Chingachgook Summer Camp

Chingachgook is a coed summer camp for 7 – 15 year olds consisting of three, two-week sessions and three, one-week sessions. Chingachgook also offers exciting adventure trips for 11 – 17 year olds, such as backpacking, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing and kayaking.

YMCA Camp Chingachgook is proud to be accredited by the American Camping Association.

Developed exclusively for the camp industry, this nationally recognized organization focuses on program quality and health and safety, and requires us to review every facet of our operation. Chingachgook voluntarily submits to this independent appraisal by camp experts and has earned this mark of distinction.

Chingachgook Builds Character

Campers develop self-confidence and self-respect as they make new friends, meet challenges, and learn to cooperate. They assume daily responsibilities, from making beds and setting tables to choosing and planning activities. The rhythm of camp balances group activities with individual pursuits, and education with recreation. There is time to learn, play, and just be. And there is always time to talk about what matters.

There are three two-week sessions and three one-week sessions. The two-week sessions feature a three-day backpacking or canoe hike. The younger campers enjoy an outback on camp property; and depending on age, ability, and desire, other campers may backpack in the Adirondack High Peaks, locations throughout the forest preserve around Lake George, or canoe to islands or shoreline on the lake.

Home Away from Home

Eight campers, one or two counselors, and a counselor-in-training make their bunk cabin home for the session. Groups of cabins form separate boys' and girls' units with centralized bath houses. The summer camp community shares three meals a day served family style in the dining hall or a lakeside barbeque.

Top-Notch Staff

Because YMCA Camp Chingachgook is committed to providing children with the most positive experience possible, only the best of the best applicants are selected to staff the camp. Counselors are college-age young adults who care about children. They are loving, patient, responsible, dedicated to teaching ­ and they like sharing safe outdoor fun! Counselors are certified by the American Red Cross in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding.

Extensive Program

Campers enjoy all kinds of waterfront activities: Chingachgook's extensive lakefront includes two 80-foot docks, a fleet of 70 canoes, kayaks, row boats, sailboats, and water-ski boats.

Other recreational facilities include tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and four playing fields for softball, soccer, and other games. Programs extend beyond recreational games with art and photography studios, rifle and archery ranges, a 30-element high- and low ropes course, an environmental museum and library, and large meeting spaces including a waterfront pavilion, program lodge, and dining hall-all with magnificent mountain or lake views.

Swimming Waterskiing* Archery Sailing Nature Studies Outdoor Living Skills

Photography High Ropes* Tennis Drama Canoeing Riflery* Art Snorkeling

Rock Climbing* Mountain Biking* *Must be at least 12 years old. Additional fee for waterskiing