nearly 10,000 players have attended the Mid-Atlantic Field Hockey Camp during Slabonik’s tenure. This year’s camp dates were July 13-24. 

“I had the privilege of working and collaborating with founder Rich Miller, as well as numerous directors, assistant directors and our dedicated food service team,” Slabonik said. “MAFH is celebrated for its immersive four-night program, which encourages strong bonds and a true love for field hockey. As the camp draws to a close, I’m filled with nostalgia; what I’ll miss most is helping young athletes enjoy the same memorable experiences that shaped my own youth. My heartfelt thanks go to our hardworking staff, supportive vendors, families and especially my wife, Lori Richardson, whose steadfast encouragement has made years of camp possible.”

MAFH Field Hockey Director Melissa Moritsch started as a coach in 1992. She became director in 2020 after two stints between, for a total of 10 years. 

“Mid-Atlantic is like a warm hug – reassuring and consistent,” Moritsch said. “The unique qualities of this camp that have been a common thread for 46 years have been upheld by the people, the staff for all of those years, and that is what brings everyone back to camp. I feel blessed to have been a part of 10 of those years, and for my daughter to have been a camper and a staff member.”

“No doubt this is bittersweet indeed,” said Slabonik. “I will miss the campers, staff and the wonderful times we’ve had at MAFH.” 

 

Continuing with the Hawaiian luau theme are staff members (l-r) Melissa Moritsch, Carly Reid, Becky Newcomer, Christy Wallace, Morgan Handwerger, Juliana Kaufman, Peyton Hale, Sara Melisi, Stephanie Kroeger, Kylie Greek, Jenna Angstadt, Lori Miller, Christine Selover and Frannie Slabonik.
Coach Grace Walsh leads her group in a conga line during warmups.
Mid-Atlantic Field Hockey Camp owner Frannie Slabonik leads the warmup dances.
Campers Taylor Elshami and Alexandra Gummel, center, lead their group in the warmup dances.
The goalie group includes in back (l-r) coach Loryi Miller, Brynn Poole, Bianca Culotta, Alice Lyden and Isabelle Nunan. In front are Scarlett Harris, Lillian Wallace and Eva Stokotelny.
White team camper Brenna Shelly slams the ball upfield past during the Blue team’s Steve Young.
The Blue team’s defense storms from the goal during a penalty corner.
Director Melissa Moritsch reviews the announcements for the day.
Blue team’s Maddie Weiss takes a shot past White squad’s Olive Leshock.
Cole Slaton flips the ball toward the goal during a drill.
Mason Woodbridge, left, controls the ball while Aleah Kaczynski plays close defense during a scrimmage.
Blake Dyer controls the ball during a ball-handling drill.
Nora Shelley works on ball control with an air dribble drill. It was also her 12th birthday.
Dressed for luau day at the camp are (l-r) Kylie Elliott, Alex Gumnel, Amelia Leggette, Taylor Elshani, Allie Thompson, Eloise DeCarlo, Zoe Schmidt and Meghan Kelly.
MAFH Director Melissa Moritsch makes announcements for the group drills.
After opening the daily warmups with a dance with the campers for 21 years, Mid-Atlantic Field Hockey Camp owner Frannie Slabonik will soon be dancing by herself.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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