For 75 years, Camp Oo-tah-nee-noh-chee has been a place where lifelong friendships have been formed and unforgettable memories have been made. This fall, Athens City Schools invites the community to celebrate its rich history during a special 75th Anniversary Celebration and to contribute to its Legacy Campaign to preserve the camp for future generations.
The celebration begins with a Community Open House on Sunday, October 4, from 2:00–4:00 p.m., where the public is invited to visit the camp at no charge. Guests can tour the grounds, relive the camp’s history, and see firsthand how the camp continues to impact young people today.
The evening will conclude with a 75th Anniversary Donor Celebration from 5:30–7:30 p.m. More information about the event is forthcoming, In the event of inclement weather, both events will be held on the rain date of Sunday, October 25 at the same times. Please save these dates to join us in the celebration.
The anniversary also marks the launch of a $250,000 Legacy Campaign to ensure the camp continues serving future generations. The campaign, co-chaired by Athens City Schools Board members Emily Forrest and Johnny Coffman, will fund important improvements to camp facilities such as repairing the dock, refurbishing Adirondacks and cabins, expanding the ropes course, replacing canoes, developing a hiking trail, and improving camp plumbing while also establishing an endowment that will provide long-term financial support for the camp’s mission. Gifts of every size will help preserve the camp experience for generations of children to come.
“For 75 years, our camp has been a place where lives have been changed through outdoor education,” said Mr. Joe Barnett, Athens City Director of Schools. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not only honoring our past, we’re investing in the future so that children can continue making memories here for decades to come.”
As part of the anniversary celebration, the camp is inviting former campers, staff members, volunteers, and families to help preserve its history by sharing photographs and personal camp memories. Stories and photos can be submitted through the Athens City Schools website (https://www.athenscityschools.net/page/camp-oo-tah-nee-noh-chee), where they will become part of the camp’s 75th anniversary celebration and historical archive.
Event Details
75th Anniversary Community Open House
· Sunday, October 4
· 2:00–4:00 p.m.
· Free and open to the public
75th Anniversary Donor Celebration
· Sunday, October 4
· 5:30–7:30 p.m.
· Ticket information to follow
Rain Date: Sunday, October 25
Community members interested in attending the donor celebration, contributing to the Legacy Campaign, or sharing camp photos and stories are encouraged to visit the Athens City Schools website for additional information.
For more information, contact:
Emily Forrest
615-415-6729