4-H CAMP OVERLOOK TRANSITIONS PROGRAM TO FAMILY CAMPS FOR 2020

Submitted by Casey Sukeforth & Erica Kelso

Cornell Cooperative Extension Franklin & St. Lawrence Counties

In a normal summer, 4-H Camp Overlook in Mountain View sees over 800 campers come through its red gates. Generations of North Country families can credit Overlook with learning how to swim, for lifelong friendships, and outdoor skills. While our programs change annually, the spirit of making the best better has remained consistent over its 75 years. 2020 has brought a quiet upon camp as Overlook shut its gates to campers due to the global pandemic. However, the need for youth and families to enjoy quality time in a safe outdoor environment has not subsided. With some creative thinking and a passion for meeting our community's needs, 4-H Camp Overlook is proud to offer Family Camps during the month of August.

Overlook will run five Family Camp sessions of three days and two nights. When registering you can choose your favorite cabin and continue their history of late-night chats and cabin photos. Not only can you enjoy your normal camping activities like campfires and swimming, but you can enjoy some traditional Overlook activities as well. Throughout the weekend families will have time to take out our canoes and explore the lake, they can stop into our archery range and learn new skills or practice old. We've created art to-go kits so families will have the opportunity to bring a few physical artifacts home to remember their experience. For a small additional fee, families can tackle a ropes course obstacle together or head out on the sailboats for an afternoon or evening sail. We strived to encompass all the great things that campers enjoy throughout resident camp in a family friendly and safe format.

Our staff has worked hard to prepare camp in a safe manner amidst the pandemic concerns. Many cleaning responsibilities, social distancing measures, and cute 4-H face masks for the staff have been added to our normal routines to make you safe and comfortable. Our goal is to provide a family camp experience at Overlook that encompasses the wonderful things people love about camp, as well as keeping those who attend healthy and safe. We hope that you can join us this summer for a unique stay, to keep our camp alive. For more information or to register, please visit: https://4hcampoverlook.org/family-camps/