Above: Dedicated counselors at Mont Lawn Camp, June 2024.
For generations, The Bowery Mission’s Mont Lawn Camp in the Poconos of Bushkill, PA, has transformed the lives of city kids from under-resourced neighborhoods. Supported by generous donations from our community, Mont Lawn Camp ensures that every child — regardless of their circumstances — can enjoy the same enriching summer experiences as their peers. Amidst the beauty of the great outdoors, youth discover their talents, try new things, develop character, embrace leadership and build lifelong friendships.
This year, Mont Lawn Camp proudly celebrates its 130th anniversary — a milestone honoring decades of transformative experiences and enduring memories. From its humble beginnings as a “fresh air home” for immigrant children in Nyack, NY, to its current campus nestled among pristine forests and lakes, Mont Lawn Camp has evolved into a cherished destination, celebrated for its longstanding traditions that empower kids to thrive and succeed.
A reunion to remember
On June 22, over 100 Mont Lawn Camp alumni and former staff gathered in Bushkill, PA, to celebrate 130 years of history and lives being transformed. Laughter, tears of joy and other sounds of reunion filled the air as alumni from as far back as the 1960s returned with their families to share in this special occasion. “Once you’ve worked here, you’ve got Mont Lawn in your heart forever,” remarked Barbara Martucci, former Director of Mont Lawn Camp.
The festivities commenced with a cookout-style lunch at Fort Plenty, followed by a nostalgic slideshow and inspiring speeches in the Diebold Chapel. Long-time staff members were honored, beloved leaders remembered and rising stars celebrated for their contributions. Thomas Jones, Mont Lawn Camp’s current Director, reflected, “We’re still alive and well and we still have all the activities that you guys remember.”
In the afternoon, alumni and their families enjoyed these classic activities like nature center visits, archery and scaling the indoor rock wall. Hayride tours showcased the remarkable improvements made at camp in the past few decades, including brand new lodges, a new staff lounge, a welcome pavilion, updated signage and more.
The day culminated around a campfire, as everyone gathered to share camp songs and cheers and hear veteran alumnus Miguel Sanchez give a heartfelt charge to this year’s counselors. “Seeing former staff and campers together with current staff made me so emotional,” said Sarah Klinger, former full-time staff. “My short time at Mont Lawn was life changing. Hearing its impact on so many others was a reminder of God’s faithfulness.”
“The MLC family connection truly transcends generations.” — Lise, alumna
Tracing the roots of Mont Lawn Camp
Mont Lawn Camp traces its origins back to 1894 when the Christian Herald magazine (then parent company of The Bowery Mission) founded a “fresh air home” in Nyack, NY, for the children of recent immigrants. The first children arrived at Mont Lawn — the name of the estate donated for the purpose — by horse-drawn carriage, escaping the harsh conditions of life in Lower East Side tenements for clean air, nourishing food and the simple joys of outdoor play.
Fort Plenty, the cafeteria and beloved meeting spot at Mont Lawn Camp.
Under the leadership of Louis Klopsch, the Christian Herald purchased the estate in 1898, establishing it formally as the Christian Herald Children’s Home. Over the ensuing decades, Mont Lawn Camp expanded its picturesque facilities on the Hudson River with custom-built structures like the Children’s Temple and Fort Plenty, creating a storybook atmosphere that captured the imaginations of thousands of children.
By the 1930s and 1940s, Mont Lawn had evolved into a structured camp with organized activities. Notably, it had also become an early advocate for racial integration within the camping community. But as urbanization encroached on its original site in Nyack, Mont Lawn Camp faced the challenge of maintaining its outdoor sanctuary. In 1961, the camp made a pivotal decision to relocate to its current home in the Poconos Region of Pennsylvania. This move to 200 acres of pristine forests and lakes marked a new chapter for Mont Lawn, allowing for further expansion of outdoor activities, such as hiking, canoeing, swimming, archery and more.
Key figures
Alfred P. Hampton, affectionately known as “Mr. Al.”, who started as a counselor in 1950, went on to become the camp’s longest serving Director from 1972-1989. A passionate educator, Mr. Al emphasized the beauty of nature, strong role models, the love of Christ and nurturing the potential of every child.
Eugene Brown, known as “Mr. Gene,” also played a pivotal role in sharing Mont Lawn’s enduring culture. Serving as outdoor educator, camp organist and music director, Mr. Gene’s enduring legacy includes the founding and leadership of the King’s Henchmen, a celebrated boys’ choir that instilled values for musical excellence, loyalty and service among its members.
Barbara Martucci, who first joined Mont Lawn as a counselor in 1975, went on to dedicate 27 years of service on the Mont Lawn team. Among her many roles she served as Director of Mont Lawn Camp in 1992, Children’s Program Executive Director from 1993-1995 and again as Mont Lawn Camp Director from 1996-2001.
The tradition lives on
With another vibrant camp season underway at Mont Lawn this summer, our campgrounds are alive with the sounds of children and adults playing, singing, cheering and building life-long memories together. Hundreds of children and youth are joining us this year, each contributing his or her unique spark to the ongoing Mont Lawn story. “Even as we honor this milestone of 130 years,” remarked James Winans, President and CEO of The Bowery Mission, “the Mont Lawn story continues to unfold.”
This year’s theme, the “Armor of God,” exemplifies Mont Lawn Camp’s ability to blend joy and creativity with profound lessons about character, discipleship and God’s love. From spirited jousting tournaments and regal banquets to inflatable ax throwing and knighting ceremonies, each activity invites children to play, learn and grow.
Just as in summers past, a new generation of children is experiencing a series of “firsts” — their first swim, their first hike through winding trails and their first campfire under starlit skies. These moments continue a tradition of “firsts” that now spans generations, as campers become counselors and counselors mature into adults who are grounded in their faith, financially stable, have healthy relationships and give back to their communities. As long-time alumnus Anselm Scrubb aptly observed, “It is clear that the Spirit of Christ and His love is ever present at Mont Lawn.”
So here’s to another century devoted to nurturing the potential of every child at Mont Lawn Camp. With your support, we will continue to create summer experiences that inspire resilience, leadership and community for generations to come. Happy 130th anniversary!
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