FULTON – Local author and Friends of Camp Hollis supporter, Jim Farfaglia, spoke at a recent Fulton Sunrise Rotary meeting.
Farfaglia shared the fascinating history of Camp Hollis from its beginning in 1928, when Dr. Leroy Hollis opened that camp as a camp for children who were at risk of contracting Tuberculosis, to its present day status.
Over the years the camp transformed from a health based facility to one for at risk children involved with the court system, living in local orphanages, or who were students in the local school system. By the 1960’s the camp offered all county children the opportunity to attend Camp Hollis free of charge.
In 2003 the county experienced financial hardships but kept the camp open by creating a sliding scale camping fee. The Friends of Camp Hollis was established to help raise money for camper scholarships. The Friends continue to help when funds are needed for improvements to the camp.
They have launched a 2021 fund raising campaign to build a new playground. The 5 year project will begin with the construction of a climbing wall tower. The campaign goal for the wall is $20,000. Camp Hollis is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
The publishing of Farfaglia’s new book on the history of the camp will coincide with events planned to celebrate the history of this Oswego County treasure. Through careful planning the camp was able to operate as a day camp this past summer.
Depending on the pandemic situation next summer Camp Hollis is prepared to again operate as a day camp if necessary. For more information on the 75th Camp Hollis Anniversary celebration, the fundraising campaign, or Farfaglia’s new book contact him at: [email protected]
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