Question 1

What is your mailing address?

Accepted Answer

Oswegatchie Educational Center, 9340 Long Pond Road, Croghan, NY 13327

Question 2

What species can be caught while fishing at Oswegatchie FFA Camp?

Accepted Answer

While specific species are not detailed, Oswegatchie FFA Camp offers fly-fishing opportunities in local streams and lakes as part of its outdoor education program.

Question 3

What address do I email my child at?

Accepted Answer

You should email info@oswegatchie.org. Based on the volume of emails we receive, your child will not be able to email back. Your emails are handed out at lunch and dinner.

Question 4

What is the best time of year to attend Oswegatchie FFA Camp?

Accepted Answer

Oswegatchie FFA Camp operates week-long residential sessions from June through August, making summer the primary season for attendance.

Question 5

Do you have to be an FFA member to go to Oswegatchie?

Accepted Answer

No, Oswegatchie is open to all campers in the eligible age range. Youth ages 11 - 18, or entering grades 7 - 12 in the upcoming Fall, are welcome.

Question 6

Where is Oswegatchie FFA Camp located?

Accepted Answer

Oswegatchie FFA Camp is located in the Adirondack foothills near Croghan, New York.

Question 7

What should I do if my kid has food allergies/dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

First, make sure it's written down on the health form. If it's particularly specific, you should add a special note on a separate sheet of paper to 'red flag' the issue. Lastly, if you have any specifics that need to be prepared in advance, especially food, call our food service director. Our kitchen staff does whatever it takes to ensure your child has a safe and fulfilling eating experience.

Question 8

Does Oswegatchie FFA Camp provide lodging and meals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Oswegatchie FFA Camp offers five-day residential sessions where campers stay in rustic cabins and receive all meals.

Question 9

Cell Phones and Email?

Accepted Answer

Oswegatchie has NO cell coverage or computers for campers to email home with. We can receive emails at info@oswegatchie.org. You will not receive an email back, but we do distribute emails at each meal time.

Question 10

What kind of fishing is offered at Oswegatchie FFA Camp?

Accepted Answer

The camp offers fly-fishing in local streams and lakes as one of its many outdoor skill-building activities for high school students.

Question 11

What is the hardest part about going to Oswegatchie?

Accepted Answer

We are a physically active camp. We are also up early and stay up late. If you can handle being constantly active and on the go, you will have no problems. Since we are a teen camp, our programs do require a certain level of stamina. Younger campers need to be ready for physical activity and the maturity necessary to deal with others.

Question 12

What are the campsites like where the camper stays?

Accepted Answer

Our campsites are set away from the main camp area and have 2 or 3 structure cabins for campers to stay in. Each campsite will have its counselor staying in an Adirondack lean-to. They have no running water or electricity. Each campsite would accommodate up to 15 campers and one staff member. Check out our lodging website to see our campsite page.

Question 13

Why do campers take a swim test so soon after arriving?

Accepted Answer

Campers take a swim test in the second part of registration, within an hour of arriving at camp. We need to do this to determine if it's safe to put them in kayaks, canoes, and the deep part of the swimming area. After this is accomplished, they sign up for their activities for the week. Since the camp is only 5 days long, we need to complete all organizational efforts on the 1st day. If a camper chooses not to take a swim test, they will be limited to the land-based activities.

Question 14

How does my camper sign up for activities?

Accepted Answer

During the online registration process, campers will rank our offered activities from #1 to #16. They should rank the activity they most want to participate in as #1 and the least desired at #16. Make sure that all spots 1 through 16 are filled in. Activity scheduling is on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you complete this selection early.

Question 15

Will my child be able to call home?

Accepted Answer

We do not typically encourage campers to call home. If your child is in the least bit homesick (and every kid is a little), when they hear mom's voice, they will want to go home. If a homesick camper calls home too early, it allows the camper to 'give up' and go home, so we encourage campers to wait through the first 48 hours of camp before calling home. Since camp is a new place that requires coping and adjustment, a nervous camper will take the safe route and want to go home. Typically, by Tuesday, they will have realized camp is a fantastic place!

Question 16

What if my child is homesick?

Accepted Answer

Our staff has been working with homesick campers every summer. We will do our very best to get them through the 5 days. If by Tuesday lunch, they still want to go home, we may call you to discuss the best approach for addressing your child. If your child does go home, we do not offer refunds, and it is your responsibility to pick them up.

Question 17

As a parent, should I let my child go home if they are homesick?

Accepted Answer

If it is homesickness, we suggest they learn to cope with the new environment. However, every case is unique. We will do our best to analyze the situation, talk with you as the parent, and find the best solution for your child.

Question 18

What about Ticks?

Accepted Answer

We are fortunate to have very few tick issues, but they are still worth being aware of. We have DOH signage that tells campers what to look for and recommends using bug spray. Our medical staff is also trained to remove ticks.

Question 19

What about Bed Bugs?

Accepted Answer

We have never had a problem with bed bugs.

Question 20

Are the campers ever in coed groups?

Accepted Answer

Campers are in coed groups during the day while participating in morning classes and afternoon activities. In the evening, the entire camp is participating in a full camp activity. At night, they are at their own age- and gender-specific campsite.

Question 21

Refunds?

Accepted Answer

If cancelled by May 31st, a full refund minus the $100 deposit will be issued. Starting June 1st, no refund will be issued. This includes no-shows. Deposits are non-refundable.

Question 22

What if my child leaves something at camp?

Accepted Answer

Our lost-and-found policy is to hold any items left behind for 8 days. Items will be mailed home only after parents pay the shipping costs. We also take no responsibility for cleaning or laundering our child's items.

Question 23

What should my child leave at home?

Accepted Answer

Leave at home anything you do not want to risk breaking or losing. Oswegatchie is filled with sand and water and hard on electronics. Jewelry is small and gets lost. Things like weapons, alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs are never acceptable. Kids live a lot of life in 5 days at camp, so keeping track of your stuff is easy when you do not have to worry about these little things.

Question 24

How can I make sure my child has the best experience possible?

Accepted Answer

Not all experiences are for everyone. Arm yourself with knowledge about the camp, tour the facility, read their materials, and call and ask questions. Know your camper and the possible camps they may go to. With 1,000-plus campers attending Oswegatchie every summer, not everyone will have the experience they anticipate, but information is power, and research will pay off.

Question 25

On your website, it says that if kids want to go horseback riding, they should have boots with heels. Is this an actual necessity? Or could sneakers suffice?

Accepted Answer

The heel on the boot is to prevent the foot from accidentally sliding through the 'stirrup' and to prevent further injury. We do have boots here, but they vary in size and age. Typically left over or donated by other campers. If you want your daughter to have her own boots, they do not need to be 'riding boots' by the technical definition, but as long as it has a heel.

Question 26

Should I send a care package?

Accepted Answer

I would suggest not sending your child a care package; instead, give them the cash to put into their camp store account. This way, they can get what they want, budget their own money, and not worry about squirrels getting at it if they leave candy at their campsite during the day.

Question 27

What if I want to send my kid to camp, but they don't want to go? Should I force them to do it?

Accepted Answer

No, camp is a great experience, but you are setting us all up for failure. If they do not have an open mind, their frustration will only make it difficult for the people around them. If the camp had a chance of winning the camper over, it's probably too late.

Question 28

Do you do camp for grown-ups?

Accepted Answer

We actually do good business providing accommodations and retreats for groups of adults. Groups vary by company, church, college, or special interest. We are great for family retreats or weekend trips. You can find that at www.oswegatchieorg.

Oswegatchie FFA Camp

Why book

Overview

At a glance

Amenities & features

Activities

Fishing styles

Water types

Seasons

Best for

Themes

Lodging style

What's included

Included

Not included

Trip planning

Getting there

Where you are

Nearby destinations

Frequently asked

Guest reviews

Oswegatchie FFA Camp

Why book

Overview

At a glance

Amenities & features

Activities

Fishing styles

Water types

Seasons

Best for

Themes

Lodging style

What's included

Included

Not included

Trip planning

Getting there

Cancellation policy

Where you are

Nearby destinations

Frequently asked

logisticsWhat is your mailing address?

fishingWhat species can be caught while fishing at Oswegatchie FFA Camp?

lodgingWhat address do I email my child at?

fishingWhat is the best time of year to attend Oswegatchie FFA Camp?

generalDo you have to be an FFA member to go to Oswegatchie?

logisticsWhere is Oswegatchie FFA Camp located?

lodgingWhat should I do if my kid has food allergies/dietary restrictions?

lodgingDoes Oswegatchie FFA Camp provide lodging and meals?

lodgingCell Phones and Email?

fishingWhat kind of fishing is offered at Oswegatchie FFA Camp?

generalWhat is the hardest part about going to Oswegatchie?

lodgingWhat are the campsites like where the camper stays?

activitiesWhy do campers take a swim test so soon after arriving?

bookingHow does my camper sign up for activities?

generalWill my child be able to call home?

generalWhat if my child is homesick?

generalAs a parent, should I let my child go home if they are homesick?

generalWhat about Ticks?

generalWhat about Bed Bugs?

lodgingAre the campers ever in coed groups?

bookingRefunds?

generalWhat if my child leaves something at camp?

logisticsWhat should my child leave at home?

generalHow can I make sure my child has the best experience possible?

activitiesOn your website, it says that if kids want to go horseback riding, they should have boots with heels. Is this an actual necessity? Or could sneakers suffice?

generalShould I send a care package?

generalWhat if I want to send my kid to camp, but they don't want to go? Should I force them to do it?

lodgingDo you do camp for grown-ups?

Guest reviews