Camp Riverbend celebrated its 50th year of operation Saturday, with a special event that drew hundreds of campers, counselors and parents from across the country.

The camp opened after Harold and Marianne Breene "plunked down $100" as a down payemnt to buy the land adjoining the Passaic River to open a camp offering daycampers all the amenities of an overnight camp.  

Over the years, Breene estimates more than 20,000 children have spent summer at Camp Riverbend.

Saturday's celebration included lunch, visits with old friends, more than a few camp songs, and catching up with former bunkmates.