Looking Back
A written history of 100 years of Dorothy P Flint 4-H camp!
2024
The Department of Health gives GREEN flag to open 4-H Camp to pre-Covid rules.
Kicking off our Golden Summer with a year-long celebration, DPF 4-H Camp will be celebrating 100 years of camping.
2023
Camp open getting back to normal, campers can pre-sign up for classes.
CSA started community-supported agriculture, eggs and food grown at the camp are sold to people who participate in CSA
Updates continue on older buildings including Tanager, Visitor Washouse on East side
Restorations continued on Hayden Building and Barn
We had an amazing summer camp season, followed up by a great Family Camp session on Labor Day weekend 2023.
Formal planning for the 100th Anniversary is now in full swing. Planning Committees are meeting monthly (sometimes more frequently) to set in motion the biggest party DPF 4-H has ever hosted!
The 100th Celebration will be a YEAR-LONG EVENT!
There are now dozens of volunteers planning all aspects of the event.
The goal of the 100th Anniversary is to honor the many great leaders, campers, volunteers, and alumni, and celebrate the many years of friendship, love, loyalty, and service.
The world has changed a lot in the last 100 years.
Join us to celebrate a monumental occasion!
2022
Camp opens without masks but we are still using cohorts
The Farm To Table program started a revamp of the farm
Program using hands-on learning with culinary skills
Updates and face lifts started in Soundview, Ranger House
2021
DPF 4-H Camp reopens
COVID-19 is still prevalent, however, more is known now, businesses are reopened, and Schools and extracurricular activities are permitted again.
The return to normal was a common phrase during this period.
DPF 4-H camp reopened this summer after carefully restructuring our Summer program with masks and cohorts.
4–H participated in the Sparks program
Day Camp during breaks at East Meadow Farm with masks
Spoke at Albany about 4-H camp programs that include STEM, Topography, beach erosion
Visit the Artifacts page on this website to see the 2021 Parent and Camper Guide for a closer look at how we reopened and what measures were put in place to keep campers and staff safe.
2020
Covid-19 Pandemic.
During unprecedented times that affected individuals worldwide, all summer camps, including DPF 4-H Camp remained closed for the season.
Camp in a Box - program initiated since sleep-away camp was not allowed due to COVID restrictions.
New Roof on the Cliff House.
2010 - 2019
2019
DPF 4-H Celebrated our 95th Reunion
The Gaga Pit was built between the Health Lodge and Canteen on the west side of the camp. Enjoyed by everyone a staple activity for lots of campers.
Day Camp started at Old Bethpage Village restoration during the school breaks.
“Clover Returns to the Fair” 4-H is back at the Long Island fair after many years with demonstrations, projects, and animals in the Livestock building and exhibition hall.
2014
DPF 4-H Celebrated our 90th Reunion
2013
Money used in memory of Ed Safrey for new lights and roof in Kiwanis Hall.
On-demand hot water in the Cliff House
Beachview turned into a cabin with a bathroom and hot water
2012
Help Pave the Way for DPF 4-H Camp
DPF 4-H offers a unique and fun way to fundraise by offering an opportunity to purchase a personalized inscribed brick that will be placed prominently on camp outside of the lodge.
Bricks cost $50 each and could contain up to three lines of text, 14 characters per line.
Polo Horse Match was held to raise money for camp.
2011
Food grown at camp was being brought to Nassau County to be sold.
Grant by LIPA for new lighting in Wildwood Lodge and Craft Shelter.
2010
Windows replaced on the back wall of the Cliffhouse.
Bathroom updated in the Hayden building.
Bathroom updated in the Home Ec sewing area.
2000 - 2009
2009
Deck built off Wildwood Lodge.
2008
Improvements made to the Ranger house and Wildwood Lodge.
2005
DPF 4-H Camp celebrated our 80th Reunion
Edranel office was brought over from Edranel to house the camp director. The new director cabin replaced the director and assistant director trailers originally donated by FEMA.
1,310 camping sessions were filled; 76% of the campers were from Nassau County.
Thirty_five international staff joined with 53 USA staff during the 8 sessions of camp.
Session #1 was a short session.
The Nassau/Suffolk Horsemans Association donated 22 sessions of horse camp; the Homemakers Council of Nassau County, lnc.
Other community groups/individuals contributed funds that allowed 36 youngsters to attend 4-H camp through "campership" financial assistance (all private donations).
The waterfront staff numbered the 193 beach steps (the only stairs used are the ones near the Science Center).
On the last night of camp, August 26, the 4-H Candle Lighting Ceremony was held, just as it has been for decades.
2004
1,372 camping sessions were filled
Cabin #1 Edranel was moved into the girls camp and became Cabin'"Ed" to accommodate more campers.
The Edranel Office was moved and relocated behind the Westwood Lodge to become the summer camp director's home.
The Edranel Unit leader cabin was moved to the horse riding area to become the tack shed.
An outdoor riding ring was developed by volunteers in the former Pine Tree-Edranel recreation area, just north of the flagpole and 4-H rocks.
2002
Boys and Girls units moved to the West Side of camp. Girls lived in Woodlands unit and Boys lived in Sandy Pines unit.
1,250 camping sessions were filled.
The Terry Science Center burned down just session of camp began.
2001
1,137 camping sessions were filled.
Sessions run from Monday to Saturday with optional additional "extender" weekends.
A pheasant farm program was added.
2000
Severe Nassau County budget cuts result in major changes to keep the camping program operating.
Only one camp area could be used and the Wildwood camp was determined to offer the greatest potential for growth.
The camping area was renamed "Westwoods" and would house both boys and girls grades 4-10.
1,063 camping sessions were filled.
The Nassau 4-H Club program ended, as did many other Cornell Cooperative Extension programs when the Nassau County appropriation was reduced from $1.3 million to $200,000 by 2001.
Early 2000s
Lacrosse and Fly fishing offered
1990 - 1999
Late 1990s
Horse barn lost due to fire. A tack shed was built down by the lower enclosed area on the East side.
Gray Beach unit leader cabin was moved down next to the tack shed to be used as an additional tack shed for the horse program.
1999
75ft Anniversary of Nassau 4-H Camping
Program - High ropes program launches.
The high ropes/challenge course was added with over 300 campers signing up for this program.
The installation of the high rope elements was made possible by the telephone pioneers’ volunteers.
1,604 camping sessions filled in teen and youth camps.
1998
An indoor horse-riding ring was built with the help of volunteers from Bell Atlantic Telephone Company Pioneers.
An adventure/high ropes program began to be planned.
1997
Canoe and Kayaking programs were expanded during the summer.
The Master Gardener's built a freshwater pond below the Science Center.
1995
Boys and Girls units combined. Boys lived in Pine Tree, Chumani unit, and Girls lived in Edranel.
1994
A campership/scholarship program for Nassau youngsters began with contributions from the Homemakers Council of Nassau County, lnc.
1993
The gazebo, located behind the Cliff House, was dedicated in memory of Peter Meyer and Tony Famighetti, both long-term 4-H volunteers and members of the board of directors.
The Phillip Schafer campership memorial fund was started to commemorate Phil's love of camp and his leadership skills, especially with the farm program.
A memorial plaque, bench and tree are planted in his memory near the barn.
1991
Hurricane Bob: August 19, 1991
1980 - 1989
1980s
Camp enrollment was 131 girls in Pine Tree, 131 girls in Edranel and 150 boys in Wildwood. including summer staff, there were over 600 people a week at camp for 9 weeks during the summer.
Programs added: canoeing and bicycling. Campers brought their own bikes to camp and went on trips to Shelter lsland and the East End of Long lsland.
Hurricane Gloria arrived at the end of the camping season destroying the Pine Forest and Wildwood cabins #7, #10 and the farm Cabin.
Wood from the trees that fell during the storm was sent to a sawmill and cut into planks that were used to rebuild the floor of Cabin #10 Wildwood.
Cabin 7 1/2 was added to Wildwood and the Pine Forest was replanted by volunteers and 4-H groups who donated pine trees.
Family camping was offered.
1970 - 1979
1978
A grant from the Hayden Foundation helped to build the Hayden Machinery Barn at the farm, a chicken coop, a washhouse in Pine Tree Camp and Super Cabins #2 in wildwood.
These were constructed with the help of volunteers; the super cabins were constructed during camp and on work weekends.
1972
The Science Center was completed - a 2 story structure with 2 classrooms, a main conference room, library and 2 bathrooms on the upper level and 4 classroom labs on the lower level.
The dedication on July 30, 1972 was presided over by County Executive Ralph Caso.
1971
The Pine Tree Lodge was added on, with the kitchen completely renovated.
A full basement was used for classes and storage.
The building of the Dorothy P. Flint Science Conference Center was started in the spring.
1970
Camp named the Dorothy P. Flint Nassau County 4-H Camp
The Club Weekend Camping Program grew to involve over 3,000 4-H club members, leaders and parents.
A Craft Shelter, the Del-Ar Shelter, was built in Pine Tree and was named after Del and Arnold Workman and was used for cedar craft and woodworking projects.
This octagonal building was used for classes and evenings programs. The camp now has 104 buildings on the camp property.
Dorothy P. Flint retired after 47 years of dedicated and devoted service to the Nassau County 4-H program.
On the last day of camp she passed away after a long battle with cancer.
County Executive Eugene Nickerson and the Nassau Board of Supervisors passed Resolution No. 994-1970 "RESOLVED, that the camp facility presently known as the Nassau County 4-H Camp is hereby dedicated as a memorial to the late Dorothy P. Flint and shall henceforth be known as the Dorothy P. Flint Nassau County 4-H Camp."
On behalf of the Nassau Farm & Home Bureau/4-H Association, the County of Nassau negotiated the purchase of 3.9 acres with funds supplied by the
Association 4-H Camp Land Acquisition and Contingency fund.
1960 - 1969
1968
A health lodge was built in Edranel and Pine Tree units and a pony barn was built.
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Terry donated a building that was used for the Ag Science Center located north of the barn.
1966
The pony care program began with 10 Shetland mares and a stallion that were donated to the camp.
Sandy Bergold helped get the ponies.
The Wildwood Staff House was completed as well as the Wildwood Canteen and 4 Adirondack Shelters that replaced tents that had been used by the
Conservation boys.
There are now 92 buildings on the camp property.
Teen work-study-fun weekends increased and included science programs on Friday nights and a bowling tournament on Saturday evenings.
1965
On behalf of the Nassau Farm & Home Bureau/4-H Association, the County of Nassau negotiated the purchase 2 purchases totaling 6.6 acres with the funds supplied by the 4-H Camp land acquisition and contingency fund.
A new water system was installed, and dishwashers were installed in the kitchen.
A major reorganization of the camp was made - Pine Tree Camp for girls grades 3-6; Edranel Camp for girls grades 7-11; Wildwood Camp for boys grades 3-11.
The Wildwood All-Purpose Shelter was completed and the Wildwood Staff House was begun.
1964
George Burkhardt Arboretum Dedicated
The George Burkhardt Arboretum was dedicated in July 1964 to commemorate the efforts, achievement and leadership of all this great man had done to make the 4-H Camping program special for so many boys and girls.
A sundial, donated by Edranel Council, was placed in the lower west corner with the inscription "Plant-Nurture-Grow"... This was the belief that Mr. Burkhardt held for youth; you planted an idea, helped nurture the idea and the youngster grew as a result.
Over the years many trees were planted in memory and to thank staff and volunteers.
A memorial flagpole, also in memory of George Burkhardt was placed on the corner of the Pine Tree-Edranel athletic field near the "4-H Rocks."
Over the years, weekend work camps helped 4-H members and their leaders learn to use tools needed for construction.
ln the Wildwood camp much building was completed: 15 cabins, 2 washhouses with laundry facilities, an Office, Canteen, a mess hall dormitory and an all-purpose shelter.
The 1964 report states that the boys and over 300 volunteers helped build 86 buildings, many under the direction of Mr. Burkhardt.
These youngsters used the construction skills learned at 4-H Camp as they grew up and did their own home repairs.
1963
A barn was built for the farming program and a "Farm Unit" was established.
John Mulcahy was the first Farm Manager and Donald J. O'Callaghan was the first Farm Unit Leader.
The farm program grew to include Angus beef, 24 Suffolk sheep, 40 chickens, 25 acres of cultivated farm and a small orchard.
The farm program included classes in vegetable crops, fruits, field crops, entomology, embryology and poultry science.
Work experience include: harvesting hay, corn, strawberries, fruit and vegetables.
Trips to nearby farms, duck processing plants and agricultural businesses were included. Safety was a major theme in regard to animals, machinery and personnel.
When George Burkhardt died of a heart attack, a memorial Arboretum was developed on the Wildwood campsite.
1962
The first co-ed teen camp was established for boys and girls, 12 years and over.
The teen camp was called Wildwood and 8 cabins were built, along with a Mess Hall-Dormitory that housed a temporary First Aid/lnfirmary.
Programs included natural science, outdoor living, conservation, recreational leadership and junior leadership.
Around this time, the "Gate House,, was built near Sound Avenue.
1961
Wildwood Camp started as 114 acres are added
On behalf of the Nassau Farm & Home Bureau/4-H Association, the County of Nassau negotiated the purchase of 2 properties that added 114 acres to the camp.
The name Wildwood was given to the camp because it had many grape vines and was well wooded.
1960
Farm Land Expansion
7 acres added to the camp
957 boys and girls attended 4-H Camp.
To offer urban 4-H boys an opportunity to study agricultural and animal sciences, the farm program began with 3 purebred Angus beef, 6 purebred
Suffolk sheep, a flock of chickens and an assortment of rabbits, geese and ducks.
A large garden was started and a farm Supervisor Donald MacVean (a former Nassau County 4-H member) was hired.
The farm program helped acquaint urban young people with rural life problems.
Nassau County Executive, Holly Patterson, other Nassau County officials and Dr. Kenneth Lane, Chairman of the 4-H Executive Committee, did much to develop the 4-H Camp.
The entire 4-H staff, 4-H leaders and 4-H members helped the 4-H Camp grow.
On behalf of the Nassau Farm & Home Bureau/4-H Association, the County of Nassau negotiated the purchase of 7 acres with funds supplied by the 4-H camp land acquisition and contingency fund.
1950 - 1959
1957
Work Weekends, Expanding Infrastructure, Marilyn Meyer
Year-round 4-H Camping Begins.
Miss Marilyn R. Meyer was hired to organize weekend camping and help organize boys clubs.
During the fall, 7 weekend camping trips were held with 4-H clubs of boys and girls, their leaders and parents.
The groups ranged in size from 15 to 71 and learned fire building, outdoor cooking, recreation, nature study and hiking. The Club Weekend Camping Program was developed with the 4-H leader councils who brought their groups to camp on weekends and followed up on topics at regular club meetings.
Construction weekends for boys were started by Mr. Burkhardt to glve boys experiences in the use of carpentry tools.
Eighteen groups ranging in size from 12 to 33 participated in the program.
The contraction work weekend groups finished the interior and exterior of the Pine Tree Lodge.
This group built a new office at Pine Tree unit; at Edranel unit they built a cabin, craft shelter added on Kiwanis Hall, Home Economics Center, Wash House, Staff House.
1956
The First All Summer Camp Program
The first all summer 4-H Camp program began with the Pine Tree Unit being used by boys and the Edranel unit by the girls.
1955
Camp Attendance
630 boys and girls attended summer 4-H Camp.
1954
The Cliff House
An old farmhouse that Mrs. Flint had moved to the top of the bluff overlooking the Ll Sound had been used as a staff house for many years.
lt burned down and was replaced by a large ranchtype house that was designed by architect George McKay and built under the supervision of George Burkhardt and Dr. Kenneth Lant.
lt was named the Cliff House and had a large conference room and library in the center, with a kitchen and 8 bedrooms in both wings.
It was heated so it could be used all year.
1953
Herbert Peters, the Ranger House and Meadowlark
As the camp grew, there was a need to maintain the buildings and equipment year round. A full time camp caretaker, Herbert Peters was hired.
A cottage with a two-car garage and workshop was built on the camp road overlooking the field for him and his family.
He did much to keep the buildings in repair and assisted with new construction.
Edranel Lodge was built and dedicated August 23rd by Nassau County Executive A. Holly Patterson.
Meadowlark Cottage was built by volunteers near the Caretakers Cottage for use by staff and key volunteers.
1951
Kiwanis Clubs of Nassau County gave and built Kiwanis Hall, to be used for a recreation room, craft workshop and nature laboratory.
Pioneer camping was established in the Grey Beech Unit for older campers who cooked their own meals over an open fire and slept under the stars.
1940 - 1949
1949
Nassau County purchases Riverhead property for Nassau 4-H Camping program
Nassau County, at the request of the Nassau Farm & Home Bureau/4-H Association (now Cornell Cooperative Extension) purchased the 35 acres for the continued use of the 4-H camping program, It was purchased "for use by the Nassau County Farm and Home Bureau and 4-H Club Association.
In the midst of what was a tangled forest, 4-H Camp units were built.
Pine Tree was the first and it was located near the Long Island Sound.
lt consisted of the Pine Tree Lodge that had been moved from Wildwood State Park, the Cliff House, a First Aid cottage, a Canteen, a Camp office 14 camper cabins, 3 staff cabins, 2 handcraft shelters, 2 wash houses (with flush toilets, hot and cold running water) and a laundry.
Volunteers, under the supervision of George Burkhardt, helped build the 11 cabins, 3 staff cabins, washhouse, and craft shelter.
Each unit had a council fire ring and a recreation field for active sports.
The beach on the Long Island Sound was used for swimming and there was a picnic area with tables and fireplaces for friendly gatherings on Visitors Day as well as camper cookouts.
Visitors Day was usually held on a Sunday during the camping season when the families of campers would come to visit campers for the afternoon and enjoy a meal together.
1940s
The First Buildings and Beach Steps
In 1941 a First Aid Cottage was built using second-hand material. lt was renamed 'Sound View,' and used as a director cabin.
The first steps to the beach were a combination of sand, then wood planks, more sand, then wood planks.
In 1943 the first set of steps to the beach were built.
During WW ll it was hard to buy lumber, so second-hand lumber was used for many buildings.
As tents wore out a new design for cabins was developed and it was based on the Ny 13 World's Fair "Danish Garden House.'
Cabin #1, the first cabin to be built, was designed by Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Workman.
The design of the cabin has the floor built first, then the walls which were raised and nailed together, then roof rafters were constructed and finally a roof was put in place.
They got their friends, Mr. & Mrs. George Brenner to help them in building on camp weekends. This inspired others to volunteer to build additional cabins and the group of workers kept expanding as the camp continued to grow.
In the mid-1940's the Edranel Cabin was completed.
1940
Infrastructure Begins
The back-breaking task of clearing land for the new camp, building a road, moving the Pine Tree Lodge (it was cut up into several sections and moved from Wildwood State Park by volunteers under the supervision of Mr. Burkhardt), putting in a water system, developing sanitation facilities, bringing in electricity and moving the camping equipment began.
This was a huge undertaking and one that would have discouraged anyone but Camp Director, George Burkhardt.
ln true 4-H spirit, he and Mrs. Flint tackled the job with the help of staff, 4-H Club members, parents, friends, and Edranel members.
This dedicated group learned how to survey, build roads, fell trees, mix and pour cement for buildings, build "walk-in" refrigerators, lay pipe, and all the jobs needed to build a camp.
George Burkhardt had the unique ability to coordinate voluntary help into a strong workforce as he taught youngsters the skills necessary to help.
Large rocks on the property were moved during the early years to become the "4-H Rocks." We do not know when the rocks were painted with the words "4-H Camp.'
1930 - 1939
1939
Nassau 4-H Camping Program moves to 35 acres in Riverhead, Long Island, NY
The Long Island State Park Commission banned organized camps from Wildwood State Park. This was a difficult time for the volunteer 4-H Executive
Committee who needed another site.
Knowing how important camping was to young people, Mrs. Margaret Powell, (Mrs. Flint's mother), bought the Cavendish Farm in Riverhead and leased the property to the Farm & Home Association of Nassau County for the next 10 years.
Tents were set up and camping continued with boys attending part of the summer and girls attending the rest of the summer. Volunteers from all walks of life helped develop the 4-H camping program.
The Edranel Council was formed. This name was formed from the four H's - Head, Heart, Hands and Health. They then "subtract the outstanding syllables, as far as sound is concerned, to form Ed-r-an-e|." This group formed a club that provided much leadership and help to get the camp going.
They helped build structures, and clear land and at the end of each camp season they helped close the camp up.
1930
Pine Tree Lodge was dedicated by Miss Lavinia C. Bacon, president of the Farm & Home Bureau and the 4-H Club Association.
George E. Burkhardt took over as the camp director of the boys' camp.
The camping program continued to grow.
1924 - 1929
1928
Nassau 4-H Camping Program moves to Wildwood State Park, Wading River.
The volunteer 4-H Executive Committee members were so convinced of the importance of the camping program that they established a permanent camp at Wildwood State Park in Wading River.
lt was a primitive platform tent camp and by now the 4-H Department owned the camping equipment necessary but permanent buildings were needed.
Mr. & Mrs. Archie Stone designed Pine Tree Lodge based on building specifications by Halsy Knapp, director of the Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute.
This would fill the need for a kitchen and dining room. 4-H members and leaders raised funds for the construction.
It took 2 years to complete with the kitchen completed first, then the dining room, and then an office.
1926
4-H camping program for boys began under the Ieadership of Si Pringle, Engineering Specialist at Cornell University.
1924
Where is all begins…
Nassau 4-H Camping Program starts on Long Pond, Wading River V Mrs. Dorothy Powell Flint, 4-H Farm and Home Economist on the Nassau staff started the first 4-H Camp in New York State.
She persuaded Mr. Heidleburg (of Brooklyn) to lend his property on Long Pond, Wading River (now called Lake Panamoqua) for a campsite. She borrowed equipment and tents from the Farmingdale Agricultural School; cots, dishes, and an oil stove from the Red Cross; and pots and pans from the lunchroom at Central Park School in Bethpage.
The first campers, 52 girls, went camping from July 5-21.
The goals of the 4-H camping program were to teach self-reliance, perseverance, cooperation, self-discipline, an appreciation of nature by living out-of-doors, and the development of leadership skills.
The volunteer staff included a nurse, Maria Dedek; a crafts and music instructor (Margaret Kelly), swimming instructor (Matilda Luther), drama (Zenia Powell), camp craft hiking (Gertrude Von Hoven), dietician (Marjorie Leonard) camp cook (Ruth Rice), archery (Dorothy Lowe Mathews).