Mystery donor helps Camp Sylvester carry on in Pinecrest for Stanislaus 4-H, others
An anonymous donor has given $24,000 to Camp Sylvester in Pinecrest, visited since 1927 by Stanislaus County 4-H members.
That gift prompted the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation of Modesto to kick in another $20,000.
The donations will go to capital projects at a place that was at risk of being sold in 2017 because of financial trouble, Camp Director Ken Peterson said by email. It is on better footing as its 95th year kicks off.
Camp Sylvester lies amid the Stanislaus National Forest, about 10 minutes on foot from Pinecrest Lake. Children in 4-H are the primary users, but the place also can be rented year-round for weddings, church gatherings, scout camps and more. The Dodge Ridge ski area is about two miles up the road.
The nonprofit camp is owned by the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau and named for the late Henry Sylvester, a longtime 4-H advisor. The cabins, two dining halls, amphitheater and other facilities can accommodate up to 195 people.
Peterson said the anonymous donation was in a mailed check. A hand-written card said it was made “in honor of a pioneer Modesto farming family and a very grateful local family member to help carry on the wonderful experiences of the past 94 years.”
Camp Sylvester has endured droughts, wildfire evacuations, recession and the 2007 loss of its original dining hall to a falling fir tree. Most recently, COVID-19 restricted the operation. The camp staff hopes to be back almost normal and to host more than 3,500 visitors in 2022.
The capital projects include renovating cabins, improving areas for outdoor dining and providing more educational space.
“This unexpected charitable donation came at a perfect time,” Peterson said. “We are excited for the opportunity this will provide to further improve the experience for our campers and guests.”
The Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation is among the largest in Stanislaus County. It has its roots in the Carnation dairy fortune and supports education, health, arts and other causes.
More information about camp activities and donating are at www.campsylvester.org.
