Honor North Country Camps Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 797 BY: Senator LITTLE COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the North Country Camps WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that the quality of life of the citizens of New York State is greatly enriched by its exceptional cultural, educational and recreational facilities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the North Country Camps with a myriad of events throughout the upcoming season, beginning with a dinner on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York; and WHEREAS, The North Country Camps, Camp Lincoln for boys and Camp Whippoorwill for girls, is located on the shores of Augur Lake near Keeseville, New York, in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1919 by Colba "Chief" Gucker, the family-run camps have offered children and counselors alike the opportunity to live together simply in safe, healthy, cheerful, and challenging outdoor surroundings; and WHEREAS, Through the last century, four generations of the Gucker family and many dedicated and long-time staff members have empowered children to spend the summer in a place where life is dynamic and purposeful, yet unhurried and free from the burdens of technology; and WHEREAS, After the Chief's death in 1973, the Chief's Memorial Campership Fund was established by long-time staff members to provide scholarships to those children in need; and WHEREAS, In 2018, the North Country Camps Foundation was formed by a group of alumni to support the Gucker family in their continued endeavors; and WHEREAS, Camp Lincoln and Camp Whippoorwill are organized independently from one another, however, they operate on the same schedule and campers regularly join together for a variety of activities; and WHEREAS, Each year, 90 girls and 90 boys attend these family-like camps, and 80 percent of them return year after year; in fact, many of the campers are the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of former campers; and WHEREAS, Children ages 8-15 engage in daily outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, archery, art and woodshop, and a variety of field sports; campers also partake in numerous wilderness trips, giving them a chance to explore nature and learn to live self-sufficiently, yet comfortably in the great outdoors; and WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the North Country Camps may take just pride in its purposeful growth, as it looks forward to continuing to serve the recreational needs of the community; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the North Country Camps have helped generations of children to develop confidence, independence and a sense of stewardship for nature and the Adirondack region; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when establishments of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the North Country Camps; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the North Country Camps.