Favorite SC summer camp reopens

By Aidan Dusenbury-Dalto | Manor Ink

Livingston Manor, NY – Camp DeBruce, nestled in this hamlet in the Catskills, has been closed since the pandemic. But Jackson Patterson, the camp’s administrator for the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, has worked tirelessly to rebuild staff and take the steps towards rebuilding and reopening the camp.

Patterson is focusing on restoring Camp DeBruce’s historical significance and community connection. The camp’s programming will be deeply rooted in the region’s outdoor heritage, with a particular emphasis on fly fishing, a sport historically significant to the Catskills. Instructors, many of whom are local hunters and anglers, will provide campers with a comprehensive education in hunter safety, environmental conservation and outdoor skills. The activities will also include environmental classes, and immersive nature experiences designed to help children develop a genuine connection with the outdoors.

Patterson, who himself attended summer camp as a child, believes these experiences are transformative, helping young people understand that nature is not something to fear, but a space for learning, fun and personal growth. The camp’s approach goes beyond traditional recreational activities, aiming to create future environmental stewards by providing hands-on, engaging experiences that spark curiosity about the natural world.

Camp DeBruce represents more than just a summer vacation; it’s a comprehensive outdoor educational experience managed by the DEC. The camp can accommodate 48 campers per week across seven one-week sessions, with a remarkably affordable cost of $350 per week. Campers come from all backgrounds and locations, ranging from local Catskill communities to New York City and Long Island, creating a unique blend of urban and rural youth.

For information about Camp DeBruce registration or for answers to questions about its programs, visit the DEC’s website at dec.ny.gov.