Write a commentOswego County Senior Camp offers a fun-filled 1-day retreat geared especially for residents aged 50 and older on Tuesday September 8 at Camp Hollis in Oswego County.
Registration begins at 8:00 am and activities get underway at 9:15 am and last through the evening meal. With this year’s theme, “Cultivating 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 shores of Lake Ontario, Camp Hollis is located three miles west of Oswego at 40 Health Camp Road. Signs-ups are encouraged by August 28th 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 with an overview of the day’s choices for campers to consider, all while noshing on healthy snacks, sweet treats, hot coffee, juice and tea. First on the agenda will be a presentation by Mary Kay Stone, past-president of the Oswego County Historical Society. Have you ever wondered what areas of the Richardson-Bates House Museum are closed to the public? Mary Kay will present “Behind the Scenes at the Richardson-Bates House Museum” to answer that question.
Following the presentation will be a variety of outdoor activities including bocce ball, corn hole, kite flying, as well as Tai Chi, all with beautiful Lake Ontario as a backdrop. Tai Chi is an ancient healing art that promotes balance, flexibility, and overall well-being through gentle, flowing movements. Join Quiet Strength Qigong & Tai Chi with certified instructor Alexandra Sorbello of Fulton.
A hot meal at noon is provided courtesy of the Oswego County Office for the Aging and prepared by OCO Nutritional Services, followed ice cream sundaes for dessert, donated by Stewarts’ Shops. During the meal hour enjoy live entertainment by Oswego native, Rich Hart. Rich is a singer-songwriter who performs a mix of classic rock, original songs and acoustic eclectic music.
Recreational activities continue throughout the afternoon including a guided nature walk and group exercise lead by Cathy Bonoffski. Cathy is a certified Silver Sneakers instructor at Oswego YMCA and her sessions are always lively, fun and a camp favorite.
Always a highlight of the Senior Camp experience are afternoon crafts. Led by Barb Hartman from the Salmon River Fine Arts Center in Pulaski, campers will create Natural Paper Art, using elements found in nature and handmade paper.
The afternoon’s presentation will feature special guest, Ben Loset, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) educator. He will discuss Lake Ontario’s designation as a National Marine Sanctuary for the 4-county area with Oswego at the heart of it and help in our understanding of the attraction of deep water shipwrecks just off our shores.
Other Camp experiences include a Silent Auction, raffle baskets, door prizes and Bingo. Campers can also relax outside on a spacious deck or feel free to explore the trails and shoreline on their own. Snacks and drinks are made available throughout the day.
The day will wind down with a box supper for Campers who would like to leave early and take it with them. Those who stay will be able to share camp stories, songs 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, Fajita Grill, Hudson Dairy, Huhtamaki, KFC, Man in the Moon Candies, Mexico Florist-Unique Baskets, Oswego County Office For the Aging, Oswego Big M, Oswego Elks Lodge#271, Pizza Villa, Paulanjos Pizza, Pepsi Corporation, Port City Co-op, Price Chopper, Stewarts’ Shops, Tops Friendly Markets, and Walmart.
“Camp Hollis offers an opportunity to recapture the fun of childhood summer camp and meet people who share similar interests,” 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 was initially developed by RSVP of Oswego County 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 presenters, demonstrations, health and wellness programs, and hobby sharing of interest to seniors. Camp Hollis events are managed by Camp Director Zach Grulich as a program of the Oswego County Youth Bureau
