Welcome to Putnam County Small Business Spotlight where we will be highlighting small businesses in our community.

Small businesses are the backbone of Putnam County’s economy and part of the fabric of our beautiful towns and villages. When you shop locally, you are supporting your friends and neighbors.

[* The Small Business Spotlight segment will only feature businesses that target Tourism Visitor Spending which falls under the following categories: Food & Beverage, Retail, Lodging and Recreation/Entertainment. *]

PATTERSON - For generations, Camp Herrlich has been synonymous with summer adventures, campfires, and making lifelong friends.

Today, Camp Herrlich, located in Patterson, serves hundreds of children and families throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond with year-round programs, which include day camp, overnight camp, school-age childcare, retreats, and community events.

“Our goal is to serve not only the children who come here, but their families and the community as a whole,” said Jessica Vanacoro, Associate Executive Director of Camp Herrlich. “We want to be there when our community needs us and provide high-quality, enriching, and memorable programming throughout the year.”

Founded in 1922 to serve children from New York City, primarily through Lutheran Social Services, Camp Herrlich has expanded its mission while remaining committed to providing a welcoming environment where campers can grow, build confidence, and develop lasting relationships.

The camp draws from Putnam, Dutchess, and northern Westchester counties, as well as western Connecticut, for its day camp programs. Students enrolled in its school-age childcare program attend schools in the Carmel Central School District.

Its overnight camp attracts children from across the Northeast, including Long Island, New York City's five boroughs, New Jersey, and the Hudson Valley. Weekend retreat groups also travel from throughout the region to take advantage of the camp's facilities.

This summer, Camp Herrlich expects to welcome about 500-day campers during nine sessions and approximately 400 overnight campers through two two-week sessions and two shorter mini sessions.

Adding to the camp's diverse atmosphere is an international staff representing countries around the world. While summer remains the busiest season, Camp Herrlich operates throughout the year with childcare programs, retreats, and special events designed to strengthen community connections.

The camp also provides scholarships to ensure financial circumstances do not prevent children from attending. Assistance is available for both local families and overnight campers, with fundraising events helping support the scholarship program.

After more than 100 years, Camp Herrlich remains an institution in Putnam County with the same mission: To create opportunities for children to learn, grow, and explore in a nurturing environment.

For more information about Camp Herrlich, go to Camp Herrlich, or by phone 845-878-6662.

Camp Herrlich (101 Deacon Smith Hill Road, Patterson, NY)