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Camp Susquehanna was founded in 1919 by Robert T. Smith at Wading River, Long Island. Ten years later the camp was moved to its New Milford location and it became "A Mountain Camp for Boys". A place where campers could have the opportunity to enjoy natural, healthful outdoor living; the romance of the woods; the wonderful relationship of a boy and his horse; and the thrill of individual achievment and growth. (As stated in the 1960 brochure)
By 1960, the camp was operating with a complement of 45 staff members
and over 100 campers. Mr. Smith put the Camp up for sale and it was purchased
by Ken and Joy Schroder in 1962. Mr. Schroder co-directed the camp with Mr. Smith for the '63 and '64 seasons. Campers enjoyed recreational and educational activities with a program centered on horsemanship.
The handover was designed to be seamless but within a year of selling the camp, the previous owner opened a competing camp in Montrose which was in direct violation of a non-compete clause in the sale contract. He solicited campers and staff for his new camp directly from Camp Susquehanna enrollment and employees. Several key staff members joined his new camp and a small but economically devastating number of campers followed. It appeared as though he was having second thoughts about selling the camp and was attempting to bankrupt the new owners. He went so far as to write a personal appeal to all of the camp families questioning the intent and integrity of the new owners. At one point he offered to buy back the camp at a fraction of the sale price. The Schroders persevered and attempted to put the matter behind them but the defections had lasting effects.
Camp Susquehanna had been born out of the Scouting Movement and was tempered by the Great Depression and World War II. The camp was not immune to the counter-culture movement of the Sixties however. Change at camp following the sale and purchase was inevitable. Boys' interest in horses and scouting activities was declining. In an effort to boost enrollment and to offer a horsemanship program for their daughter, Ken and Joy discovered enough interest existed to start a camp for girls. In 1969 the first season of Camp Equinita was
held with sixteen pioneering young girls and
seven counselors.
Initially the camps were operated as separate entities,
sharing only daily activities at the riding and waterfront facilities. The girls camp took up residence in what was the Junior Camp. They had their own archery range, air riflery range, arts and crafts cabin and canteen. Meals were brought from the main camp and eaten in the lodge. After a couple of years, the camps became blended and termed "co-ed", though living quarters remained significantly segregated. The decision to start the girls camp was very timely. The new camp grew quickly. In three short years Equinita enrollment surpassed that of Susquehanna and by 1977, girls outnumbered boys over 2 to 1. The camps continued to offer a wide variety of activities, but it was clear that horseback riding and the care of horses were the primary interest of nearly all campers.
In the late '70s, the proximity of the girls and boys camps, combined with mid-teen awareness, became an issue that could not be ignored. In an effort to purge the camps of unnecessary influences, Ken and Joy discontinued the counselor-in-training (CIT) program and limited the upper age limit of campers to 15 years of age. This had two effects. The first, and desired result was to eliminate the instigators. The other effect was that it eliminated 20% of the enrollment. Although the reduction in enrollment had a similar effect on the revenue, it made the operation more logistically manageable. And, having restored a sense of order to the ranks, returning 16 year olds were allowed to attend the following season. Many people believed that enrollment reduction was a bad thing. The Schroder's believed it made the camp environment more family-like. Campers from the eighties agree that camp was truly like a family. The camp had evolved from a militaristic model to an extended family of horse and camp lovers, though the bugles and nomenclature remained.
In the mid '80s, enrollment at resident summer camps in general was trailing off dramatically. The cost of liability insurance premiums and labor drove up tuition as camps became more expensive to operate. Parents also began to have more choices for summertime activities. According to the American Camping Association, the number of day camps started growing in 1982 and grew 90% over the past 20 years. Local communities also began offering attractive summer programs for children and families started spending more time vacationing together. In 1984, the decision to discontinue advertising the camps was made. The final season in 1985 saw 22 girls and only 4 boys. Just as the years had been before, it was a terrific and memorable summer.
The camp property has since been sold-off. Those wishing to visit the property will be surprised to see the recent transformation into a campground called "The Camp at East Lake", and will likely be disappointed to see the development which has taken place on the surrounding land. It is good to see the property continue to provide recreation and memories for more people. And if you wander around a bit, you can still feel the magic.
All of the changes the area has been through over years has not diminished the memories and dreams of the thousands of children and counselors who attended the camps over the years. Barely a day goes by that I don't have a memory of camp. Of course I have constant reminders, but people always tell me they have frequent thoughts of camp. Whenever I think of camp, It is nice to think that someone else might be having a similar thought at that same moment. Most years I forget to light my candle at New Year's, but I always remember camp and I think of those I know who faithfully lit theirs for years.
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Day is done
Gone the sun From the lakes From the hills From the stars All is well Safely rest God is nigh |
The Schroders own some remaining property in the camp area and they often spend weekends camping there. For those who just can't stay away, please contact one of us before visiting the camp. We may want to join you!
