Draft:Adirondack Camp

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Adirondack Camp
Adirondack Camp waterfront view
LocationLake George, New York
Coordinates43°45′33″N 73°27′47″W / 43.7593°N 73.4631°W / 43.7593; -73.4631
TypeOvernight summer camp
Established1904
WebsiteOfficial site

Adirondack Camp (commonly known as ADK CAMP) is a coeducational overnight summer camp located on the shores of Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Founded in 1904 by Dr. Elias G. Brown as Adirondack Camp for Boys, is among the oldest summer camps still operating in the United States.[1][2] The camp’s programs include water and land sports, arts, and wilderness trips. Its facilities use a traditional rustic cabin layout, and the camp observes several long-standing ceremonies. Since 1979, it has operated as a fully coeducational camp welcoming children aged 7 to 16.[3]

History

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Adirondack Camp was founded in 1904 by Dr. Elias G. Brown as Adirondack Camp for Boys, a boys-only summer camp along the eastern edge of Lake George.[2][1][4]

Dr. Brown, a Columbia University graduate and early leader in the American summer camp movement, served as President of the American Camp Association from 1911 to 1912.[2][5]

According to the American Camp Association’s *Camping Magazine*, Adirondack Camp is one of only a few early Adirondack boys’ camps from the 1900s still in operation today.[6]

Warrick Era (1945–1969)

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In 1945 Col. William H. Warrick acquired Adirondack Camp for Boys, overseeing its operations until 1969.[7] During his tenure the camp expanded its facilities and programs to accommodate more campers while continuing its established traditions.[8]

Warrick also founded the Crozet Lions Club in 1938 and later served as head of the Knickerbocker Greys, a historic youth cadet corps in New York City, for 39 years.[7]

From 1973 to 1979, Adirondack Camp operated as a brother-sister program with the addition of Moss Lodge for Girls, located on the same peninsula.[3]

Alex Levitch and Linda Goodwin Era (1979–2016)

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In 1980 the camp became fully coeducational, coinciding with its purchase by Alex Levitch and Linda Goodwin.[3] That same year the camp was purchased by Levitch and Goodwin, who operated it for several decades.[9] During this period the camp added activities while maintaining its rustic layout and focus on waterfront, arts, and wilderness programs.[10][11][12]

In 2016 ownership passed to Levitch’s daughter, Shawn Carraher, who continues to direct the camp as of 2025.[12]

Programs and Activities

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Adirondack Camp offers a variety of activities across four main areas: water sports, land sports, arts, and wilderness trips. Campers have the freedom to choose their daily activities, fostering independence and personal growth.[13]

  • Water Sports: Swimming, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing on Lake George.
  • Land Sports: Soccer, basketball, tennis, and archery.
  • ADK Arts: The arts program, known as ENCORE! (ENcouragement, COnfidence, REspect), offers music, theater, dance, and visual arts instruction, often featuring guest artists.[14]
  • Wilderness & Trips: Hiking, canoeing, climbing, and camping within the Adirondack Park, emphasizing environmental stewardship and personal development.[15]

Traditions

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  • Awiskini: Ceremony honoring campers who embody the camp's core values of Silence, Memory, and Service.[16]
  • Candle Lighting & Taps: Evening rituals signifying the end of the day and encouraging reflection.
  • Carnivale: Festive event celebrating the camp’s diverse community.
  • ADKChella: Talent showcase for music, dance, and theater performances.[17]
  • Polar Bear Swim: Tradition whereby campers swim in the lake at the start of the summer.[18]
  • Eagle Award: Established in 1909, the highest honor for campers, recognizing exceptional leadership and character.[19] [20]

Facilities

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Cabins are open-air wooden structures housing 8–12 campers and 3–4 counselors. Bathhouses are shared by each cabin line, and most cabins lack electricity, reflecting the camp’s traditional rustic design.[21][22]

Alumni and Legacy

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The camp holds periodic alumni reunions and events to connect former campers , counselors, and staff. The camp’s influence on the summer camp movement is significant, with many alumni going on to become leaders in various fields.[23]

Recent Events

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In 2024, Adirondack Camp celebrated its 120th anniversary reunion, bringing together generations of alumni at its Lake George location. The event included community gatherings and archival displays highlighting the camp’s history. A video of the celebration was released by the camp.[24]

Financial Support / Scholarship Programs

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A nonprofit, the Adirondack Camp Scholarship Fund (ACSF), was formed in 2004 by Adirondack Camp alumni as an independent 501(c)(3) organization to provide financial assistance for children who would otherwise be unable to attend the camp. The fund is overseen by a board composed of former or current campers, staff, or parents.[25]

In 2024, the scholarship fund participated in the Adirondack Camp 120th reunion by hosting live and silent auctions which raised over $90,000. The proceeds were directed both to camp access for eligible children and to the fund’s endowment.[26]

See Also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Kiter, Tammy (March 2023). "A Bunch of Happy Campers". New-York Historical Society Blog. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "1904–1921". Adirondack Camp. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Brother-Sister ADK of the 1970s". Adirondack Camp Blog. July 31, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  4. ^ Adirondack Camp for Boys, Lake George: Founded 1904. Allaben, NY: Elias G. Brown. 1917. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  5. ^ "A History of ACA Presidents and Board Chairs". American Camp Association. 3 August 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  6. ^ "Children's Camps in the Adirondacks". Camping Magazine (American Camp Association). July 1, 2003. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  7. ^ a b "Col. William H. Warrick Dies; Headed Knickerbocker Greys". The New York Times. August 27, 1971. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  8. ^ "Throughout the Years: 1945–1969". Adirondack Camp. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  9. ^ "Alexandre Charles Levitch". Sun Community News. October 9, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  10. ^ "Throughout the Years: 1979–2016". Adirondack Camp. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
  11. ^ "Fedor Completes the 46 Adirondack High Peaks". Adirondack.net. 2009. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  12. ^ a b "Meet the Owner". Adirondack Camp. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  13. ^ "Activities". Adirondack Camp. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  14. ^ "Performing Arts". Adirondack Camp. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  15. ^ "Wilderness Adventure Camp & Summer Camp Trip Program". Adirondack Camp. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  16. ^ "Awiskini and International Diversity". Adirondack Camp Blog. July 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  17. ^ "ADKChella at Camp". Adirondack Camp Blog. July 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  18. ^ "Traditions". Adirondack Camp. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  19. ^ "1909: The Start of the Eagle Award". Adirondack Camp Blog. April 28, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  20. ^ "Children's Camps in the Adirondacks". Camping Magazine (American Camp Association). July 1, 2003. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
  21. ^ "Cabin Life". Adirondack Camp. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  22. ^ "Adirondack Camp Profile". American Camp Association. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
  23. ^ "Alumni Reunions". Adirondack Camp. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
  24. ^ "Adirondack Camp 120th Reunion". YouTube. 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  25. ^ "Adirondack Camp Scholarship Fund". Adirondack Scholarship. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
  26. ^ "120th Reunion Fundraising". Adirondack Scholarship. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
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