Camp Sylvester History

Camp Sylvester was founded by Stanislaus and San Joaquin area farmers and ranchers in 1927 as a “pitch your tent” camp for farm groups and farm youth clubs. It is named for Henry Sylvester, aformer Stanislaus County 4-H Youth Advisor.
In its early years, the camp was jointly coperated by Stanislaus and San Joaquin Farm Bureaus, with operating expenses shared by the two.

In 1946, Stanislaus County Farm Bureau purchased San Joaquin County Farm Fureau’s share of the camp. At more than one point, Farm Bureau almost sold the camp altogether, because it lacked adequate funds to subsidize operation. But, a group of dedicated members refused to let the camp be sold, because they felt it was a necessary part of their farm-family organization. However, they realized that in order to keep the camp operational, it would have to be upgraded, and permanent facilities would have to be constructed. In addition, it would be necessary to open the camp to the general public for seasonal renting.

In 1977, Camp Sylvester was incorporated into a separate, non-profit charitable organization. It remains affiliated with Farm Bureau, which handles all office and accounting work for the corporation.

Camp Sylvester was incorporated as a non-profit organization order to hold true to the premise set forth by the camp’s founders: Provide the best possible camping experience at the lowest possible price.