GUEST DIARY• BY: KAREN KLOPP AND HILARY DICK
If you are an outdoorsy lad or lass, join fellow campers Sana Clegg, Brooke Harlow, Prudence Inzerillo, Nathalie Kaplan, Claudia Overstrom, and Kathryn Tyree in hiking on over to The Loeb Boathouse Central Park to celebrate the Boy’s Club of New York’s innovative wilderness program and the Harriman Base Camp — yes Camp! But we’re not talking the monkeyshine of “Camp” as celebrated at the Met Costume Gala in 2019.
Instead, we’re talking about an authentic experience in the wilderness with cabins, cots, archery, hiking, mess hall, bugs — the whole shebang. Boys from BCNY Clubhouses throughout the city get their feet wet diving into the wilderness where cooperation and camaraderie abound, and new skills are honed both individually and as a community. It is a joyful undertaking with significant impact both immediate and far reaching.
At the Harriman Base Camp, the boys develop their individual personalities and voices guided by BCNY’s 4Cs — Connected, Competent, Confident, and Character-Rich — where they will develop life skills and awareness of social responsibility through outdoor exploration and education, thus becoming active stewards of the environment.
And what to wear for a celebration of nature? We followed the trail of the great outdoors which led to an earthy selection of the most popular look this season — dark, inky florals. The trend has a universal appeal for its easy-breezy comfort and flattering feminine silhouettes. The style is terrifically versatile. On the left, we accessorize more casually for a day to night look. While on the right, the ensemble is set for cocktails and beyond.
A Meadow of Wild Flowers
Earrings: KJL Oval Drop Lucite Hoops $75
Bags: Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag $695 / Stella McCartney Cristal Tote $1095
Footwear: Veronica Beard Sohelia Boot $550 / Alexandre Birman Crystal Sandals $695
And we present a selection of Zimmermann, the Australian brand that was ahead of the wave for wearable feminine florals. Their fashion is incredibly well made with unique decorative details. The high point is the fit that is so flattering. They make you feel good, and isn’t that the whole point to dressing?
Charlotte Brody also has some lovely and versatile dresses that can go from day to night. The eponymous line was inspired by Jennifer Argenti’s grandmother. “In addition to spending time in her garden, Charlotte Brody adored travel and collecting exquisite and unique fashion and jewelry. She was always elegantly dressed with a glint of fun.”
From the Garden
The Women’s Board had the opportunity to experience Harriman Base Camp firsthand on a beautiful day in May 2021 explore the wonder of the encampment. Avie and Gigi Mortimer entertained the group at their home, which is filled with a rich history and artifacts from bygone eras, to brainstorm a Mission Statement: “Imagine adventure, take aim at your dream from the basecamp to the top.”
Founded in 2018, Harriman Base Camp’s mission is to increase the impact of BCNY’s summer sleepaway camp offered since 1902 to New York City boys and young men. An Archery Program, Waterfront Activity, Music Program, Sustainable Fishing Program, Wilderness Arts and Crafts, and Leadership Training are just some of the thoughtfully designed activities.
As Bill Tyree, President of the Board of Trustees, notes, “With generous contributions from foundations and individual friends of the BCNY, we have substantially cleaned up the property and restored many of the cottages. Our boys have learned how to spend days exploring the trails and sleeping in tents. We are thrilled with the variety of activities we offer our boys at camp and the leadership and independence they are learning. We especially thank Gigi, Avie and all our generous Board members and other contributors for funding our renovation of Harriman Base Camp.”
There are so many wonderful opportunities for donors to participate in the rich history of Harriman Base Camp. For naming opportunities, please contact [email protected].
