We have maxed out enrollment for our 2020 event!
We will announce by MArch 20,
if event will be cancelled due to COronavirus!

2020_nys_wood_products_development_council_youth_retreat_announcement.pdf |
From: Bill Waite, Program Director, Oswegatchie Educational Center
Todd Lighthall , NYS FFA Leadership Training Foundation
On Behalf of the NYS Wood Products Development Council
RE: Into the Woods, a Forestry Training Program at Oswegatchie
The Oswegatchie Educational Center is offering a FREE 3 day / 2 night trip, March 29 - 31, 2020.
In partnership with the NYS Wood Products Development Council, The Oswegatchie Educational Center is offering an intense 3 day / 2 night program at our facility in Croghan, NY. The intent is to teach interested students about the basics of forestry management and timber production. Workshops will include timber cruising, sawmill operation, chainsaw safety, and wood product marketing. Team building and leadership skills will also be included.
The Oswegatchie Educational Center is situated on a 1200 acre expanse of land inside the Adirondack Park. This setting provides the perfect atmosphere for learning about forestry. The property includes 4 bodies of water, various streams, wetlands, and woodlands ideal for environmental education. Throughout the year, Oswegatchie provides programming, meals, and lodging for 4,000 students of all ages. This special program is a unique, and you do not want to miss out on this opportunity.
This is intended for individual students to attend and not necessarily as a school group function. School groups are welcome, but the program is aimed at those students that are interested in forestry and related wood products.
Review the 2019 PROGRAM REVIEW & PRESS RELEASE.
Please contact me if you have any questions about this opportunity .
Sincerely,
Bill Waite, Program Director
wwaite@oswegatchie.org
Day One Sunday, March 29, 2020
1:00 PM- Arrival to Oswegatchie & Orientation
2:00 PM- Paul Smith’s Simulator / Forestry Equipment
4:00 PM- Early Dinner
5:00 PM- Professional Development Workshop—Ice Breakers
6:00 PM- Snowshoe / Hike / Bushcraft till dark
9:00 PM- Indoor Fireplace, Snacks, and Reflections of the day
11:00 PM- Lights Out
Day Two Monday, March 30, 2020
8:00 AM- Breakfast
9:00 AM- Workshops by Hud-son Forestry Equipment
- Chainsaw Safety
- Sawmill Operation &Firewood Mill
- Forest Measurements
- Maple Sugaring
12:00 PM- Lunch
1:00 PM- Forestry Workshops Continued
4:00 PM - Break
5:00 PM- Dinner
5:45 PM- Lewis County Economic Development Video—Resource Based Industries
6:00 PM- Marketing of Wood Products—Procurement Forestry
8:00 PM- Campfire and Reflections of the day
11:00 PM- Lights Out
Day Three Tuesday, March 31, 2020
8:00 AM- Breakfast
9:00 AM- Workshop Switched—Instructor TBA
11:45 PM- Thank You Letters and Group Photos
12:15 PM- Lunch & Lodge clean up
1:30 PM- Departure to Johnson Lumber Company
2:00 PM– Arrival at Lumber Company
3:15 PM— Finish Tour
3:30 PM— Parents Pick Up students at Johnson Lumber Co. in Carthage, NY
Memo to Student Participants
From: Bill Waite, Program Director
Re: Preparing for a Cold Weather Trips to the Adirondacks
As you prepare for an excellent 3 days in the Adirondacks, I would like to suggest a few things to help you prepare for your trip.
· If you have any special dietary requirements, let us know in advance. Either communicate with your teacher or email us at wwaite@oswegatchie.org.
· If you have any special medical needs, make sure to communicate with your before arrival.
· You will need to bring your own bedding, pillows, towels, and toiletries for your stay.
· Lastly, the weather is always different here than it is at home. Somedays its 70 out and the next day there is snow. Bring warm clothes or pack layers to be at camp. Boots are essential in April. A rain coat is also practical.
· Mountain weather is always worse than you can predict, be ready for anything.
We look forward to meeting you. This will be an experience at a place that has meant many great things to many people. You will meet students form other schools and parts of New York. Come to Oswegatchie with an open mind and be ready to learn!
- Bill Waite
Program Director