See Ya in 2010

2009 showed Chingachgook a lot of great things. We had a new junior boys bathhouse, our first full summer with Baxter Park, two new skill classes (guitar and softball), more campers then ever before, and of course...a staff that was second to none! I'd like to thank all of our CITs, counselors and program/waterfront staff from last summer for helping us achieve the many things that we did, and the Support Staff; Mike (SBU), Alex (JBU), Kristen (SGU), Lori (JGU), Tressie/Carlos/Richy (CITs), Katie (Aquatics), Jason (Boating), Heather (Skill Classes), Ken (Special Events), and of course Nicole (Day Camp) for helping me all throughout the summer. Chingachgook couldn't have done it without any of you! See you in 2010!

Barn is Done...But where'd the bridge go?

After working quite hard for an extended period of time, our maintenance crew was able to complete the new barn in just over a week. As soon as the weather warms up (April probably), you'll find it getting a fresh coat of paint. Any color ideas?

As for the bridge...well, guess who needed a new one? That's right, we did! A couple of days ago the old bridge was taken out, now the foundation is being put together for the new bridge that will be much fancier then our old one. Anyone want to see how many people we can fit on the new bridge next summer?...Just kidding...sort of.

The Barn is coming

You read that correctly, the barn is coming! As part of our ever growing farm at Camp, the climbing tower bathhouse is getting a tremendous makeover, both inside and out. First, the outside is be made to look like a barn from the present farm location. As you can see from the pictures, the construction is well under way, and we're hoping to be finished sometime before 2010. Now, the inside! Just like our junior boys bathhouse got a new interior, so is the climbing tower KYBO. We completely gutted the inside, and everything will be brand new for the upcoming summer giving Camp another wonderful and new bathhouse!

Happy Thanksgiving

Everyone here at Camp wishes all of our Camp community a happy happy Thanksgiving. We've certain got many things to be thankful for here at Chingachgook. For starters, having such a strong alumni base and Camp Community. Our beautiful natural location (i.e. Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains) and wonderful facilities...and who could forget the incredible Campers and Staff we've had over the many years. I hope everyone gets to spend quality time with the people they care about over the next several weeks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Baxter Park gets some use!

What a weekend! We had 20 little leaguers and their fathers here using Baxter Park for the last time this fall. Sure it was a little on the chilly side (although Sunday almost saw it hit 60 degrees!) and the bat may have stung a little bit after making contact with the ball, but these are tough kids we're talking about. For sometime, we thought Baxter Park would see its first kid/camper homerun, but alas, we're still waiting for that magical swing!

First Lookout in the Fall

There were rumors floating around Camp the other day that once summer ends, and the leaves fall from the trees, the Chingachgook Trail up Buck Mountain becomes impossible to find and First Lookout ceases to exist. Well, here's the proof it does exist still...myth busted!

The leaves won't be around much longer

A friendly stroll around Camp brings a couple of images right away. The first being...wow, it's really not summer anymore. The second, a little more startling...wow, when is it going to snow for the first time. Last year Buck Mountain had a solid coating of snow in very late November, just after Thanksgiving. So, the countdown is on. When will the cold white stuff make it's apperance for the first time? Make a guess in the comments section and if you guess correctly, win a Chingachgook Hoodie! Just make sure you leave your name along with your guess!

Family Camp...is a blast of course!

Families came from all over the region to participate in the final family camp weekend of 2009. I am sure they were glad they did too. An fun filled program including EVERY area of Camp plus a hilarious and fun Pumpkin Festival on Saturday night made the weekend worth it. On Saturday, before the festival, the families had the entire high ropes course to themselves for a little while and really motored through the elements. Great job everyone!

From the pictures below, which pumpkin do you think is the best?

A Yoga Weekend at Camp

Sometimes we forget how relaxing and rejuvenating a place Camp can be. This past weekend, over fifty people gathered for a "Spirit, Mind, and Body" retreat and enjoyed all that Camp had to offer, plus many other yoga related activties. The food this weekend feature a number of different types of food that were on the healthier side of things. So, no, there were no macaroni and cheese nuggets to eat, but the food was still unbelievable. If you're into yoga, or even if you're not and want to learn, join us next year for the retreat. October 1-3, 2010 at Chingachgook!

Practicing for the summer?

Of course not! We've been very busy the last couple of weeks. Over a dozen schools have been here with almost 1,000 students in total. What exactly are they doing? Well, besides the traditional canoeing, high ropes, climbing tower, and archery classes. These kids have explored the wetlands, learned about animal insticts, and dipped their hands in the stream...literally.

Favorite Summer Moments

With so many great moments to pick from it's almost impossible to pick just one. So, instead, I've decided (since I make the rules) to pick my favorite program from the summer. Is it really that hard? Hikes! What other part of Camp rewards it's participants with unbelievable views, paddling on Lake George, climbing in the adirondacks, and the opportunity to camp outside, in some cases for the first time! With Chingachgook programs (Hikes and Adventure Trips) over 2,000 kids spent at least two nights out in the "wilderness" living off the land like our ancestors did so many years ago.

Where have all the campers gone?!

Seriously now, I know Camp is over...but is it supposed to feel this empty especially when the weather is so nice? Come back!!!!!

Hiking Was Great

Shortly after lunch yesterday, the entire Camp departed on a journey to summit Buck Mountain. Many of our cabins made it to the top, but everyone had a great time. Upon their return we enjoyed a great cookout dinner (Mexican Night) which was followed by a fantastic fire and drive-in movie night up on tall pines playing field!

Closing Day Reminders for Session Six

I know the last thing we are thinking about is Session Six ending, but I still wanted to pass along some reminders about Closing Day at Camp.

• Pick-up is from 4:30-5:30
• The amazing Family BBQ starts at 5:00
• Don't forget about the incredible slideshow @ 6:00

When you return home from Camp make sure you fill out our online survey! Your thoughts and feedback will help us make changes for future summers AND help us for the remainder of the summer!http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB229DYQJT2ZR

Final Canoe Races of Summer

Since we have a boys unit and a girls unit, we held just one overall race for unit supremacy today. It was a fun race, each unit had a pretty funny theme. The girls came down as hillbillies, and the boys were coal miners. Their associated cheers were funny as well. As for the race? It was close as they were turning around the buoy, but on the home stretch, one of the boys cabins was able to really jump ahead and take home the trophy!

Unit Photos!

Just took unit photos for the yearbook (see them below), lots of smiling faces! Right now the Camp just dispersed into afternoon activities. We've got lots going on from sailing, to swimming, to archery, to hiking, and just about everything else in between. Tonight we've got a fabulous evening program planned for the ENTIRE Camp. We're going to be spread out over the entire Camp doing a large "scavenger hunt" type activity, but there will be a few fun suprises for the campers and counselors!

Day One of Sixth Session!

We're off to a fast and fun start at Camp today. The sun is shining and campers are all over the place taking part in great activities. You can see pictures below of the fun being had!

Climbing Tower!
Our tough ultimate frisbee crew

Learning a little something about nature

Who ever turned down a wheel barrow race?

Sixth Session...and final opening day :(

A shabby morning turned into a great afternoon for opening day and swim checks. We're only moments away from a spaghetti and meatballs dinner to be followed by a wonderful campfire. Enjoy the pictures below from swim checks.

Session Six Opening Day Reminders

We hope you are as excited to kick-off Session Six today as we are. I wanted to pass along a few reminders that will help simplify your opening day experience at Camp.

· All campers may start arriving at 1pm
· Once you have arrived, you will walk to the dining hall for check-in (balances that may be due on your account, camper skill class schedules, health forms and questions for the medical staff, if needed)
· After check-in you will be able to drive your child to their cabin to help them move in and meet their counselors. We do ask that parents leave Camp shortly after meeting the counselor, as campers have a busy schedule and long goodbyes can be difficult
· There will be an optional Welcome Parents session in Rotary Lodge with Summer Camp Director, Aaron Cantor @ 2:30pm
· Save time on opening day by adding money to your child’s store account online before you arrive.

Don’t forget to register with “Parent Communicator”, the one-way email communication software Camp uses that allows your parents to send one-way email to you at camp and view photos that are uploaded several times throughout the session.The website is www.parentcommunicator.com/CampChingachgook. And the access code is Chingachgook

Closing Campfire

A great night for a campfire! As we watched the sunset, we said our farewells to Session Five during closing campfire. Each unit prepared a little something for the rest of Camp. At the very end of campfire, we each lit our candle, said the Chingachgook Alma Mater, blew them out, then we all rose silently and said TAPS for the final time at night.

Session Five Closing Day Reminders

I know the last thing we are thinking about is Session Five ending, but I still wanted to pass along some reminders about Closing Day at Camp.

• Junior Campers pick-up is from 4:30-5:30
• Senior Campers pick-up is from 5:00-6:00
• The amazing Family BBQ starts at 5:00
• Don't forget about the incredible slideshow @ 6:30
  

When you return home from Camp make sure you fill out our online survey! Your thoughts and feedback will help us make changes for future summers AND help us for the remainder of the summer!http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB229DYQJT2ZR

Getting ready for closing campfire

They're practicing all over Camp! Tonight, at closing campfire, every unit will prepare a special song for the entire Camp. In addition, each unit will select one camper and one staff member to speak in front of the entire Camp. We've heard some great speeches over the summer, most are about what fun camp is and others are about how much they love Camp and cannot wait to return next year. What would you say if you had the chance to speak in front of the entire Camp?

Fifth Session Canoe Races

Great races today at Camp, both were very close. Both boys units' were victorious in the end, but there were still some great themes. The senior boys were "Snow White", the senior girls were "Baseball" and dressed only as Yankee and Red Sox fans, the junior girls were "Safari", and the junior boys came as different "bugs". The canoers even managed to take a dip in the lake after their race...

Random fun at Camp on a hot day!

No matter how hot it gets...we'll have fun! Here's the proof too :)