J 789: Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of 4-H Camp Overlook

 Senate Resolution No. 789 BY: Senator STEC COMMEMORATING the 80th Anniversary of 4-H Camp Overlook WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the youth of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of 4-H Camp Overlook; and WHEREAS, 4-H Camp Overlook, located in the hamlet of Mountain View on a scenic 25-acre Adirondack Mountain setting, has been a cherished institution for 80 years, offering educational and recreational experiences to children and adolescents from local communities and across New York State and beyond; and WHEREAS, In 1910, Edwin J. Irwin, an official of the New York Central Railroad built "Camp Jeanne" in honor of his wife who passed away in 1939; Camp Jeanne and the numerous building on the site were willed to Jeanne Irwin's brother, Edwin Dimelow; and WHEREAS, Edwin Dimelow undertook the conversion of the main lodge into Hotel Overlook, establishing a full-service dining room and creating a popular destination that attracted visitors from near and far; and WHEREAS, In 1945, the 4-H Boards of Directors of Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties purchased the property for $12,000, acquiring multiple buildings-including the main lodge, a workshop, the guest house known as "Little Moose," two boathouses-and approximately 1,600 feet of scenic waterfront along Indian Lake; and WHEREAS, Since that time, Camp Overlook has been owned and operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, providing affordable, wholesome, and engaging outdoor experiences in a safe, supervised environment; and WHEREAS, 4-H Camp Overlook offers traditional overnight camp sessions for youth ages 8 to 19, allowing campers to participate in a wide variety of courses including canoeing, kayaking, sailing, archery, rocketry, STEM activities, drama, eco-exploration, and more, all designed to challenge and inspire young minds; and WHEREAS, Over the years, more than 60,000 youth have attended Camp Overlook; in addition to the formal summer camp, thousands of youth from area schools have been brought to Camp Overlook for outdoor education activities and classes; and WHEREAS, The camp offers specialized programs such as Cloverbud Camp for younger children ages 6 to 8, introducing them to the independence of overnight camp through age-appropriate classes and activities, all guided by trained counselors; and WHEREAS, 4-H Camp Overlook places a strong emphasis on leadership development through its Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs, which offer teens valuable mentorship, teaching, and camp leadership experience, preparing them for future employment as counselors; and WHEREAS, The camp also offers adventurous outdoor programs such as the Mountaineer, Alpine Adventurers, and Pathfinder (MAAP) Programs, which provide opportunities for campers to learn backpacking, outdoor skills, and to experience the beauty of the Adirondack High Peaks; and WHEREAS, 4-H Camp Overlook's programs foster personal, social, and educational growth while promoting environmental awareness, healthy life skills, and a sense of community, leaving campers with lasting memories and a deep connection to the natural world; and WHEREAS, For eight decades, the dedicated staff, counselors, and volunteers of 4-H Camp Overlook have worked tirelessly to maintain the camp's tradition of excellence and ensure its continued success as a beacon of outdoor education and personal growth for the youth of New York State and beyond; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of 4-H Camp Overlook, to honor its significant contributions to the development of the young people of this great Empire State, and to express its deep appreciation for the camp's ongoing legacy of providing enriching and transformative experiences for generations of campers; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to 4-H Camp Overlook.