Think of the following list of activities like a menu at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Campers may choose items they are familiar with at first, but as the session progresses, they can branch out and try new things, or they may continue to enjoy the items they chose in the first place. This is one of the ways we see Growth reflected in our program. By giving children an opportunity to be self-directed in their activity choice, we are challenging them to grow their skills in various classes.
Camp Activities
Which classes would you pick? First session campers choose 6 and second session campers get 4 choices.
Rock Climbing
Campers use the Crux Climbing Center to learn safety, knot tying, belaying, and climbing techniques from experts. Field climbing trips go out into the Adirondacks: one of the nation’s finest rock climbing areas.
Forest Fun
The surrounding woods, streams, lakes, and swamps provide an excellent outdoor playground. From catching frogs and building forts to playing a games like “Camouflage”, our instructors engage campers in a “wildly” fun and creative way!
Sailing
Using Laser, Laser 2, and Sunfish sailboats, campers learn the fundamentals of sailing. Different levels of skill can be achieved, which encourage a child to advance from “crew” status, to that of “skipper” or “admiral”.
Swim Lessons
Once every camper has been evaluated by a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, lessons begin for those who could use additional practice and instruction. Lessons are divided by ability and are based on a progressive program which focuses on comfort in water, endurance, stroke coordination, and general safety. In addition to drills and practice, campers are encouraged to have fun in water through the use of games and challenges.
Blacksmithing
One of the unique features of our children’s summer camp has to offer is the blacksmithing program. Our authentic blacksmith shop, located at the 1812 homestead museum of living history, is the ideal place to learn how to work with metal and create wonderful works of art including, candleholder, trivets, nails, hinges, and much more.
Horseback Riding
Our summer horseback program is offered at all levels from leadline to advanced jumping classes. Showing, trail riding, and care of horses and equipment are essential components of the program.
Pottery
An excellent program on the art of using clay, hand-building techniques, mastering the potter’s wheel, trimming, tool use, and kiln firing. Many students enjoy creating their own clay sculptures, mugs, vases, and other decorative items. Our summer camp has both indoor and outdoor pottery facilities onsite.
Archery
Learn the inner workings of Archery with a comprehensive program designed to teach and enhance skills from beginner to advanced shooting. Campers earn medals and pins through the Camp Archery Association program, shooting at standard targets from twenty to fifty yards in distance. All ages are welcome.
Mountain Biking
Bring your own bike to summer camp or use one of ours from the Hard Rock Bike Shop while you learn the fundamentals of mountain biking. Instructors lead campers on wilderness trails located all around our lake.
1812 Homestead
Not too many children’s camps are attached to a historic working farm! Campers learn how skills from the past can be incorporated into present-day self sufficiency practices. Caring for animals, hearth baking, candle making, gardening, making shingles, food preservation, and cultivating the gardens.
Fishing
Long Pond abounds with Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bullheads, Perch and Sunfish. Instruction is offered in casting techniques and may also include off-camp expeditions to visit some of the finest trout and salmon waters in the East.
Theater
Robinson Hall 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.
Arts and Crafts
Campers enjoy time to reflect and create works of art in our versatile program. The program consists of painting, multimedia collage, yarn crafts, metal embossing, stamping, tile work, beadwork and much more. Our campers enjoy creating and appreciating the arts in our beautiful scenery.
Camp Craft
Using all the tools and expertise of our Wilderness program, campers hone skills like cooking, cleaning camp stoves, setting up tents, and preparing for hikes, but their favorite skill is fire building!
Paddle Sports
Using Pok-O’s fleet of canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards, campers will learn how to maneuver their craft on open water as they explore the wildlife and nature in and around Long Pond.
Ultimate Frisbee
Camp Spirit and The Spirit of the Game blend together in this sport which asks players to govern themselves through self-officiating and sportsmanship. Campers will also learn skills and strategy, along with a variety of other games like Disc Golf. This class will often compete with teams from other New York children’s camps.
Street Hockey
Our hockey rink, complete with boards, benches and stands, is one of the more exciting places at our summer camp. Skills are taught in puck handling, passing, shooting and goaltending. Older campers may compete in the S.H.H.L. championship. (Equipment is provided for all players.)
Music
Be it guitar, piano, woodwind, brass, singing or songwriting, our summer camp can provide the instruction and encouragement for your child to learn or improve upon their talent. Campers can also use that talent to perform at skit nights, dances, festivals, or other summer camp evening events.
Advanced Swim
Campers who have passed all levels of the swim evaluation may take advanced swim instruction which may include lifeguard skills, aquatic fitness, water polo, and competitive racing.
Soccer
On our soccer fields, our instructors teach everything from beginning basics, to control, trapping, corner kicking, throw-ins, and goal keeping. This class will often compete with teams from other New York children’s camps.
Tennis/Pickleball
Our five courts serve as the site for instruction in ground strokes, service, volleying and strategy. Campers progress through different skill levels, rally amongst themselves, and may take part in inter-sports competition or the annual Pok-O Open.
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.
Horsemasters
Open to all campers, but mandatory for those taking Riding lessons. This early morning activity gives campers a chance to bond with horses through daily grooming and feeding.
Baseball/Softball
Come learn the ins and outs of baseball and softball on our baseball diamond. Our program is based in the fundamentals of base running, hitting, bunting, throwing, pitching, and catching. Highlights of our program include inter camp rivalries and competitions against Adirondack Children’s camps.
Want to see where all these activities take place? Check out our Virtual Tour Map!