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Oswegatchie Offers Virtual Team Building Workshops for FFA Chapters

1/14/2021

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Hello FFA Advisors, 
Oswegatchie staff would like to offer your students free virtual team building sessions. Our goal is to provide student interaction opputunities while giving a taste of Oswegatchie from a far. Fill out the form below and you will recieve a follow up email from Oswegatchie confirming the dates and time frames you select. 
These sessions will take place over the zoom platform. We will provide you with a meeting link that will need to be shared with the participating students. The sessions will be 45-90 minutes long. Our intentions are to be flexible with time frame and each individual session can be adjusted to fit your needs
You can schedule your team building during a chapter meeting, or you can select a time frame that works for your students to gather with the sole purpose of the Oswegatchie Team Building Session. Feel free to reach out with any additional questions, thouhgts, or ideas. We here at Oswegatchie miss seeing our chapters here at camp. 

Much Appreciated,

Rolland Krohn
Ropes Specialist
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Click for the form
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Check out our Youtube Channel @ "Oswegatchie Prime" 

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Oswegatchie on VHS Tapes : The 1990s

11/4/2020

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The 1990s was not exactly an easy time for Oswegatchie. There was plenty of work to be done and not necessarily many resources to do it. Luckily a number of good things were put to use. One idea was  adding weekly camp videos to the mix!

Despite still be the age of analog, this was a progressive  thing for the 1990s. Behind the scenes, Mo Lepine was constantly editing and putting in the work needed. Plus, when you duplicated the VHS Tapes, You had to do that at the speed of a VCR. There were no shortcuts in the days of analog.

Here we are in the year 2020... With time on our hands, we discovered how to digitize our 25 year old VHS tapes and share them with the world. 

Below you will find playlists for the 1993 - 1996. There may be more years out there, but this is what was pulled from the archives.  Below you will also see our first promo video from 1992, the more Oswegatchie changes and the more it stays the same!

If you get a chance, please subscribe to our youtube channel as we hope to create more content to keep Oswegatchie in your mind!
1993 VHS Playlist

1995 VHS Playlist
1994 VHS Playlist

1996 VHS Playlist
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Thank for Your Mega Duck Dash Support!

10/28/2020

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​Let’s begin with Thank You!
 
Oswegatchie is incredibly thankful to the supporters of the Mega Duck Dash. Our “camp community” continues to be an amazing group of people that impresses us at every turn.
 
If you purchased Mega Duck Tickets, you are helping us get through the most difficult stretch we have had in 20 years. With the addition of the new dining hall, we are positioned to zoom forward when “Covid” is over.
 
If you volunteered on the Mega Duck Dash weekend, you helped us leverage our time to make the most of the rest of 2020. The next 2 months will be crucial for us to be prepared for 2021.
 
We raced 935 Mega Ducks which is the smallest amount of ducks we have raced in 25 years. With a new event, we had no idea if it would succeed or not. We are overjoyed with the success.
 
We raised $40,000, which is roughly what we raise from an average Duck Race year. Our only major expense for the event was the grand prize, and this was paid for with the first 100 ducks sold.
We had one grateful winner! Congratulations to Stephanie Rhoades for her win! If you do not know Stephanie, she is a FFA advisor and agricultural educator in Pine Plains, NY. She was a NYS FFA member, past state officer, camp staff, and is still involved.
 
2020 is demonstrating the strength of the Oswegatchie community. With every special event, camp store sale, or small group that rents an empty lodge, we see that strength every day.
 
Once again, Thank You for your Support!
 
Excelsior,
 
The Oswegatchie Staff
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2020 Summer Camp Season at Oswegatchie is Cancelled

5/14/2020

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​In 2019 we started to envision what 2020 was going to look like at Oswegatchie.  Obviously with a year like 2020 how could our future be anything but bright and clear.  On the agenda was special events, tee shirts, and trinkets to commemorate our 75th Anniversary.

As August closed, we said good bye to an old friend in Widrick Lodge and prepared to break ground on a brand-new kitchen and dining hall, a project that was more than a few years in the making. 2020 was poised to be an epic year and our team was beyond excited.
 
Today we are announcing that our 75th Camping Season at Oswegatchie will be cancelled due to the continued health crisis posed by COVID 19.  This is an extraordinarily challenging time; unlike anything we have ever experienced.
If you have registered and paid for camp, we will offer several options detailed below. Please continue to stay connected with Oswegatchie on our Facebook page. We hope that if conditions allow, we may be able to release other opportunities at Oswegatchie this summer.  
 
Oswegatchie is preparing to experience significant hardships in addition to those already realized. Second only to everyone’s health and safety, we must continue to fund our overhead so that camp is fully ready to serve children and families in the future. However, we recognize families across the nation are also bracing for their own challenges.

If you had may a Deposit or Payment for 2020, your options are: 

  • Kindly donate funds already paid. Please call our office to discuss how you can receive a tax receipt for your generous gift. Thank you!

  • Spend credit in our Online Store. Contact us to set up gift card. 

  • Hold the credit in your account for the 2021 camping season.

  • Or receive a full refund for the amount paid.
 
Opportunities?

We are releasing a virtual program called “
Camp in a Box”. This experience will connect with those that miss Long Pond, nightly campfires, songs in the dining hall, and as many of the camp experiences possible.  You can subscribe for one, two, or three-monthly boxes, that will contain camp apparel, camp activities, camp kitchen recipes, and invitation only Zoom sessions with some of your favorite camp staff.  Plus, a variety of other surprises

As New York phases through reopening, we anticipate more opportunities happening. Stay tuned as we work through the situation, 

As a donor to Oswegatchie, how can I help?
We are beyond grateful to the members of our community – our alumni, guests, camper families, volunteers, and staff – who have recognized the challenges crises like this can pose to a human services organization regardless of their own hardships that they may be facing. For those that are able and interested, please make a gift . THANK YOU for your support of children and families during these uncertain times.
I Want to Help!
​What won’t change is our commitment to our campers.

Excelsior, 
The Oswegatchie Team
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Oswegatchie’s Summer Camp Registration and COVID-19

3/13/2020

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To: Oswegatchie Summer Campers, Parents, & FFA Advisors ​

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to develop, we are monitoring the situation and assessing potential impacts on the Oswegatchie Educational Center. This situation remains fluid. We encourage all our customers to regularly review and follow the latest information from the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html.
 
In the event that public health concerns dictate further restrictions on travel, or gatherings, we will update you on any contingency plans that may need to be made for our 2020 summer camp season.  
We encourage campers to still register for summer camp as planned. If your school has made a reservation or “Group Hold”, we suggest you utilize that to not miss your camp opportunity, If camp is later cancelled or abbreviated, we will make appropriate action to reimburse schools and families.
 
In regards to the 26th Annual AdironDUCK Race, we are waiting to see how the situation progresses over the next 2 weeks. As of April 3rd, we will have a better plan on how that event will happen. We do intend to float ducks regardless if there is a large public gathering or not. Ducks are available online and your support is appreciated more now than ever.
 
We live in interesting times and we look forward to seeing everyone in the future.
 
Excelsior,
 
The Oswegatchie Team
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2020 INto the Woods Forestry Training

12/16/2019

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We have maxed out enrollment for our 2020 event!

We will announce by MArch 20,
if event will be cancelled due to COronavirus!

PRegistration has Been Filled / Closed
2020_nys_wood_products_development_council_youth_retreat_announcement.pdf
File Size: 31804 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


To: Interested Students,  ages 14 –1 8, in pursuing a career in Forestry & Wood Products

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

Program Sample Schedule
Oswegatchie will provide overnight supervision, all meals, during the program.Parents / teachers will want to arrive in Sunday by 1 PM to start.

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


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2020 Into the Woods : Forestry Training Program 

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
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Oswegatchie is Featured Podcast Guest!

11/13/2019

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Take 34 minutes and listen to the High 5 Adventure Podcast. Bill Waite and Rolland Krohn get to talk with alumni Jamie Thibodeau on the record. 

Oswegatchie has had a ropes course since 1991 and has been a leader in our region for ropes course programming. You can learn more about our ropes course and other programs at www.oswegatchieropes.com 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-5-adventure-the-podcast/id1451457216?i=1000456691378   

Excelsior, 
The Oswegatchie Staff
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2020 Oswegatchie Summer Camp Save The Dates

9/24/2019

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2019 - 2020 Environmental Science & Leadership Training Program

9/13/2019

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September 13th, 2019

To: All Secondary Agricultural Education, Environmental/Conservation CTE programs

From: Bill Waite, Oswegatchie Educational Center

Shari Lighthall, New York Ag Education and Outreach

The Oswegatchie Educational Center is offering 33% funded Environmental and Leadership Development programs to be implemented at the center during the 2019—2020 academic year. Funding for these programs has been made possible by NY Ag Education and Outreach. All secondary Agricultural Science, Environmental / Conservation CTE programs may apply for these special opportunities.

All applications should be postmarked or emailed ASAP. Please do not delay your proposals. These funds are rewarded first come first serve, it is in your best interest to apply quickly.
Your school will be billed for the amount you request. You can add more later, but if you bring less, you will still be billed at the number you requested on this application. Be considerate since your request does block others from receiving spaces.
​          · November 6 – 8th, 2019

          · November 13 - 15th, 2019

          · November 20 –22nd, 2019

          · April 1 – 3rd, 2020
2019_oswegatchie_elp_application.pdf
File Size: 4407 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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​Since 2000, Oswegatchie has hosted these environmental and leadership development programs at our center. We are looking forward to giving this opportunity to your students again this year. 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 our natural world. The property includes 4 bodies of water, various streams, wetlands, open fields, and woodlands ideal for environmental education. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for you and your students. Apply today!
Please contact me if you have any questions about this opportunity .

The PDF of this program is above, you can review the form / file below.
 
Sincerely,

Bill Waite,
Program Director
Oswegatchie Educational Center 
wwaite@oswegatchie.org

Shari Lighthall
New York Agricultural Education and Outreach
 slighthall@cornell.edu


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2019 HIGH 5 CHALLENGE COURSE TRAINING May 28 - May 30 at Oswegatchie

4/16/2019

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Closed
​This is a Custom Adventure Basics Training that the HIGH 5 Adventure Learning Center provides at our facility which parallels the course  Adventure Basics Training: Level 1.

The difference between the courses is the ability to adapt and focus on the information the group of participants would like to address. Below are several of the basic areas the course will touch upon. Click here for the High 5 Course Description .  
Full 3 day Program $600

​Bulleted below is an excerpt from their website.
  • Essential challenge course skills for the operation of low and high challenge course elements including spotting skills training, equipment use, knot tying, belay skills and risk management techniques
  • A wide variety of icebreakers, warm-ups, cooperative games, and problem solving exercises
  • How to create a positive environment for learning, positive group norms and reflection/processing techniques
  • Curriculum development ideas: selecting and sequencing activities for optimal outcomes with different groups.
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​HIGH 5 is providing the trainer while Oswegatchie is providing the facility. High 5 trainers are highly skilled and provide an elevated experience in expanding skill sets of participants through their trainings. This method is effective in cost for each participant between traveling, lodging, meals and the training.

Participant's registration includes 7 meals, lodging at Oswegatchie, and the training. For lodging participants will need to bring your own bedding. They are not required to stay at Oswegatchie over the course of the training and can commute. All participants are welcome to stay and utilize our facility after each day of training. Oswegatchie is able to provide meals for those that are gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, allergies, and most dietary restrictions with notice in advance. We are very accommodating and receptive to these needs.

Oswegatchie is a summer camp and year round retreat center. To see accommodations or to learn more about what we do, go to www.oswegatchieretreats.org . Oswegatchie does not have cellular service or wifi, but a tremendous amount of waterway and acreage to give any outdoor professionals a great time while unplugging from the world for a few days. 

See You on the Ropes, 
Rolland Krohn
Ropes Course Director
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    Experiencing Oswegatchie 

    means taking time away from your normal life and getting outside. We have many opportunities including high ropes, paddling, or team building workshops. If you are interested in an Oswegatchie experience, contact us at info@oswegatchie.org. We will work with you to make sure what Oswegatchie has to offer is perfect for you!

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