Dutchess County to Purchase Camp Nooteeming in Pleasant Valley

Dutchess County to Purchase
Camp Nooteeming in Pleasant Valley

Camp will increase access to youth programs, services

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced he has sent a resolution to the County Legislature for the purchase of Camp Nooteeming, a 272-acre camp in the Town of Pleasant Valley, from Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The County plans to partner with Pathfinder FC (Football Club) for the management and operation of the camp, including coordination of youth camp programs and facility rentals, creating a sustainable operational model with no annual operating costs to the County. Once approved, camp programs for local non-profit organizations are expected to be operational for this summer. Camp programs will be part of an array of youth and community programs offered in coordination with the County’s Path to Promise (P2P) initiative.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Giving Dutchess County youth opportunities to grow, learn, and reach their potential is one of our top priorities. Camp Nooteeming will give so many opportunities for the youth and families of Dutchess County to explore nature, play sports, and build memories that will last a lifetime. I know the members of the Legislature share our vision and commitment to Dutchess County youth, and I look forward to legislators’ consideration and approval of this important investment.”

The resolution, which the Legislature’s Public Works and Capital Projects Committee will consider at their April 7th meeting, will authorize a $4.8 million appropriation from the County’s General Fund balance. The $4.8 million includes the purchase of the camp property for $4 million, which was appraised at over $5.2 million, as well as $200,000 for all the existing maintenance and camp equipment such as canoes, row boats, archery equipment, bunk beds, tents, tables and chairs, mowers, tractors, and more; and an additional $600,000 for the Department of Public Works (DPW) to make safety and ADA compliance improvements.

Existing features of the camp include:

• Administration buildings
• Program pavilion
• Professional-grade sports fields (including stands, lighting, and press box)
• Camping accommodations (including rustic cabin and tent sites)
• Archery and rifle ranges
• Commercial kitchen
• Hiking trails
• Outdoor pools

County Legislator representing the Town of Pleasant Valley and vice-chair of the Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, Don Sagliano said, “This camp has the potential to become a vital tool for building brighter futures. I am grateful to County Executive Molinaro for his vision in seeing that potential. I am proud to support this resolution and bring a new opportunity for out-of-school experiences to the youth of Dutchess County.”

The County conducted a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) process for a facility operator for Camp Nooteeming earlier this year to ensure summer camp programs could occur for the upcoming summer season following the property purchase. Pathfinder FC, who currently has a lease on the property for soccer facilities, was chosen as the camp operator.

The organization will be responsible for expanding programming at the camp to support the County’s Path to Promise (P2P) initiative, including career exploration and building leadership skills. P2P strives to provide young people ages 0-19 the necessary community resources to become successful young adults, focuses on fostering physical and mental health as well as building family and social relationships, among other metrics for success.

“‘Pathfinder’ very aptly describes what we do,” said Colin McComb, CEO of Pathfinder FC. “We give boys and girls opportunities to grow both academically and athletically, and we are excited to expand our programming to align with the needs of the local community and support Dutchess County’s innovative Path to Promise initiatives.”

County Legislator and Assistant Majority Leader Deirdre Houston, who also represents the Town of Pleasant Valley, said, “Camp Nooteeming has been synonymous with fun and outdoor exploration for generations of young people. I encourage my fellow Legislators to support this resolution and continue this great tradition and further improve quality of life for Dutchess County’s young people.”

Once approved by the Legislature’s Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, the full County Legislature will vote on the property purchase at its board meeting on Monday, April 11th.