SUMMER Camp Scully offers respite

"Summer camp is something I wanted my kids to experience," she said. "I didn't want them to miss the opportunity."

About seven years ago, she and her husband, William, an emergency medical technician, discovered Camp Scully when he was hired as health director there. Ever since, their three children -- Harley, 15; Laura 13, and KarrieAnne, 11 -- have enjoyed the fun and charm of Camp Scully, which is operated by the Diocese of Albany.

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Camp Scully is a co-ed overnight camp for children, 7 to 14 years old. Located on 22 acres of land in North Greenbush, it includes 10 children's cabins, a recreation hall, meeting hall, dining hall, modern lavatories, a picnic and activities pavilion, playing fields, hiking trails, and a waterfront.

Children reside at the camp for one-week stays from Sunday afternoon through Saturday morning. During the seven-week camp season, about 750 campers participate in swimming, hiking, boating, canoeing, basketball, volleyball, arts and crafts, soccer, a low-elements rope course, archery, and other activities.

History

In 1927, it was relocated to a site on Crooked Lake, where it operated for seven years. In 1934, the Villa finally settled at its present site on Snyder's Lake in North Greenbush. In 1944, it was rededicated in honor of its founder Rev. Joseph Scully.

"Camp Scully emphasizes six core values: service, care, understanding, love, loyalty and youthfulness," Ms. Keller said. "The staff is chosen on the basis of character, responsibility, skills and a sincere interest in working with children."

Child's view

"The counselors are really nice to all of the 'first years,'" she said. "They made us feel welcomed and made sure we really had fun. I met a lot of new friends, and now a few girls I go to school with come to camp with me."

Laura's sister, KarrieAnne, learned how to swim at Camp Scully under the American Red Cross program, and is now a Level 7 swimmer. "I love swimming, the arts and crafts, and meeting new friends," she said.

Over the years, KarrieAnne has made paintings, wood projects and string art, which now decorate the Stefanik home.

"Summer camp is fun," she said. "I like the bugs and animals, too -- the spiders, squirrels and rabbits."

Volunteering

Appreciative of her children's experiences at Camp Scully, Mrs. Stefanik volunteered in the kitchen last summer, "making sure things ran smoothly. I helped serve meals on time, and I washed lots of dishes. I was just out there being a mom. It was great!"

(An open house will be held at Camp Scully on June 9, noon-4 p.m. The staff will conduct tours. Applications and deposits will be accepted. The cost is $210 per child for one week of overnight camping. The first week of camp begins June 23. Call 426-3511 or write Camp Scully Registration Office, 100 Slingerland Street, Albany 12202.)

(06-06-02) [[In-content Ad]]