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YMCA Camp Chingachgook
Oct. 21, 2013
Kattskill Bay, NY
http://www.cdymca.org/locations/CampChingachgook/Home.aspx
Chingachgook was founded as a wilderness and sailing camp. Located on the beautiful Lake George in the Adirondacks of New York their program takes advantage of their beautiful surroundings. Campers take 3 days during 2 week long sessions and paddle to a nearby island or climb one of the 46 high peeks. Lesley the summer camp director talked about how when prospective families come to tour Chingachook they are very up front about their wilderness based program. They advise parents and campers to find the right camp for them much like picking a college. Campers who are not looking for an outdoor, adventure based experiential learning experience may not necessarily succeed at camp. Lesley spoke passionately about the importance of camp for every child but how there are so many camp and so many different niches that camps fill and that finding finding another camp that resonates with what that child and family is more important. Another corner stone of Chingachgook is their beautiful and iconic waterfront. They run an intense sailing program and they also are host to the YKNOT sailing program that provides people with physical disabilities a sailing experience and a chance at mastery. Talking with Lesley and Derrick the wilderness director over a beer last night we learned more about the deep set values and how dedicated their staff are. They have campers who are begging for a chance to be one of the magic making counselors. It was also interesting to talk with Lesley and Derrick about their successes as a camp as well as their shortcomings proving they are always looking to expand and improve on what a great camp can provide.
- Laura