TAUNY - News

Another of TAUNY’s selections for the 2016 Heritage Awards program is 4-H Camp Overlook, and during the past few weeks of my SLU PIC internship working with TAUNY as a Media Assistant to the Heritage Awards program, I have learned a lot about the camp by transcribing interviews and scanning and cataloging photographs and newsletters. It did not take long to realize there’s something very special about the Mountain View, New York camp.

When I was first transcribing an interview with alumnus Teresa Stone, I was struck by how much love she had for the camp and how involved she remained in its operations into her adulthood. I then attended a second interview with alumni Dave Baker, Patrick Ames (Executive Director of CCE of St. Lawrence County), and Ann Marie Snell (member of the Board of Directors for the CCE of St. Lawrence County), in addition to Casey Sukeforth, 4-H Camp Program Director. These four, like Teresa Stone, are dedicated to Camp Overlook. Their enthusiasm for the camp at first seemed unmatched, but the more I heard from them, the more uncannily familiar it became to this college student.

St. Lawrence University has been said by students, alumni, professors, and Dean of Admissions Jeff Rickey to have a “secret sauce” that makes SLU truly unique. You can’t throw a frisbee on campus without hitting a friendly and supportive member of the SLU community. When I was asked about my top college choice during my senior year of high school, I was always interrupted to be told that someone’s sister-in-law, former student, or dentist went to SLU and absolutely loved it. Despite its number of other qualifications, the unbridled love for St. Lawrence was always first on the list. Of course, after three years here, I’ve also had a taste of that secret sauce, which gives me context for the similarly widespread admiration for 4-H Camp Overlook.

The similarities of the two institutions does not stop at merely being lovable. The alumni networks at both 4-H Camp Overlook and St. Lawrence University are strong and committed. Alumni of Camp Overlook get involved after their tenure as campers and counselors by becoming involved with the Alumni Association, serving on the Advisory Board, or even seeking career employment at the Cornell Cooperative Extension (which operates the camp). SLU alumni serve as members of the Alumni Executive Council or the Board of Trustees, are eager to help current students, and don their SLU apparel wherever they go.

Another similarity is the educational opportunities at the two institutions. Casey says the camp provides a well-rounded, liberal arts education, referencing the 25 classes, including Wilderness Survival, Rocketry, and Let’s Get Cooking, that are offered at Camp Overlook. “Any kid can come here!” she says, and Dave agrees that “something attracts everybody.” Of course, St. Lawrence is a liberal arts college that offers a similarly wide range of courses and majors.

Lastly, I drew a parallel between the welcoming culture at both Camp Overlook and at SLU. Patrick says about Camp Overlook, “It is the most socially accepting and positive environment … people are kind and thoughtful to each other … and people are going above and beyond to introduce themselves and get to know one another.” Casey says that the camp counselors contribute to this culture, making camp “a really welcoming environment.” Anne Marie agrees, saying that camp is where she “learned what it means to accept people where they are, when they are, how they are.”

Reflecting upon these similarities, I wonder if it is not a coincidence, but rather indicative of North Country culture. I was assured during my freshman year that not only is the St. Lawrence community welcoming, but the greater Canton community is, as well. People here are warmer, more welcoming, and all-around friendlier. I think there’s something about St. Lawrence University, and Patrick thinks there is “just something about the atmosphere” at Camp Overlook, that makes these two places very special. Perhaps it’s a secret sauce - or perhaps it’s just the North Country.

Molly Hyde is this summer’s SLU PIC fellow for TAUNY. She is a senior at St. Lawrence University.

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