Weitsman donates $30,000 to support Waterman Conservation Summer Camp

APALACHIN, N.Y. — A $30,000 donation from Adam Weitsman in late July will help Waterman Conservation Education Center address critical facility and staffing needs as its summer camp prepares for its largest season since 2018.

Over 100 children are expected to attend the five-week camp in 2026, up from the 70 children Waterman served just a few summers ago. Enrollment has been growing consistently in recent years.
The donation comes at a crucial time for the camp, which needs a roof repair, additional employees to meet growing demand, and improved cooling options to allow the camp to continue during extreme heat events.

“This camp gets children outdoors, helps them build relationships, and connect with nature,” said Christopher Audette, executive director of the Waterman Conservation Education Center. “But we cannot operate a camp without a structurally sound roof and safe, functional facilities. This donation brings us significantly closer to making those critical improvements and ensuring the program can continue serving local children for years to come.”

The camp is offered free to eligible Town of Owego residents, with no proof of income required, and also serves children from surrounding communities, including Apalachin, Campville, Endicott, Newark Valley and Candor. Registration is generally limited to three weeks per child to provide access to as many families as possible, but families who need additional weeks are encouraged to talk to the Center.
Waterman manages operations of the camp, and with financial support from the Town of Owego, they are able to keep it accessible to families in a community where many households face financial hardship. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 13.6% of Town of Owego residents live below the poverty line.
For families struggling with the cost of child care and summer activities, the program provides children ages 6 to 11 with a safe place to spend time outdoors, build friendships and participate in hiking, games, crafts and nature-based learning.

“Waterman’s summer camp gives children time outside, time with each other, and time to just be kids,” Weitsman said. “I wanted to help Waterman continue providing that opportunity to local families and reach even more children as the program grows.”
The Waterman Center turned 50 this year and its camp has served the community for most of that history. Its activities are designed to encourage teamwork, confidence and appreciation for the natural environment.

“I can’t express my appreciation enough,” Audette said. “It’s amazing what we can do with this donation. For decades, our camp has helped children and families connect with nature, which is a basic human need. I’m incredibly grateful that Adam is helping us continue that work.”
Families interested in learning more about Waterman’s summer camp programs can visit www.watermancenter.org/summer-camps.