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Amendments, featuring a guaranteed 20-year lease term, were sought by Camp Herrlich to ensure long-term care of the property and to secure funding for facility improvement and expansion to increase the camp’s capacity, according to a release statement.
“Camp Herrlich has been a long-time partner of the County, as well as the Carmel Central School District and other local service agencies,” said Odell. “We are pleased with the outcome of the resolution and look forward to improvements at the camp that will benefit Putnam County and our children through high-quality, safe and enriching childcare and summer camp options.”
Camp Herrlich Executive Director Bob Gentile said, “By amending this lease we will be able to secure the donations needed to improve and expand the camp facilities and program offerings."
Gentile added that they are in the process of constructing a new 5,000-square-foot, multipurpose building and an outdoor amphitheater thanks to a generous donation and partnership with H. G. Fairfield Arts and an anonymous donor.
"This new construction will enable us to serve more people in the comfort of our traditional camp environment, through the inclusion of new dormitory facilities, classroom, bathroom space, open indoor space, and a performance venue," Gentile said. "We hope to break ground this fall."
Camp Herrlich, located in Patterson, provides childcare and camp programming for and with a wide range of organizations, including the Putnam County Youth Bureau, the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, the Carmel Central School District, Brewster Schools, Cornell Cooperative Extension and 4-H, H. G. Fairfield Arts Center for the Environment, and others.
“Camp Herrlich has always been a jewel in the Town of Patterson and has served as an asset to all of Putnam County," said Ginny Nacerino, chairwoman of the Legislature. "As a longtime resident of the Town of Patterson, I am elated that an agreement has been finalized, which will ensure that Camp Herrlich will continue to grow and foster wonderful programs for our children."
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