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Adirondack Great Camp Adventure: Sagamore's Family Program

Program Number: 21022RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/11/2013 - 8/16/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Raquette Lake, New York
Price starting at: $699.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Family Programs; Outdoor Adventures, Misc.; Intergenerational
Family 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    

Building off of many years of Intergenerational experience, Sagamore's Family Program brings families together in a unique natural setting in the Adirondack wilderness. Together with members young and old (and in between!), experience a memorable adventure tailored to all interests and skill levels while enjoying a fun, educational adventure in a camp that is not a hotel, but a piece of Vanderbilt family history.




Highlights

• Experience outdoor adventures such as stream-walking, canoeing, boat-building and restoration, nature-hiking, games or crafts and music lessons from instructors and artists.
• Experience lively nights enjoying an old-fashioned barn dance, s’mores around a campfire, stargazing or a music concert by your instructors.
• Cap the week with Creativity Night, when you tell a joke, show off a craft you made during the week, sing a song — you decide! Whatever you do, expect warm applause.



Activity Particulars

Walking over one mile a day on uneven terrain. May include walking in shallow stream. Stairs unavoidable.



This is a family program for participants and family members ages 6 and up.



Coordinated by Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks.




Raquette Lake

Raquette Lake’s pristine water and wooded lakeshores are located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Great Camp Sagamore, founded by the Vanderbilt family in 1897 and now a National Historic Landmark, shares this wilderness area.
Accommodations
Stay in the original bedrooms of this National Historic Landmark, Sagamore is uniquely-appropriate for families, with mostly-shared baths for two or three rooms, much like a B&B (or your own home!) Most rooms have twin beds, with a few triples or even quads, ensuring that even larger families can be housed in close proximity to each other, in either the same or adjacent rooms. Several buildings have common-space areas, much like a home family room, for puzzle-making, reading or playing games.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Pat Burdick
Pat Burdick is an expert naturalist, educator and a member of the Biology Department at the State University of New York, Potsdam. Her love of the Adirondacks is deep, as anyone who has heard her talk about the area’s flora and fauna or who has been paddling out on the water with her will attest. Pat enjoys sharing her knowledge of the Adirondacks with both adults and children on Road Scholar programs.
 
Pat Smith
Pat Smith is among fewer than a dozen craftsmen in the country who build and repair historic cedar canvas canoes. What started as a hobby has become his passion — and a welcome treasure for others. Pat has taught an Intergenerational program that focuses on repair and building techniques. He has taught another program that teaches participants to build a canoe that will be donated to a kids’ summer camp. Pat is also an expert paddle maker and a terrific master of ceremonies for canoe regattas!
 
Nancy Foltz
Nancy Sue Foltz is an artist and certified art teacher who has been directing the crafts program at Great Camp Sagamore for almost a decade. A former high school teacher, she focuses on offering a wide variety of age-appropriate crafts. From pots to plant pressing, from pine cone art to painting tee shirts, from papier mache to paper hats and so many things in between, her ideas are always fresh. Grandkids will end up with some great, outdoorsy craft projects to bring home. Among her other duties at Sagamore, Nancy Sue is also the group leader for many Road Scholar programs.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Great Camp Sagamore
  Raquette Lake 5 nights
 Great Camp Sagamore
Type: Lodge
  Description: National Historic Landmark
  Contact info: Sagamore Road
Po Box 40
Raquette Lake, NY 13436 USA
phone: 315-354-5311
web: www.sagamore.org
  Room amenities: We do not have telephones or televisions in any rooms. Each room has a bedside lamp and an overhead light. Internet access is available for those with laptop computers.
  Facility amenities: Great Camp Sagamore is located on Sagamore Lake, with an established swim area in season. Two of the lodges have a lounge area with working fireplaces. There is an outdoor firepit at our lean-to and access to 15 miles of hiking trails on State Land.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Bathrooms are shared and in the hall. Some have claw foot tubs instead of showers.
  Additional nights prior: $99 per person per night Based on availability. Must call in advance to arrange.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $99 per person per night Based on availability. Must call in advance to arrange.
  Check out time: 10:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4PM starts check in at Great Camp Sagamore You will be staying at Great Camp Sagamore that night.
  End of Program:
10 AM You will be staying at Great Camp Sagamore the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Health form
  Parking availability:
There is a parking lot for Sagamore guests. It is free.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Raquette Lake
  Nearest city or town:  Villages of Inlet, Old Forge or Blue Mountain Lake
  Nearest highway: Route 87
  Nearest airport:  Albany or Syracuse
  From End of Program
  Location: Raquette Lake
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

 

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

   

Unfortunately there isn't any public transportation to the central Adirondacks. Amtrak serves Albany (Rensselaer) and Utica. The nearest airports are located in Syracuse and Albany. Bus service reaches only to Warrensburg. Limo service is expensive, but available from the airports in Syracuse and Albany. For more information on limo services, please contact your local AAA agent, visit www.yellowpages.com. Most guests prefer to rent a car from the airport.
 
Driving Directions
  From Albany (2- hours Northwest)- Take the Warrensburg Exit #23 off the Northway (I-87). Follow Rte. 9 through Warrensburg to Rte. 28. Follow Rte. 28 about 1- hours to the village of Raquette Lake. In the village of Raquette Lake, at the 4-way crossroads turn onto the dirt road beside the large green Sagamore sign. Drive very slowly on the road into Sagamore; one curve is posted 15 mph. Follow the sign for "Registered Guests". When you arrive at Sagamore, you should find the gate closed. Please open it, enter, and close it again for your own privacy. Drive up the hill to the parking lot. Park your car and follow the gravel pathway and signs for the Office building.
  From Lake Placid (2 hours South) Follow Rte. 86 to Saranac Lake and then Rte. 3 to Tupper Lake where you will follow Rte. 30 to Blue Mountain Lake and then Rte. 28 to the village of Raquette Lake. In the village of Raquette Lake, at the 4-way crossroads turn onto the dirt road beside the large green Sagamore sign. Drive very slowly on the road into Sagamore; one curve is posted 15 mph. Follow the sign for "Registered Guests". When you arrive at Sagamore, you should find the gate closed. Please open it, enter, and close it again for your own privacy. Drive up the hill to the parking lot. Park your car and follow the gravel pathway and signs for the Office building.
  From Plattsburg, NY Drive time: Plattsburgh to Sagamore, 3 hours. I-87 to Rte 3 to Rte. 30 to Rte 28 to Raquette Lake. Take the Plattsburgh exit off I-87 and head southwest to Saranac Lake on Rte. 3. If you have extra time consider this alternative: continue south on I-87 to exit 30, the Lake Placid exit. Lake Placid was the site of both the 1932 and the 1980 winter Olympics and you can visit the venues and museums of the games. Continue from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake on Rte. 86. You are in the Adirondack Park, a six-million acre forest preserve with public and private lands. Saranac Lake was founded by Dr. Trudeau (the cartoonist Gary's great- grandfather) as a wilderness cure for tuberculosis. It is still a medical research center and charming 19th century town. Follow Rte. 3 from Saranac Lake to Tupper Lake. Tupper is the home to the newly opened natural history museum, the Wild Center. Continue on Rte. 30 from Tupper to Long Lake on a straight road known for its scenery and speed traps. Be cautious. Continue on Rte. 30 to Blue Mountain Lake, home of the famous 27-building Adirondack Museum. At the bottom of the hill you will follow Rte.28 the last 12 miles to Raquette Lake, the largest natural lake in the Adirondacks. Look to your right to see Blue Mountain as you cross the second causeway. Sagamore Road is well marked just past the school. You will turn LEFT and follow the four-mile road to the "registered guests" gate. Do not look for other signs. You are driving through protected Forest Preserve lands and signage is not permitted. At Sagamore's gate, let yourself in. You are welcome!
  From Utica (1˝ hours Northeast)- Take the Utica Exit #31 off the NYS Thruway (I-90). Follow Rte. 12 North to Rte. 28 North. Follow Rte. 28 to the village of Raquette Lake. In the village of Raquette Lake, at the 4-way crossroads turn onto the dirt road beside the large green Sagamore sign. Drive very slowly on the road into Sagamore; one curve is posted 15 mph. Follow the sign for "Registered Guests." When you arrive at Sagamore, you should find the gate closed. Please open it, enter, and close it again for your own privacy. Drive up the hill to the parking lot. Park your car and follow the gravel pathway and signs for the Office building.
  GPS/Website Map Instructions - Garmon Handheld GPS: Search 'Great Camp Sagamore' as a point of interest OR type 1105 Sagamore Road; RAQUETTE LAKE (make sure you list Raquette Lake!) - either will give accurate directions to Great Camp Sagamore. - TomTom GPS: (currently the most popular GPS system): Search for SAGAMORE, NEW YORK - as a town, and it will give you accurate directions to Great Camp Sagamore. While Sagamore, NY does not actually exist, this seems to work while we wait for technology to catch up to the Adirondack region! - Google Maps or Mapquest users: Search for SAGAMORE, NEW YORK - as a town, and it will give you accurate directions to Great Camp Sagamore. While Sagamore, NY does not actually exist, this seems to work while we wait for technology to catch up to the Adirondack region!
Elevation Note: Sagamore is at 1900 feet.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration, orientation
(Sunday, August 11)
   
 Afternoon: Registration begins at 4:00 PM at Great Camp Sagamore.
 Dinner: Dinner is at 6:00 in the dining hall overlooking Sagamore Lake. A bell calls you to your meals at Sagamore. The chef will carefully prepare buffet meals provided in our paneled dining room with splendid views of Sagamore Lake. Dinners typically include selections such as: a hot entry, like creamed chicken over biscuits, veggie lasagna, pot roast, spaghetti/meat balls, roasted turkey, stuffed pork loin, or ham; salads, along with several dressing choices; potatoes, rice or pasta; a vegetable choice; bread or rolls; milk or juice. Coffee & tea are always available. You and your family will go through the buffet line together and sit together for this (and all) meal/s. Note: Sagamore's buffet line is bountiful and varied. If you do not think that you can choose the foods you need for your special diet from the buffet, please supplement with your own that may be stored for your convenience in our walk-in cooler and/or cooked in an available microwave. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Sagamore's water is pure and delicious. Please do not bring bottled water.
 Evening: Welcome meeting and orientation to facility includes introductions and itinerary discussion. Please note that itinerary plans are subject to change if we feel we can improve this program for you. Generally speaking the morning is for outdoor activity, the afternoon for crafts and music, and the evening for special events. Educationally, we try to link outdoor activities with age-specific crafts. Depending on the number of participants in your session, you may find yourself joining the 'moose,' 'bear,' or 'deer' group for activities. This way, everyone gets a chance to cycle through the activities in small (12-ish/6 adults and 6 children) groups. Grandparents, parents and grandchildren participate in the activities together. Evening activities will include all three generations while other activities may be grandparents and grandchildren or parents and children. During kids club in the afternoon we will entertain the youngest generation allowing parents and grandparents some time on their own. Weather, availability of materials, input from you, costs, and many unpredictable things can cause itinerary changes. We are sure you understand. Sagamore and Road Scholar have been intergenerational partners for over a decade and we are proud of our success together. Our aim is to help you, your children and grandchildren build memories, develop appreciation for nature, and strengthen the bond between generations. We hope you will enjoy your experience.
   
Accommodations: Great Camp Sagamore
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Hiking on the lake trail, crafts, barn dance tonight!
(Monday, August 12)
   
 Breakfast: All breakfasts are served at 8:00 in the Vanderbilt dining hall, with lovely views of the sun rising over the mountains of the Blue Ridge Wilderness. Breakfast choices typically include selections such as: one hot entry, like blueberry pancakes, egg strata, french toast, or scrambled eggs; hot & cold cereal & milk; a variety of donuts, bagels & pastries; and several juices. Coffee, tea, and very pure Sagamore water are always available to guests.
 Morning: We'll start with an all-camp meeting to review the activities of the day. Next we'll have a song or two. Now our group/s will be ready for an outdoor activity like streamwalking, canoeing, hiking, nature discovery, or camp games. Activities are age appropriate, instructive, and fun.
 Lunch: Lunch in the Sagamore dining hall. Lunches typically include selections such as: sandwich meats, cheeses, breads and condiments: a hot entree like macaroni & cheese or soup; various salads, like cole slaw or potato salad; cookies or granola bars; a variety of fresh fruits; milk and a variety of juices or lemonade. Coffee, tea, Sagamore water are always available.
 Afternoon: Groups visit the craft house and then switch to an outdoor activity. Sessions are about an hour. Crafts are age-appropriate and fit the theme/s presented during the week in outdoor activity sessions. Crafts are taught by a certified art teacher. Music is taught by Adirondack musicians who are teachers and recording/performing artists. At about 4:00, the grandkids will attend "Kids' Club" and the grandparents and parents have a break. It may be a time for a nap or socializing with adult family member or other adults in the program.
 Dinner: Dinner in the Vanderbilt Dining Hall.
 Evening: BARN DANCE tonight after a scrumptious dinner. Promenade and swing-your-partner! No previous experience necessary. Just listen to the music and the calls. You'll be dancing with the best of them in no time!
   
Accommodations: Great Camp Sagamore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Canoeing on Sagamore lake, crafts and music, camp fire tonight.
(Tuesday, August 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the Sagamore Dining Hall. Today there is the possibility that you will make your lunch to take with you on the outdoor activity.
 Morning: We are ready for another outdoor activity after our camp meeting and songs.
 Lunch: Lunch
 Afternoon: Crafts and music in our groups.
 Dinner: Dinner at 6:00 in the Dining Hall.
 Evening: CAMPFIRE. Everyone who has been to camp has a wonderful memory of a campfire. Ours is held at the lean-to.
   
Accommodations: Great Camp Sagamore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Outdoor activities in the morning, optional free time (or craft project in camp) this afternoon, concert by our music instructor/s tonight.
(Wednesday, August 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the Sagamore Dining Hall. Possible pack-out lunch.
 Morning: Additional Outdoor Activities. The goal of the program is to allow every participant the opportunity to engage in each of the activities for the week.
 Lunch: Lunch
 Afternoon: FREE TIME: Families may spend the day out of camp exploring local venues, or choose an in-camp activity to do on your own, or choose to participate in a special crafts project in camp (pre-registration and fee explained during camp orientation).
 Dinner: Dinner is at 6:00 in the Dining Hall.
 Evening: CONCERT. Tonight is a concert by your music instructor/s. Be ready. You might be invited to sing along!
   
Accommodations: Great Camp Sagamore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Outdoor activities in the morning, completion of craft project/s, and optional practice for tonight's Creativity Night.
(Thursday, August 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is at 8:00. Possible pack-out lunch.
 Morning: Outdoor activities may include streamwalks, canoeing, hiking, and/or camp games.
 Lunch: Lunch
 Afternoon: Finish crafts. Ask the music instructors to help you get ready for creativity night. Play games at "Kids' Club." Or do a combination of all three!
 Dinner: Dinner is at 6:00 in the Dining Hall.
 Evening: CREATIVITY NIGHT. This is the night we have been waiting for: Creativity Night. Show the craft you made this week, tell a joke, sing a song with your grand/child/parent, or play a ditty. Whatever you do, expect warm applause. This is our last evening together and we know we will always remember it.
   
Accommodations: Great Camp Sagamore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Good-byes
(Friday, August 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is at 8:00 in the dining hall.
 Morning: Check out is at 10:00. Good-byes to all with plans to "see you next year!"
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Raquette Lake Adirondack Museum
Regional museum of very high quality. For additional information, visit www.adkmuseum.org
  Raquette Lake Navigation
Boat Tour of Raquette Lake. For additional information, visit www.raquettelakenavigation.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Great Camp Sagamore: The Vanderbilts' Adirondack Retreat


Author: Beverly Bridger


Description: Beverly Bridger has been Sagamore's Executive Director for more than 20 years.





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