Parents' Information Page


Oswegatchie is open for youth entering grades 7–12.

Oswegatchie Camp is a perfect place for your child to spend a week of their summer. Our summer camping program provides campers with memorable experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Our mission is to provide our campers with fun and rewarding experiences in leadership development, environmental appreciation, and outdoor recreation.

Why should my child go to summer camp?

The benefits to the your child are subtle, but substantial. We operate under the premise that if we can provide an individual with an opportunity for success, even if it is in a recreational experience, they are more likely to be successful in the other endeavors they attempt. Therefore, creating a more confident and successful person.

How Oswegatchie creates success?

Our summer camp combines success from our program areas with healthy group activity and dynamic people. This supplements the property that gives us the opportunity to share an enriching natural environment while at the same time facilitating group interactions. Throughout the entire week spent at Oswegatchie, the multitude of recreational and educational experiences give youth a variety of experiences that they may not experience at home, whether it being the 515 feet long zip line, water-skiing, or simply meeting new people. We make sure they experience success and enjoyment.

Camper Eligibility

Oswegatchie is open to all youth ages 11 to 18 regardless of sex, race, color, or creed who are interested in leadership development, environmental appreciation, and outdoor recreation.

Camp Staff & Supervision

All staff are trained and qualified to guide our campers through a safe and fun camping experience. The ratio of staff to campers is 1:10. Our camp administrator has had 15 years of camping experience and has a masters degree in education. Our camp director has had 7 years experience in summer camp management.

Health Care

Our infirmary is staffed by a resident EMT and/or RN at all times. In addition all staff members are Red Cross certified in a minimum of basic first aid and CPR. All serious emergencies are handled by the Lewis Co. General Hospital, Lowville, New York.

Health Forms

The NYS Department of Health requires that all campers have a complete health form and current record of immunization. Campers attending without this information will be withheld from all camp activities. Copies of this information may be faxed to our office at 315-346-1127.

Meal Service & Special Diets

Our kitchen staff plans and prepares a total of 14 well balanced meals throughout the week. Special diets can be prepared if arranged is advance to camp arrival.

Department of Health Inspection

Oswegatchie Educational Center is inspected twice yearly by the New York Department of Health. Inspection reports are on file at our office as well as at the NYS Dept. of Health, Dulles State Office Bldg., 317 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Medications

Upon Arrival to Oswegatchie campers are required to turn in all medications to the health director. Medication distribution times will be established on an individual basis. All medical conditions must be outlined on the health form.

Payne's Seaplane Service

Once every week Payne's Seaplane service lands on Long Pond to give campers and opportunity to fly above the Adirondack Park and enjoy awesome panoramic views. The ride is approx. 20 minutes long. This service is offered at an additional cost of $40 per camper. Payne's Seaplane is a licensed sky taxi with the FAA. A parental acknowledgement form is required before any participant under the age of 18 at Oswegatchie is allowed to participate in this activity. This is rare opportunity and is highly recommended.

Trading Post

Upon arrival to Oswegatchie, campers are asked to deposit their money into a canteen account. As campers buy items from the canteen their account is deducted. All money not spent is returned to the camper at the end of the week. Campers may buy a variety of items from the camp store from souvenirs, snacks, postcards, and a variety of other items. Snacks range in price from $.75 to $1.25 and souvenirs range in price from $2.00 to $25.00. T-shirts $10-$18; Sweatshirts $18-$30. Oswegatchie Bottles $10.

Camper Housing

Campers will be placed in one of ten campsites situated on our 1200 acres. Each campsite has three rustic cabins and one Adirondack Lean To. There will always be a minimum of one counselor at all times. Campers must bring their own bedding. Campsites are set up age specific.

Refund Policy

All registrations are subject to a 75% refund if cancelled by June 25, 2006. After June 25, 2006 no refund will be issued. This includes no shows.

Dismissal From Program

Any camper who shows disrespect for other rights or property, or fails to follow camp policies will be sent home. No refunds will be issued.

Communications

New campers especially enjoy hearing from home while at camp. This may help heal any homesickness. Oswegatchie has one phone line so please limit phone calls to emergencies only. Mail and e-mail messages are distributed daily. However due to the popularity of e-mail not every message will be responded to. Correspondence can be sent to:

info@oswegatchie.org