All Categories - Oswegatchie

Oswegatchie Adventure for Buffalo Teenagers

5/16/2018

In April 30th, 42 Aquatic Ecology and Horticulture students and chaperones from McKinley High School crossed their fingers for mild weather as they prepared to explore Oswegatchie Educational Center in the Adirondack Park. For the next four days they would need to endure whatever mother nature had in store.

For most of the students, as-well-as the chaperones, this would be their first time away from home in a remote camp environment without cell or internet service. To continue this exciting story and pictorial by Russell Lis – Aquatic Ecology Teacher, click on the document link below!

Each day, students met at the flagpole for “Morning Motivation.” An inspirational quote was read by senior Aquatic Ecology student, Gerald (Last Name) and then translated by our multilingual students who were proud to share their culture and language with peers. It was an opportunity for our diverse students to showcase their linguistic abilities and to start new conversations about their lives and culture with campers and staff. Our ENL student population at McKinley is a cherished resource which offers a broader perspective than our traditional narrative. At Camp, they enriched the experiences of all students and staff who were surprised to learn something new about their classmates. CLICK HERE to view.

Sincerely,

Russell Lis
Oswegatchie Enthusiast

_oswegatchie_adventure_5_14_18_mckinley_high_school.pdf
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Visit Adirondacks in More than One Way!

4/13/2018

Plan your next school trip and stay at Oswegatchie on your way to The Wild Center.

In 2006, a state of the art environmental education facility was built in Tupper Lake. Its called the Wild Center and it is an amazing place. It showcases the most modern ways to see and feel the Adirondack experience. This place is jaw dropping! There may be no better way to understand 10,000 years of Adirondack ecology. To top it off, in 2017 they opened up the “Wild Walk” which takes you above the tree tops to see the forest and mountains from a new perspective.

The only problem with the Wild Center is that it’s in middle of the Adirondacks, making it difficult for a field trip from most schools to get there in a day and still be home at a reasonable time. What we are suggesting is that you find a way to close the distance, spend a night in the Adirondacks, and get to the Wild Center as they open the doors!

The Oswegatchie Educational Center is located in Croghan, NY roughly 2 hours from the Wild Center. You go up Route 812 to Route 3, and enjoy the ride till to Tupper Lake. Our youth friendly and school trip oriented location has budget friendly accommodations that can handle 90 people between 2 buildings. We can do meals, evening activities, and a variety of other services a group would need.

Imagine, you leave your school first thing in the morning and travel to Oswegatchie. Depending on your distance travelled, Oswegatchie can start hosting you whenever you need. Our staff can keep students busy outside on hikes, kayaks, a ropes course, or whatever you wish in order to tire out your students for a good night’s rest. We can even do marshmallows by the campfire! Teachers and chaperones do the overnight supervision.

The next day, students are up bright and early for pancake breakfast and out the door by 7:45 AM. 2 hours on the school bus puts you at the front door of the Wild Center by 10 AM. Enjoy the Wild Center and the Wild Walk for as many hours as you want, and hit the road. These leaves it up to you put in your last long haul home or decide where to stay next!

A few other options to make this field trip work…

Option #1 Stop at Oswegatchie on the way to Wild Center --- one night stays

Option #2 Stop at Oswegatchie after visiting the Wild Center --- one night stays

Option #3 Use Oswegatchie on the way up and on the way back --- two nights stays

We find that 5th graders are the right age for overnight trips. Kids away from home typically can handle the one night away from their parents. Middle school tends to work out well for 2 night trips. Older students tend to work well for many nights at Oswegatchie.

Any schools or groups interested in seeing more of the Adirondacks can use links like www.visitadirondacks.com to find other accommodations.

To learn more about the Wild Center, go to www.wildcenter.org .

To learn about all things Oswegatchie, go to www.oswegatchie.org .

Excelsior,
Bill Waite
Program Director

Oswegatchie Educational Center
Croghan, NY 13327

Oswegatchie by Drone in Winter

2/9/2018

We had a volunteer donate some drone footage back to us on a snowy day in February. Oswegatchie is good for so many things. A winter retreat in one of our lodges or an outdoor playground for the winter athlete. Contact us at info@oswegatchie.org to find out when you could make this place yours for the week, weekend, or whenever you need it...

High 5 Challenge Course Training June 3 -5th

2/9/2018

A 3 Day All Inclusive Ropes Facilitation Training June 3rd-5th, 2018!

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 .

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.

Click for Registration

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 for the world for a few days.

See You on the Ropes,
Rolland Krohn
Ropes Course Director

The view from our Zip Line...

BARN QUILT, Bed, and Breakfast Weekend Special

1/5/2018

Sometimes when a weekend group cancels, Oswegatchie can throw together a last minute experience for anyone interested. This is one of those weekends!

Would you like to make a barn quilt?

"Join us at Oswegatchie, Saturday January 6th – 7th for an overnight stay and a project by the fireplace!

A barn quilt is a piece of wood painted to look like a quilt block, typically displayed on barns. They are usually large. Our version will be a small 12" X 12" on a piece of Oswegatchie pine.

*reminder you must bring you own bedding*

Schedule

1:30 pm- Arrival, Welcome and Settle in
2pm - Painting begins: all supplies and instruction provided by Oswegatchie
5pm - Dinner provided by Oswegatchie
Evening by the Fireplace
Please feel free to bring you own additional snacks and drinks to enjoy in the evening.
8am- Pancake Breakfast by Oswegatchie
Event Ends

$75 for the full event
$50 to attend and NOT paint the barn quilt
$50 to make a quilt but NOT spend the night.

Oswegatchie needs 8 participants to make this workshop worthwhile. If less than 8 people register by Saturday morning 9 AM, we will cancel and fully refund any fees.

Barn Quilt Registration

2018 Spring Environmental Science & Leadership Training

1/4/2018

This is the first time Oswegatchie has offered this program in the Spring in 10 years. We appreciate all who have supported these programs in the past and hopefully welcome more into this experience.

The Oswegatchie Educational Center is offering 33% funded Environmental and Leadership Development programs to be implemented at the center during the Spring of 2018. 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. See the attached Request for Proposals for requirements and details. All proposals must be postmarked or emailed by February 10th 2018 Please do not delay your proposals.

Since 2000, Oswegatchie has hosted these environmental and leadership development programs at the 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!

This program will focus on winter ecology as we are unsure of what snow load will look like in advance. Oswegatchie has a an excellent fleet of snowshoes, cross country skis, and a maple sugaring operation to make a big impact.

Please contact me if you have any questions about this opportunity .

Sincerely,
Bill Waite, Program Director

2018_spring_oswegatchie_elp_program_and_application.pdf
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Oswegatchie on The record : 1945 - 1955

11/21/2017

In the history of literature, the "journal entry style of writing" flourished with Bram Stoker's Dracula and Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. The following is not that interesting...

What we do have here is a compilation of records and correspondence from masters of parliamentary procedure and proper recorded minutes. The thorough use of the written record here is a testament to the early days of Oswegatchie's Founders. As a sidenote, this the work of veterans of both WW1 and WW2. The testament to these men for doing what they did abroad and at home is a heavy legacy to consider.

In the PDF below, you will find roses among the thorns, names important to the early days of OSwegatchie, and the changing of the guard as different people come and go, or need to change their focus from a summer camp to the rest of their lives. Additionally, you will find local names, businesses, and local spots referenced.

The following PDF can be downloaded and placed on your digital reader or computer. Be warned, it is 155 MB in size.

Excelsior,
Bill Waite
Program Director

oswegatchie_founders_documents.pdf
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Your Adirondack Race can begin at Oswegatchie...

11/20/2017

Does your group of athletic warriors need a new place to train? Do you want a combination of pavement, dirt roads, open water, wooded trails, large loops, elevation gains, big down hills, and open space? Do you also need lodging and a kitchen to keep the group fed? How about a campfire at the end of the day to finish it off?

Maybe its time to discover the lodging options at the Oswegatchie Educational Center in Croghan!

Since 1946, the Oswegatchie Educational Center has operated a summer camp and year round educational retreat center in the western Adirondacks. Oswegatchie is situated on 1200 acres of land, surrounding 4 large ponds. Our buildings include 2 year round lodges, several seasonal buildings, and 13 campsites that have structure cabins and lean-tos. We have a separate bath house for additional showers, meeting spaces in pavilions and seasonal lodges. Need to mix it up even further? Book an experience on our TEAM Challenge Ropes Course, Archery Tag, or maybe a program to keep the kids busy!

Check OUt Foster Lodge

Dirt roads are useful for so many things...

Early morning paddles are a great way to start your day...

What sports work best at Oswegatchie?

Runners can mix it up on pavement, dirt, or trails and go the distance!
Swimmers have a choice of 4 large ponds, the largest being 1.5 miles long.
Cyclists can crank out hills on pavement or dirt.
Preparing for the Black Fly Challenge? Mountain Bikers can practice lots of hills and quick reactions to terrain on the dirt roads surrounding our location.
Mountain Bikers can also work out on stony trails, rugged terrain, sand, water, and roots.
Want a real bike work out? Our pump track will work every muscle in your body at the same time!
Paddlers will find our 4 ponds to be perfect for training since our water ways are isolated from traffic.
Iron Man Lake Placid is a crazy / hectic day... Training at Oswegatchie keeps away the crowds!
Endurance Athletes can mix it up on long distance trails or go off trail to tackle terrain.
Crossfit has a perfect opportunity to mix it up outside the gym.
Scuba training works well due to limited traffic on the pond. (we do have dark waters...)
Adventure racers can start early and end late safely back at home base in most racing disciplines.
Our Long Pond Loop is perfect practice for the Ragnar Adirondacks.
Map Orienteering can be done and use natural borders to keep people on the map. We border the Watson East Triangle and the Croghan Tract.
Have restrictions on what your team can do before the season starts? Start your pre-season here and leave the gear at home.
Any traditional sports team can cross train on our high ropes course, paddle sports, or trails.
Team building is easy to do on our Ropes Course! That's what it was built for doing.
Long Pond's 1.5 mile length is perfect for lap training for the Adirondack Canoe Classic.

Why Oswegatchie?

We own 1200 acres inside the Adirondack Park. We also have 60,000 acres of state land, trails, water, and roads around us.
Our semi-remote location is still on a paved road, but being 12 miles from town gets you away from the masses with space to spread out.
If nature is not enough for inner peace, we do not have wifi or cell phones so you “unplug at Oswegatchie”.
Our accommodations eliminate distractions and keep athletes focused.
Oswegatchie has additional lodging that can be great on a year round basis.
Our staff can provide meals to help keep you outside or provide kitchens to help feed yourselves.
Particular about your nutrition? Our kitchens are ready for you to prep your own food.
We have indoor and outdoor space for workshops, training lessons, base camp, or rest stops.
Need something besides training? We have kayaks, canoes, and SUPs to allow for some slow time.
A simple basketball court, volleyball court, and other "camp" sports are available for reducing the intensity of training.
Need to break a sweat and fuel some individual competition? You should check out our "GaGa Pit".
We have enough space for your family to enjoy your training time as well.
When the long day is done, we can provide you with a warm campfire, stunning views, and the inner peace that only nature offers.
Need break stations? How about recovery locales? We have tables and chairs ready to go whenever and wherever you need them.
Croghan is a great small town and a great point to travel to other regional venues.
Want humble accommodations to make you a bit more Spartan? Our campsites vary from structure cabins, lean-tos, and plenty of spaces for tents.
Adirondack & Tug Hill winters are prime for cold weather immersion.
We also get snow, ice, and winter weather when its just teasing for snow elsewhere.

Intrigued? Lets start the conversation with a phone call or a site visit. We will show you how great Oswegatchie can be for your group of athletic warriors.

The Oswegatchie Staff

Adirondack Race Training

Satellite Image of our 4 ponds.

2017 Environmental Science & Leadership Training Program

9/18/2017

To: All Secondary Agricultural Science, Environmental/Conservation CTE programs.

RE: Environmental & Leadership Development Program

The Oswegatchie Educational Center is offering 33% funded Environmental and Leadership Development programs to be implemented at the center during the November 2017. 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. See the attached Request for Proposals for requirements and details. All proposals must be postmarked or emailed by October 10th 2017 Please do not delay your proposals.

Since 2000, Oswegatchie has hosted these environmental and leadership development programs at the 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 .

Sincerely,

Bill Waite
Program Director
wwaite@oswegatchie.org

2017_fall_oswegatchie_elp_program_and_application_sept_release.pdf
File Size:	3568 kb
File Type:	pdf

Paddle to the Adironduck Race

3/31/2017

If you have never heard of the AdironDUCK Race in Croghan, stop reading this and go to this link!

www.adironduckrace.com

The short story is that the Oswegatchie Educational Center will race as many as 10,000 rubber ducks down our small river section. The last Sunday in April is filled with a pancake breakfast, an Adirondack storyteller, vendors, etc! When the sun is shining, the duck race draws in roughly 2,000 people for the day. Just about everybody gets to Oswegatchie by car, but we do have a few motorcycles, bikes, ATVs, and occasionally a seaplane.

So why do I propose you “Paddle” to the Adironduck Race? Its seems like a bit odd of a proposition... I have become acquainted with some local paddling groups and I thought to myself how sweet it would be to arrive to the duck race ala canoe or kayak! So here I write this piece to entice you into a little adventure.

Pack up your canoe, kayak, or guide boat and travel to Croghan, I will leave those directions up to you. Once you get to Croghan, head north on 812 and turn onto Belfort Road. Follow that for 4 miles to the City of the Future known as Belfort. Once there, turn right at the Belfort Inn onto Long Pond Road and drive roughly 3 miles till you get to Prentice Road on the right. Now things get interesting.

You will need to travel about 5 miles down this back road till you find a sign that says “Long Pond Cooperator Area”. Just 100 yards past that down the hill will be the turn into the south end of Long Pond. This secluded beach is the perfect place to launch a small craft onto a scenic pond early in the morning. With only one cabin on the south end of Long Pond, it’s a spectacular place for quiet water paddling. If you go straight north up the pond, you will find the Oswegatchie Camp! It will be impossible to miss. From the south end to the north end, its only 1.5 miles and has plenty of open water for side trips.

If you do make it to Long Pond to paddle into our event, please leave space for others to pull in. You will find the "turn around" at the south end there is plenty of space.

Lastly, GPS is unreliable as you approach our site, we recommend not using it, but following our directions.

In advance, we thank you for your patronage and visit to Oswegatchie. We hope you will find the Adironduck Race to be as much fun as we do!

Excelsior,
Bill Waite
Program Director