Standing in front one of the new picnic tables and benches at 4-H Camp Beechwood in Sodus, NY are (l-r): Assemblyman Brian Mankelow, Cadence Spence, Ethan Smith, Sodus Town Supervisor Scott Johnson, and park caretaker Sal Vittozzi. (Photos provided)
Beechwood State Park in Sodus, NY has new wooden benches and picnic tables thanks to 4-H’ers Ethan Smith and Cadence Spence. They applied for a mini-grant from New York State 4-H’s Civic Engagement Program Work Team for the project and received a $1,000 grant for the work during a ceremony at the New York State Fair.
For nearly 70 years, the 150-acre property of Beechwood State Park was owned by the Girl Scout Organization and hosted hundreds of campers each summer. Purchased in 1998 by New York State as part of an Environmental Parks Project, the abandoned park is now run by the Town of Sodus and welcomed the first week-long, 4-H day camp experience in July of 2013.
Smith and Spence had conversations with Sal Vittozzi, the park’s caretaker, to build wooden benches and picnic tables so visitors could enjoy the natural beauty of the park. A hardworking and skilled team of 4-H’ers that included Laura Smith, Jake Worthingtin and Connor Shultz, along with Smith’s father, Brian, built six benches and three picnic tables from lumber donated by Morse Lumber in Rochester.
Also helping to build the picnic tables and benches at 4-H Camp Beechwood in Sodus, NY are (l-r): Jake Worthingtin, Cadence Spence, Ethan Smith, Laura Smith and Connor Shultz. (Photo provided)
The purpose of 4-H Camp Beechwood is two-fold; it was designed as a leadership and workforce training for teens who act as counselors and work on the planning of camp and to expose youth to natural resources and STEAM concepts in the outdoors. Camp is open to youth ages 5-12 and provides a safe, fun environment in an outdoor setting that allows youth the opportunity for physical and emotional growth. Campers learn leadership, team building, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills from teen counselors who organize their own cabins, teach songs, lead activities, and supervise the campers. A typical day at camp includes opening and closing circles, guest presenters from community agencies, cabin time, snack, lunch provided by the Sodus Central School District, recreation games, fishing (a camp favorite!) and a whole lot of fun!
In a 2019 survey, 100% of campers felt that the staff and counselors at 4-H Camp Beechwood cared about them and 100% reported knowing more about the environment after camp. Smith and Spence are no exception to this statistic — both attended 4-H Camp Beechwood for many years and later became counselors as both felt passionately about giving back to a place that has given them so many amazing learning experiences and friendships.
“We hope you and many future visitors enjoy these benches and picnic tables,” said Smith during a dedication ceremony on Oct. 15. “It is our hope that Beechwood State Park will be a place many have fond memories of, just as we do.”
