Chapter Programs
  ( Updated 2013-05-19 )

Photo Gallery
  ( Updated 2013-05-12 )

Well, thankfully, there was a delay in the DEC getting their new e-registration in place. As a result, it gave us time to use up all our allotted funds for the 2013 sponsored camperships.

As mentioned before, we are already sponsoring Aaron Keegan of Scotia for the ADK Teen Trails program. We now can add seven more sponsored candidates who will be participating in the DEC summer camps program.

Heading to Pack Forest are Samantha Kerr of Schenectady and Jonathan Klompas of Clifton Park. Pascal Gervasio of Niskayuna, Connor Hicks and Ryan and Benjamin Bittig, all of West Sand Lake, will each be enjoying a week at Camp Colby.

We are also able to send Claire Holloway of Mill Point thanks to DEC's addition of its "buy six, get one free" program.

As usual, Spring is keeping us busy. We will once again be guiding educational walks - combination scavenger, hiking tips, Leave No Trace - walks in the Coles Woods area as part of the Glens Falls' YMCA's Healthy Kids Day 2013. That will be on Saturday, April 27th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

On May 23rd we will be presenting hiking/outdoor tips at the 2013 Conservation Field Day at Moreau State Park throughout the day. Hope to see you there!

Application forms for all of these sponsorships may be downloaded using the "Application Forms" links from this web page and when completed, send to:

Linda Ranado: 18 Pine Ridge Road, Hadley, NY 12835

Phone: 696-7265,
Email: lranado@hotmail.com
 

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Pack Forest, Pack Forest, located in the southern Adirondacks, is located in Warren County, about five miles north of Warrensburg, on 2,500 acres of woodlands. The property includes an 85-acre lake and countless miles of trails leading to mountain vistas, marshes and the banks of the Hudson River. The first five sessions of camp are open to teens 14 to 17 years old. These sessions offer the older campers a chance to explore forestry, aquatic biology, wildlife management, field ecology and other environmental issues. Workshop attendees learn about professional forestry techniques, such as the use of Biltmore sticks and increment borers. The program emphasizes group dynamics and teamwork as essential to the environmental decision-making process. Staff encourages interaction, communication and cooperation as campers seek solutions to group challenge activities. Students also discover their individual strengths and abilities. 2012 participant, Whitney Wright, wrote of the many friends she gained and of all the "awesome" counselors who taught her about trees, renewable resources and pollution during her stay.

Camp Colby and the last two sessions of camp at Pack Forest are open to children ages 11 to 13. Campers participate in a discovery group while at camp, completing six lessons ranging from group dynamics to field, forest, and pond explorations, to a study of human impact. Group members learn science, solve challenges, play games, keep a journal, catch salamanders, net butterflies and discover the interconnectedness of life on earth. In addition to advanced outdoor workshops, Pack Forest campers participate in exhilarating out-of-camp canoeing or backpacking trips in the beautiful Adirondacks. Optional activities during the week include fly fishing, hiking, swimming, shooting sports, orienteering and archery. The Lake Colby Environmental Education Camps are located on the western shore of Lake Colby, just outside the Village of Saranac Lake.

For both, college-educated counselor staff guides all activities, encouraging participation and respect among group members while interpreting the natural world for campers.

ADK's Teen Trail five day projects provide opportunities for high school students (aged 14 to 17). This program, which relies upon the key elements of teamwork and shared responsibility, focuses on educating participants on the ways and means of trail maintenance. Participants may learn such skills as how to properly install water devices such as water bars, how to harvest a tree using tools such as a crosscut saw and axe, or how to use boulders with a steel bar. Through the course of a trail project, which can be physically challenging, campers share in a fun and rewarding experience while forming new friendships and memories. Ultimately a quality trail project is completed by trail crews that will protect the natural resource for many years. ADK provides campers with food, group camping gear, tools and experienced leadership. Specific sites for the summer 2013 program will be posted on our site as soon as available.