Oswegatchie Educational Center is a welcome host a variety of groups on a year round basis. We can provide diverse program experiences to keep your group busy through out your stay, or you may decide to use our lodge and vast property as a place to relax and take in the beauty of the Adirondacks.
Click on the Links below for more information:
Programs, Conferences, and Retreats:
Oswegatchie offers different programming throughout the course of the year. We an help you create a customized itinerary for your group based on your goals and needs. Our educational programs generally fall into three categories: Environmental Education, Winter Programming, and our Team Challenge Ropes Course.
Click on the tabs below to learn more.
- Team Challenge Ropes Course
- Environmental Education
- Winter Programs
- Conferences & Retreats
OEC Ropes Course
Click on a question to navigate:
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Bill Waite's Great American Work-out |
What is the TEAM Challenge Ropes Course?
The TEAM Challenge Ropes Course at Oswegatchie is a tool used to enhance group development and personal growth through fun learning games, trust initiatives, and low & high ropes elements. An emphasis is placed on group success and on enhancing self-confidence.
Team Challenge Goals
- Develop and improve upon valuable problem solving skills.
- Advance cooperation and team work.
- Increase and enrich communication.
- Place and better trust in others as well as self.
- Build upon personal and group desire to succeed and accomplish goals.
- Expand mutual support within a group of people.
- To develop appreciation of and identification with our natural world.
- To have fun in a safe, "challenge by choice" environment!
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Games and Initiatives
Each group session starts with fun warm-up games and exercises. These games work to instill trust amongst group members as everyone is encouraged to play hard, play safe, and play fair. Any barriers that may inhibit the groups success will be reduced in these games.
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Successful students after completing The Wall. |
The Ropes Course
The OEC TEAM Challenge Ropes Course Consists of two parts: The Low Ropes Course and the High Ropes Course.
The Low Ropes
The TEAM Challenge low ropes course consists of a series of team building obstacles that provide participants with opportunities to work together to solve problems and accomplish goals. An emphasis is placed on communication, team work, and trust. With each new obstacle your group will experience first hand what cooperation and team work can accomplish.
The High Ropes
As your group grows from the experience of working together on the low ropes, they are asked to continue their support as each individual sets a goal to accomplish on the High Ropes. Individuals will be encouraged to step beyond their comfort zone, to try something they never thought possible.
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Results of our Program
- Success is accomplished by all members of a team, not just one or two individuals.
- Appreciation that everyone is an integral part of the team.
- Realization of ability to place trust in others as well as self.
- Undeniable feelings of accomplishment and success.
- Lessons in life skills that will not be forgotten.
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Who uses the Ropes Course?
Ropes courses are used by every type of group imaginable. The reason for their popularity stems form the fact that they are excellent tools in enhancing the performance, productivity, and effectiveness of people that work together. They also increase levels of self-worth and accomplishment in individuals. The following is a list of the different types of groups that use the Oswegatchie TEAM Challenge Ropes Course.
- Youth and Student Groups
- Sports Teams
- Teacher Groups
- Businesses and Management Teams
- Church Groups
- Special Needs Groups
- At Risk Groups
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Campers struggling up The Vertical Playpen. |
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Riding the Flying Squirrel. |
Why should your group use the TEAM Challenge Ropes Course at Oswegatchie?
The TEAM Challenge Ropes Course at Oswegatchie is staffed by trained instructors who can provide excellent experiences for any group. They can adjust and tailor the right experience for your group. Also, the TEAM Challenge Ropes Course at Oswegatchie is situated on 1200 acres of land between two Adirondack ponds. This setting provides the perfect atmosphere for learning to take place. Our secluded location allows your group to forget the everyday hustle and bustle while working to achieve their goals.
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What should you bring?
The TEAM Challenge Ropes Course operates in nearly all weather conditions. Therefore it is important that you bring adequate clothing. After August it is wise to dress in layers and to bring an extra jacket. Also a rain poncho would be a good idea. For your feet you should wear comfortable, closed toed shoes or sneakers; hiking boots are best. During the months of May and June it is recommended that you bring a supply of insect repellent. Please only wear cotton materials. Do not wear nylon. You can either pack a lunch or buy lunch at our facility. Please call ahead to reserve lunch accommodations.
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Reservations
Reservations can be made at any time throughout the year. Our course is open to groups between the months of April and November. Specialized "Winter TEAM" workshops can be arranged at our facility. Please call ahead if your are interested. Lodging is available for those who wish to spend more than one day at the facility. We have a modern, heated lodge as well as various types of cabins available for use. Each group can choose to buy a meal or prepare their own meals in one of two modern kitchen facilities. Other activities available to groups who wish to stay more than one day include rappelling, canoeing, wilderness hiking, and environmental appreciation workshops.
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A group of students trying not to fall into the Nitro Pit! |
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Environmental Education Opportunities
Outdoor Survival
There are a few basic needs that we all must meet in order to survive. If you had to spend a night in the wilderness could you build a campfire? How about a durable sleeping shelter? This hands-on workshop will test your skills and even create some competitive spirit as you and a partner try to build the best shelter and first fire using all natural materials.
Wildlife Identification
A white tailed deer antler, a wild turkey feather, or a snapping turtle shell, you may be surprised just how much you can identify! During this workshop we will spend some time inside identifying items that Oswegatchie has collected, and learning some common animal tracks. Then it’s off to the woods for a hike, were we will put what we have learned to the test. |
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Forestry
Oswegatchie is fortunate to have its very own saw mill; take a tour of the mill, and get familiar with some tools of the trade. Then head to the woods for some tree identification. You will also learn how to use a biltmore stick to determine the board feet of a tree. We will discuss healthy forest practices and participants will be teamed up to complete a forestry challenge sheet.
Pond Ecology
Have you every wondered what lives in Oswegatchie’s dark water? This workshop will allow you to discover the abundant life of aquatic insects. We’ll collect some pans and take a closer look; we will also explore the shore line so we can find what thrives just on the waters edge. |
Maple Season
Every spring Oswegatchie is busy in the sugar bush. If you want to know about the process of making maple syrup and the history behind maple sugaring this is the workshop for you. Learn how to tap a tree, collect buckets, and see the sap flow from the tubing. To finish the day join us in the sugar house for some boiling and maybe even a sample of the pure product.
Owls
Learn about several adaptations that allow Owls to thrive, and discover more about the world of this night time predator. Understand the uniqueness of an owls body structure and identify the call of several types of owls. Dig in to the owls eating habits by dissecting an owl pellet, and try to rebuild the creature that they had for dinner. |
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Night Hike
Test your nocturnal skills and learn about creatures of the night, as your group is led down a moon lit path. This hike is also popular for team building as group relay on each others senses to navigate in the dark.
Scavenger Hunt
Free! Make arrangements in advance |
The above educational programs and rates are designed to be a part of an overnight experience at the Oswegatchie Educational Center. If you are looking for a day trip or field trip experience please contact Robin Williams at the Oswegatchie Educational Center for more detailed information.
Winter Activities
Oswegatchie has plenty of activities for groups visiting in the winter months. Below is a list of a few rental activities, as well facilitated programs.
Activities
- Cross Country Skiing You may bring your own and enjoy our trails.
- Ice Skating We have a few pairs available or you may bring your own.
- Sledding Bring your own sleds. AT YOUR OWN RISK
- Snow Sculpturing Bring shovels and buckets. Build your castle.
- Winter Hike Explore Oswegatchie during the beauty of winter.
- Snow Shoeing Rentals available or you may bring your own.
Programs and Descriptions
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Facilitated Snowshoe Trips:
Personal fit snowshoes will allow you to explore Oswegatchie during the splendor of winter, stomp up ridges and across the frozen waters during this exciting 3 hour expedition.
TEAM Challenge Initiatives\Games:
Great for groups that need help getting to know one another. This hour long program is filled to the brim with games and challenges that have the common theme of team work and cooperation.
Winter Survival Program:
This hands-on workshop will test your skills and even create some competitive spirit as you and a partner try to build the best snow shelter and first fire using all natural materials.
All facilitated programs require a minimum of 10 participants. |
Contact our office for rates.
Conferences and Retreats
Oswegatchie is the perfect place for you and your staff to have a conference or a retreat. Nestled away on 1200 acres of Adirondack Forest, Oswegatche provides a quiet location in which you and your group can meet and work effectively. Our staff will work closely with your group to cater a program that best suits your groups needs. Oswegatchie also has facilities to accomodate your group's conference and banquets
Contact Robin Waite via email or call her at 315-346-1222. |
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Housing
- Sutliff Lodge
- Widrick Lodge
- Getman Lodge
- Housekeeping Cabins
- Campsites
Sutliff Lodge
Sutliff Lodge is a winterized lodge that can accommodate 74 persons. This includes ten rooms that can sleep two-three per room and two large dormitories with bunks that can sleep 22 in each. The lodge has two large gathering rooms as well as a fireplace. When a group decides to rent Sutliff Lodge they have the option to prepare there own meals in the industrial style kitchen or food service can be provided by Oswegatchie. The rental of the lodge also includes the use of hiking trails, athletic facilities, and canoes. |
Sutliff Dormitory
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Outside Sutliff Lodge
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Bunks
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Dormitory Bathroom |
Widrick Lodge
Widrick lodge is a seasonal building that was originally constructed in 1872. Several renovations have brought Widrick to its current rustic but functional condition. Upstairs the lodge has 11 guest rooms that will accommodate up to 25 persons, as well as two bathrooms that must be shared by all guest. Adjacent to Widrick lodge our most recently construction building on the property “Berkey Bathhouse” allows guests access to a very modern bath shower house with 12 private shower stalls.
The main floor of Widrick provides guest with a large common space that includes a fire place. The kitchen of Widrick lodge is not available for group to rent, but we would be happy to provide food service for your group while you enjoy your stay. Other perks that Widrick lodge has to offer include a comfortable screened in porch area that over looks long pond as well as an open wrap around porch to help you relax and enjoy the Oswegatchie Magic.
Getman Lodge
Getman lodge is a large log cabin structure that is often used by groups as a gathering space and has been home to occasions that range from dances, to wedding receptions, to church services, and corporate workshops. This building is not heated and is most functional during summer and early fall. This building is often rented in addition to other lodges on the property when group need a very large gathering space.
Inside Getman Lodge
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Outside Getman Lodge |
Brown and Green
Oswegatchie has two cabins known as “Brown” and “Green”. These cabins often serve as overflow housing when large groups rent the property but are occasionally rented alone. These cabins each have a kitchen which includes an apartment size stovetop and oven, full size refrigerator, sink, coffeemaker, toaster, and microwave. Cold running water is available in the cabins from April through October. Heat is provided by small wood fired stoves, wood is provided with cabin rental. The cabins do not have self contained bathrooms but are located near a bathhouse facility. Each cabin has it own screened in porch that provide excellent views of Long Pond and the use of Oswegatchies canoes are included with the rental of the cabins.
"Brown" |
"Green" |
Campsites
| Oswegatchie has 13 campsites spread across our 1200 acre property. Each campsite is located lake or river side and consists of 2-3 structure cabins and 1-2 Adirondack lean toos. Each site can comfortable accommodate 15 people. These sites are used mostly during our summer camp program but if your group needs more lodging space or would enjoy the option of camping out these sites offer simple, comfortable, and very basic attamidations. Your group may choose to do campfire cooking, rent Sutliff lodge for cooking, or have your food service provided by Oswegatchie. Some sites have vehicle access while others can only be reached by foot. We will work with you to place your group in a campsite that will meet your needs. Rental of campsites include access to one of the bathhouses on the property. |
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Our staff can prepare meals for as few as 10 to as many as 200. We can work out any menu request and host groups for all purposes. Oswegatchie has fully modern kitchen facilities for groups to use or to request our meal service.
Food service depend upon group size. Contact our office for rates.
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