East Hampton moves to acquire Pathfinder camp in Montauk, residents urge preservation

East Hampton plans to acquire the former Pathfinder summer camp property in Montauk, sparking memories and reassurance from town officials that the land is intended to remain in camp use.

In a field report, correspondent Dara Berger said the camp "is in the process of selling the land to the town of East Hampton." Former campers and family members told the program that Pathfinder — founded in 1964 — shaped generations of local children. One participant recalled, "These children, whether it's local children or really our summer families, really need a place to send their children, a warm and nurturing place for their children to come and swim and go boating and go fishing and do activities and just have fun." (Resident, SEG 079–084)

The reporter said a parent started a petition on Change.org worried about future use; Berger quoted the town's response from Supervisor Kathy Burke Gonzales: "We want to reassure the petition signers that the town intends for the property to continue to be used as a camp." (Supervisor Kathy Burke Gonzales, reported, SEG 074–078)

Residents on the broadcast emphasized the camp's role as an inclusive, outdoor experience that bridged economic and geographic divides. The town's reported intent to keep camp programming was presented as the primary near-term outcome; the report did not include a final closing date or a formal town vote on the purchase.

Dara Berger reported from Montauk for LTV East End News.