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Summer 2011

Alumni

Outdoor Education

The Crux

1812 Homestead

Pok-O-MacCready Camps

ARCHERY-  Campers of all ages may participate to earn medals and pins through the Camp Archery Association program, shooting at standard targets from twenty to fifty yards in distance.

ARTS & CRAFTS -  This versatile program offers leatherwork, tile work, painting, enameling, stick craft, beadwork and weaving.

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL – Our baseball diamond is ideal for teaching the skills of base running, hitting, bunting, throwing and catching.  Campers also play against other local summer camps, and work hard through drills and practice to come out on top!

BLACKSMITHING – This unique program takes place at the blacksmith shop, located at the 1812 Homestead.  Under the watchful eye of the resident blacksmith, campers mold hot iron metal into fire pokers, candleholders and trivets.

CAMPCRAFT – This class focuses on learning to care for oneself in the wilderness - it teaches techniques in fire building, cooking, shelter construction, survival, and map and compass.

CANOEING – Different levels from beginner to advanced in J-stroke, paddling the figure eight, canoe-sailing, bobbing and portaging. (Prerequisite – completion of the 1/3-mile canoe swim.)

CONDITIONING – With a fully equipped weight and exercise room, and miles of running trails, campers have ample opportunity to maintain their fitness.  Be it lifting, aerobic exercise or weight control, we can build a program to fit the camper’s need.

CREATIVE WRITING – Campers tap into their imaginations to write poetry, prose and group stories.  Instructors teach writing skills and methods, and classes often meet at various scenic locations around camp for inspiration. Campers can also contribute their stories to the Summer Website - whether they are real or fictional!

DRAWING & PAINTING – Lessons are taught and creativity is encouraged as campers are given the materials, time and motivation to express themselves artistically.  The finished product:  A souvenir to bring home or post on the camp bulletin board.

FISHING – Long Pond abounds with Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bullheads, Perch and Sunfish.  Instruction is offered in casting and trolling techniques; out of camp expeditions visit some of the finest trout and salmon waters in the East.

FRISBEE – Campers learn the basics of throwing and catching, and then use these skills to learn tricks.  Eventually, campers will graduate to performing advanced skills, such as “delaying” or spinning the Frisbee on your finger, and competing in Ultimate Frisbee.

STREET HOCKEY – Our hockey rink, complete with boards, benches and stands, is one of the more exciting places at camp.  Skills are taught in skating, puck handling, passing, shooting and goaltending.  Games are played, with older campers competing for the S.H.L. championship.  (Campers must furnish their pads and helmet; all other equipment is provided.)

HOMESTEADING – Blacksmithing, carding, spinning, weaving, and dyeing wool, butter churning, gathering eggs, caring for animals, candle making, splitting rails and building fences, making cedar shingles, planting, cultivating and harvesting the gardens -- these are a sampling of what campers learn about life in the 1830s.

NATIVE AMERICAN LORE – This program delves into traditional Native American crafts such as authentic headdresses, beadwork, rattles, coup sticks, and breach clouts.  Campers also learn stories and legends from the Adirondack region’s Iroqouis Nation and other tribes.

KAYAKING – Our fleet of 14-foot Carolina kayaks are an excellent boat to learn the subtle and fine techniques used to control a touring kayak.  Campers will learn everything from stroke techniques, balance, and packing a kayak for overnight rips.  Our kayaks offer an excellent opportunity to view wildlife along the shorelines or paddle away on a camping trip to one of the many islands found in the Adirondack region.  (Prerequisite – completion of the canoe swim.)

LACROSSE – Campers have the chance to learn basic skills such as cradling, passing and catching, shooting and face-offs. Instructors will teach the campers basic offensive plays, defensive positioning, goal keeping, and the respective rules of both the men’s and women’s game.  Camp will provide the necessary equipment:  gloves, sticks, helmets and pads.

LIFEGUARD TRAINING -  Incorporating basic first aid, C.P.R., and advanced water safety instruction, older campers are given the opportunity to be certified as lifeguards.

MOUNTAIN BIKING – Bring your own bike or use one of ours from the Hard Rock Bike Shop.  Highlights of the program:  biking on wilderness lumber roads, out of camp competitive bike races every Tuesday night, take the ski lift to the top of Whiteface Mountain and race to the bottom, and overnight trips into the wilderness. Beginners, as well as experts will learn all aspects of mountain biking.

MUSIC – Be it guitar, piano, woodwind, brass, singing or songwriting, camp provides the instruction and encouragement for your child to learn or improve upon his or her talent.  Campers can also use that talent to perform at skit nights, dances or camp services.

NATURE / EARTH STUDIES – Ecology, the relationship between living things and their environment, is the main concern of our earth studies program.  The surrounding woods, streams, lakes, swamps and mountains provide classrooms which cannot be rivaled for the studies of ornithology, biology, botany, geology, and ecology itself.

PHOTOGRAPHY – Camp houses a darkroom and equipment for developing, printing, and enlarging film.  Under the guidance of our photo-savvy counselors, campers can produce film or learn Photoshop techniques for digital photography. Some of these pictures are used for our Summer Website or the annual camp slide show.

POTTERY – An excellent program on the art of using clay, throwing techniques, the potter’s wheel, trimming, tool use, and kiln firing is offered.  Many students enjoy creating their own clay sculptures and implements.  Camp has both an indoor and outdoor pottery facility.

RED CROSS SWIMMING – An expert waterfront staff provides all campers with a challenging program from Beginner’s to Advanced Swimmer.  Perfection of strokes and confidence in the water are the basic airms.  Basic Water Resuce leads to certification for older campers.

RIDING – Riding is offered at all levels from leadline to advanced jumping classes.  Showing, trail riding, and care of horses and equipment are parts of the program.  Read more about RIDING HERE.

RIFLERY – Through the National Rifle Association, expert instructors teach the handling of the .22 rifle, range safety and marksmanship.  NRA certificates are awarded for various levels attained. (Prerequisite under NYS law – age 12.)

ROCK CLIMBING – Under expert instruction, campers learn basic safety and climbing techniques.  Our new climbing center gives ample time to practice and perfect knot tying, team trust, balance, belaying and repelling.  Climbers then graduate on to extended trips into the Adirondacks, regarded as one of the nations finest rock climbing ranges.

SAILING – A large fleet of sailboats - 7 lasers, 2 sprites, and 5 sunfish- enables our campers to learn the fundamentals of sailing. Special tests encourage a child to advance from “crew” status, to that of “skipper” or “admiral”.  Our lasers are used also for intra-camp regattas and racing competitions with other camps.

SNORKELING – Campers learn how to master the use of mask and snorkel.  They use this skill in our beautiful lake looking for artifacts and natural wonders.

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SOCCER – On our soccer fields, our international instructors teach everything from beginning basics, to ball control, trapping, corner kicking, throw-ins, and goal keeping.  Enthusiasts participate in our boys, girls, or co-ed teams that play against outside competition

TENNIS- Our five courts serve as the site for expert instruction in ground strokes, service, volleying and strategy. Students progress through different skill levels, rally amongst themselves, and may take part in inter-sports competition or the annual Pok-O Open.

THEATRE ARTS – Our Little Barnboard Theatre provides campers a stage on which to put on major productions, skits, songfests and recitals.  Drama instruction includes aspects of acting and set design, geared toward a major production during each camp season.

VOLLEYBALL - Campers learn the basics of serving, bumping, setting, and spiking as well as rules through scrimmages and innovative games.  One of Pok-O-MacCready’s most popular classes, volleyball class is held both on the “beach” and the field.

WINDSURFING – Our large fleet of windsurfers provides campers with the opportunity to practice on the waters of Long Pond under ideal conditions and expert instruction.  Trips are also taken to the more challenging waters of Lake Champlain.  (Prerequisite – completion of the canoe swim.)