Themed four-day camps bring one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences for local youth
Victor, NY—For the first time, Friends of Ganondagan, in conjunction with Ganondagan State Historic Site, is offering two summer camps for kids and teens with an interest and passion for conservation and art and nature. Both camps take place at Ganondagan, 1488 State Rte 444 in Victor.
“With children spending so much time indoors and ‘plugged in,’ our camps provide a much-needed reconnection with nature,” said Friends of Ganondagan Executive Director Meg Joseph. "And where better to do that than at the beautiful and rich natural site of Ganondagan."
Ganondagan’s first-ever Conservation Camp (July 8-11), is designed for high school students age 16 and older who may be contemplating a career or a major in the environmental sciences, as well as students with a love of science or general interest in the outdoors. No other program in the region exists that introduces high school students to the field exercises of environmental science and conservation, and offers them guidance on topics of higher education from both professionals and peers.
The Conservation Camp caps at 30 students, and registration is open now through June 23. Daily camp hours are 9 am-5 pm and the $175 fee includes lunch, with options for extended hours.
With hands-on, inquiry based learning, campers will develop many field skills and techniques. These include minimizing invasive species; learning how special equipment and up-to-date technology aids in conservation; gaining an appreciation for Ganondagan and other natural areas in the NY State Park systems; and discovering how the original Seneca people encouraged the process of natural succession and endurance of their native grasslands.
The Seneca Art & Nature Camp (August 12-15) is open to kids ages 9-13 to explore the Seneca and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) relationship with art, nature and everyday life. From 9:30-4 pm (extended hours are available for an extra fee), each day will include nature-themed trail walks; traditional Native games like longball and lacrosse; traditional storytelling; outdoor activities such as shelter-building, fire-making, and Iroquois dancing; and traditional Native craft activities. Campers should bring lunch, but water and fruit will be provided. The camp fee is $175 and registration is open until July 18.
Conservation Camp Director is Whitney Carleton—the New York State Parks and Recreation aide dedicated to Ganondagan since 2013. Whitney has a master’s degree from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Wetland and Watershed Resources. Her staff will be science students from local colleges and universities, with guest college professors and field professionals from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation presenting topical research.
Internationally-recognized traditional artisan, historian and Ganondagan Site Interpreter since 1991, Michael Galban (Washoe/Paiute), heads up the Seneca Art & Nature Camp with assistance by additional site interpreters and older teen counselors. Michael has a bachelor’s degree in fine/studio art from SUNY Geneseo.
For complete information on both camps, including brochures and registration forms, visit www.ganondagan.org/Events-Programs/calendar. For questions, call (585) 742-1690 or email meg@ganondagan.org.
The Haudenosaunee Conservation Camp is sponsored by The Guido and Ellen Palma Foundation, and the Seneca Art & Nature Camp by the Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation.
