Years 25 Through 50

1953

Staff arrived on July 12 for training, campers arrived on July 13.

1954

127 campers attended camp within three weeks of camp, the first being for younger girls.

1955

Conservation was the main focus of boys week. NYS Conservation Department taught the classes.

1956

Though there were usually three weeks of camp, this year there were only two with 129 campers.

1957

Only two weeks of camp, but 149 campers - largest attendance in five years.

1959

Ward MacMillen is the new 4-H Agent and Camp Director. Two weeks of camp brought 170 campers and counselors.

1960

Scoharie County 4-Hers came to Shankitunk, because they had no camp of their own. 220 Campers within three weeks.

1961

$14 for a week of camp. There were three weeks, with parents night every Friday from 7:30-10. Campers went home on Saturday at 1:30.

1962

The fee is now $15 per week.

1963

A new dining hall, units 1 and 2, and staff house were brought from SUNY Delhi to camp. Electricity, Newspaper, and Outdoor Cooking are added as classes.

1964

CIT, Hunter Safety, and Entomology are offered. A filter is put into the pool. Wednesday night BBQ, a tradition that is still carried on today begins this year.

1965

Three weeks of camp, each costing $17.

1966

Fee is raised to $19 per week.

1967

The 4-H office was closed from 10 to noon so the staff could work at camp.

1968

Fee is raised to $20 per week.

1969

Delaware County purchases the camp from Tom Dent. A slide for the pool and a new shower building are the additions at camp. 310 campers who, for the first time were not only 4-Hers, but all residents of Delaware County.

1970

Brian Miteer is the new 4-H Agent and Camp Director.

1971

Tom Kaufman was summer assistant, Vicki Gavett was Camp Director.

1972

Photography was taught for the first time using a Polaroid Black and White camera.

1973

Government surplus mobile home becomes the infirmary at camp.

1974

Jim Rice is 4-H Agent and Camp Director.

1975

First year of coed camp. The pool was shortened to fix a leak. A new kitchen with a walk in cooler was installed. This kitchen and dining hall was located where the science center is. It was used as a science center after the current dining hall was built and before the new science center was built. Bob Stark was the Program Director. Horse was offered as a class for the first time.

1976

Horseback riding was held at SUNY Delhi. Tie dying shirts was a popular activity. 441 Campers within 4 weeks.

1977

Camp's 50th anniversary! A new recreation hall was built by the Walton National Guard and dedicated to John Lennox. This rec hall is still used today. Fee is raised to $40 per week.

 

Go back to The First 25 Years Or keep exploring Years 50 to 75