History
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The History of Ogontz

Founded in 1923 by Abby Sutherland, a pioneer in U.S. education, Ogontz existed originally as an exclusive refuge for the daughters of America’s elite families.

Campers came to Ogontz from almost every state in the U.S., and across the world. Girls from storied families were no strangers to Ogontz. JFK’s sisters, Eunice, Jean and Kathleen, were campers in the 1930s, as were Walt Disney’s daughters and the infamous Amelia Earhart.

Many years later, the legacy of the camp transitioned gracefully from Abby Sutherland through the hands of Anna Elizabeth “Miss Bette” Huber, a former camper herself. In the late 1960’s, it opened its doors to the Chorus of Westerly and Lynn and George Kent, heralding a new era of artistic endeavors. This collaboration blossomed, with the camp becoming a vibrant hub for artists and creative souls to gather, learn, and celebrate.

In 1993, Lynn and George Kent purchased Ogontz from Miss Bette, and the Kent family worked to modernize the camp into a destination, imbued with its original spirit.

Today, Ogontz stands as a vibrant mosaic of its rich history, an artistic retreat, and a hub of celebration, hosting everything from weddings to choral symposia. It’s a place where the spirit of community, the joy of learning, and the beauty of nature come together, offering a warm embrace to all who enter its gates.