Senior Camp Retreat At Camp Hollis Invites Seniors 50+ To Come “Explore Your Horizons” On September 9

by Contributor | August 16, 2025 10:40 am

OSWEGO COUNTY – A fun-filled, one-day retreat geared especially for residents 50 and older is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 atCamp Hollis in Oswego County. Senior Camp has been taking place the second Tuesday in June and September for 33 years. Registration begins at 8:00am and activities get underway at 9:15am and last through the evening meal. With this year’s theme, “Explore Your Horizons,” speakers and activities will focus on exploring new opportunities that enhance our physical and mental wellbeing.

“Music was awesome!” Speaker was great” “Crafts were fantastic” “ Cathy excellent!“ “I enjoyed it all,” are just some of the comments shared by Campers at last June’s event.

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

40 Health Camp Road. Sign-ups are encouraged by August 30th as space is limited. There is a

fee to attend the retreat. To register, email Sue Brown at [email protected][1] or call

315-436-2447.

The morning starts off with a presentation by a member of the Oswego County chapter of “Project Lifesaver International,.” Begun in 2010, the Project is a collaborative effort on the part of law enforcement (primarily the Sheriff’s Office and 9-1-1) and the Oswego County Pioneer Search and Rescue Team. Their primary purpose is to protect the vulnerable and provide peace of mind for parents and caregivers.

Following the presentation, the morning gets underway with Tai Chi, a series of gentle stretching exercises outside on the lawn with beautiful Lake Ontario as a backdrop. Tai Chi is an ancient healing art known for overall well-being including better balance. It can be  practiced anywhere

by anyone of any age. The instructor, Alex Sorbello, leads a class on Wednesdays at Blue Feather Wellness in Fulton.

Recreational activities throughout the day include archery, lawn games, a guided nature walk, and rope course led byCamp Director Zach Grulich and camp counselors. Cathy Bonoffski will again

lead a Camp favorite, Silver Sneakers chair exercises. They are both lively and fun!

Campers gather together at noon for a chicken & biscuit dinner, courtesy of OCO and the Office for Aging. Musicalentertainment will follow featuring “The Goodnight Ladies Sing-along String Band” Katie Donovan & Sarah Galvin invite Campers to join as they play hits from the 1920s to the 2020s on fiddle and banjo.

Always a highlight of the Senior Camp experience are afternoon crafts. Two choices will be offered: OwletteOrnaments, led by Karen Wheeler, a member of the Salmon River Fine Arts Center and Wood Carving led by John Pupparo of Fairhaven. John made his debut at the Camp held in June

by helping Campers sculpt their own creations and is back by popular demand.

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.

Prior to the evening meal, author Lee Ellen Hickey, will explore beyond the horizon. She will discuss her latest book,The Girl in the Glass Coffin, based on a true story which took place in a 19th century home still standing in Oswego’s first ward. Those who have already heard Hickey speak can expect to hear the exciting latest information.

The day winds down with a tuna Salad Sandwich box supper, singing and camp stories (in the Lodge or around the Campfire).

Senior Camp relies on the generosity of program presenters, donors, and area businesses including Bosco’s Meats,Burger King, Cams Pizza, Coca-Cola Corporation, Dahl’s Diner, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts, GJP Italian Eatery,Hudson Dairy, Huhtamaki, KFC, Man in the Moon Candy, Mexico’s Floral and Gift Shop, OCO Nutritional Services,Ontario Orchards, Oswego Big M, Oswego Elks Lodge #271, Pepsi Corporation, Price Chopper, Sausage Shack, Stewart’s Shops, Tops Friendly Markets, Walmart and JP Jewelers.

Senior Camp takes place twice a year while students are still in school. It is affiliated with Friends of CampHollis and the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Camp Hollis events are managed by Camp Director Zach Grulich as a program of the Oswego County Youth Bureau.

“We hope that you can join us at Camp Hollis. You can reconnect with campers and meet new friends as well. We are sure that you will experience an exciting and fun day,” said Therese Watchus, Senior Camp Coordinator. For questions or more information on the event, call

Therese at 315-591-8537.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/senior-camp-retreat-at-camp-hollis-invites-seniors-50-to-come-explore-your-horizons-on-september-9/

---