Oswego County Senior Camp Offers 1 Day Retreat  Tuesday, June 9 At Camp Hollis 

by Contributor | May 8, 2026 11:27 am

 OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County Senior Camp offers a fun-filled, 1-day retreat geared especially for residents aged 

50 and older on Tuesday, June 9 at Camp Hollis in Oswego County. Registration begins at 8:00am and activities get underway at 9:15am and last through the evening meal. With this year’s theme, “Cultivate Your Curiosity,” speakers and activities will focus on opportunities seniors may never 

have considered or want to learn more about for their own wellbeing or others they care for. 

Situated along the shore of Lake Ontario, Camp Hollis is located three miles west of Oswego at 

40 Health Camp Road. Sign-ups are encouraged by May 31st as space is limited. There is a fee 

to attend the retreat. To register, email Sue Brown at [email protected] or call 

315-436-2447. 

The morning starts off an overview of the day’s choices for campers to consider; all while noshing 

on healthy snacks, sweet treats and hot coffee and tea. First on the agenda will be the choice to do Archery, lawn games or Tai Chi, all being held outside with beautiful Lake Ontario as a backdrop. 

Tai Chi is an ancient healing art known for overall wellbeing including better balance. It incorporates 

a series of gentle stretching exercises lead by certified instructor, Caroline Behr from Oswego. 

Later that morning, miniature donkeys, and dwarf goats from Brayhope Farm in Phoenix will visit Camp Hollis for the first time. Campers will have the opportunity to get up close to these gentle animals and learn from the owners, Diane Nedrow, and her husband, how they started this non-profit in their retirement and what it has meant to bring joy and comfort to seniors, veterans, and children with special needs. 

A hot meal at noon is provided courtesy of the Oswego County Office for Aging and prepared by 

OCO Nutritional Services, followed by make-your-own sundaes and live entertainment, “Whiskey Spirits”. The duo performs a mix of classic country and timeless pop featuring powerhouse vocals by Gina Mazzoli and the distinctive lap steel guitar of Tim Nekritz. Mazzoli is well known for her range of talent on the local musical theatre scene, while Nekritz is known for his singer/songwriter skills, including founding, and hosting a monthly Songwriters Circle in Fairhaven. 

Recreational activities continue in the afternoon with a guided nature walk and rope course lead by Camp Hollis Director Zach Grulich and camp counselors. Group exercise in the afternoon will be led 

by Cathy Cook Smith from the Oswego YMCA. Cathy is a certified Silver Sneaker instructor and is also certified in several yoga methods. 

Always a highlight of the Senior Camp experience are afternoon crafts. Glass Art will be led by Diane Chepko-Sade from Riverside Artisans, assisted by volunteers from Salmon River Fine Arts Center. Diane will guide campers through the creation of brightly colored glass compositions that will result 

in vibrant designs that can be hung on windows as light catchers. 

Other Camp experiences include a Silent Auction, Raffle Baskets, Door Prize giveaways and Bingo. Snacks and drinks are made available throughout the day. Attendees can also relax outside on a spacious deck to enjoy the views of Lake Ontario or feel free to explore the trails and shoreline on their own. 

The day winds down with a special guest presentation followed by the evening meal. The meal is a box supper for those campers who would like to leave early and take it with them. Those who stay can share in camp stories, singing and distribution of food leftovers. 

Senior Camp relies on the generosity of program presenters, donors, and area businesses including Bosco’s Meats, Burger King, Cam’s Pizza, Coca-Cola Corporation, Dahl’s Diner, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin’, Hudson Dairy, Huhtamaki, KFC, Man in the Moon Candy, Mexico Florist-Unique Baskets and Gifts, Oswego County Office for the Aging, Ontario Orchards, Oswego Big M, Oswego Elks Lodge #271, Pepsi Corporation, Price Chopper, Sausage Shack, Stewart’s Shops, Tops Friendly Markets, Walmart, 5 Below, and Paulanjos Pizza. 

“Camp Hollis offers an opportunity to recapture the fun of childhood summer camp and meet people who share similar interests. We are sure that you will experience an exciting and fun day,” said Therese Watchus, Oswego County Senior Camp President. For questions or more information on 

the event, call Therese at 315-591-8537. 

Celebrating 34 years, Oswego County Senior Camp at Camp Hollis was initially developed by RSVP 

of Oswego County in conjunction with the Oswego County Youth Bureau in 1992. Managed by RSVP volunteers, the program exemplifies “Lifelong Learning” and encourages seniors to remain engaged 

in continuous personal development. Oswego County Senior Camp hosts 1-day retreats annually in June and September offering a wide selection of presentations, demonstrations, health and wellness programs, and hobby sharing relevant to seniors. Camp Hollis events are managed by Director, Zach Grulich as a program of the Oswego County Youth Bureau. 

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/announcements/oswego-county-senior-camp-offers-1-day-retreat-tuesday-june-9-at-camp-hollis/

---