What to Expect/Planning Your Visit to the Adirondacks

"Camp Huntington is a magical place. This location allowed us to be immersed in our topic, Forever Wild. We were allowed to become a part of this historic camp during this amazing week of learning that I will not forget." –2019 Summer Scholar

"The beautiful surroundings really set the tone for the tranquil week." –2019 Summer Scholar

What should I bring with me?

Unlike some other NEH programs, Forever Wild has unique requirements given its Adirondack location. Summer Scholars will be living in one of the great Adirondack camps and its rustic character suggests the following:

Clothing

Comfortable and casual. We’ll be wearing t-shirts, shirt-sleeves and shorts, sneakers (that can get muddy), and water shoes for those wishing to kayak and canoe. Bring a swim suit. It is warm in July but evenings at the lake can be chilly. Prepare by bringing clothes to layer, including a jacket and/or fleece pullovers, and pants. Depending on accommodations, some Summer Scholars will be assigned to buildings without bathrooms. Showers and facilities are only a few steps away but you might want a robe or other cover up for the walk between bed and bath. Shower sandals are a good idea.

Incidentals

Summer Scholars should bring personal care items, including shampoo, soap, and toothpaste. Such incidentals typically provided at hotels are not available in camp. (Camp Huntington is accessible only by boat so quick trips to the drug store or pharmacy are not possible. Pack what you need! Bring suntan lotion and bug spray and allergy medicine, if necessary. Amateur musicians might consider bringing their guitar, ukulele, or other portable instrument for evening downtime around the campfire.

Bedding/Towels

We will be contracting with a company to provide Summer Scholars with bed linens and one bath towel. The camp provides pillows and a blanket but you may want to bring your own. Often guests pack their own sleeping bags or a comfy fleece blanket. You may also want to bring one or two additional bath/beach towels.

Technology

Laptops or tablets are a great idea.  You will want to make sure you have a device to take photos because the camp is stunningly beautiful. However, the use of cell phones is tricky because reception at camp is spotty. 

What about meals?

"The food was great. Having Kitchen Patrol duties with a variety of other participants was a way to develop community. I admired the fact that the directors assigned themselves KP duty times right along with the rest of us." –2019 Summer Scholar

On Sunday evening we will have a light meal during our evening welcome session.  A continental breakfast is included in your rate at the Fairfield Inn and Suites and it will be expected that you have breakfast before being transported to the workshop on Monday morning.  For lunch that day, we will be hosted by the 1890 House Museum.

For the rest of the week, we will eat the majority of our meals at Camp Huntington in the Fuge Dining Room, named after George Fuge director emeritus. These delicious and plentiful meals are served family style at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m.  Drinks at Camp Huntington are non-alcoholic and do not include sodas. If you would like to bring alcoholic beverages or soda products, you may bring them on your own.

Camp living requires that people from each group help with the Camp kitchen duties, known as the kitchen patrol or KP's. Everyone will take a turn pitching in and helping. The Camp is able to accommodate most dietary concerns, but individuals will be asked to provide this information prior to the workshop.

The two exceptions to our family-style meals include lunch at Camp Sagamore on Wednesday, and lunch Thursday at the Adirondack Museum where you will have a choice of either taking a bagged lunch or purchasing a meal at the museum’s café at your own expense.

What academic resources will be available?

Though we’ll be in the Adirondack Park, Camp Huntington provides instructional technology, including “Smart” classrooms and Wi-Fi connectivity. Huntington’s library provides resources in addition to the world-class library and archive at the Adirondack Experience.

Anything else I should know?

The State University of New York, College at Cortland, which owns Camp Huntington, is a non-smoking campus. Therefore, smoking is absolutely prohibited in camp. Be advised that the camp has basic first aid, but the nearest hospital is in Utica, NY, approximately 80 miles away. Pets are prohibited. Unfortunately, families cannot be accommodated.