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.
