Planning a Visit

To help you plan your visit to the Outdoor Education Center at Raquette Lake, please review the orientation manual below. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Center for Outdoor Education at 607-753-5488, outdoor.edinfo@cortland.edu.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of the Center and Facilities
   1. Antlers
   2. Robert C. Brauer Memorial Education Center
   3. Hoxie Gorge Nature Preserve
   4. Huntington Memorial Camp
2. Travel and Arrival at Raquette Lake
   1. A. Directions
   2. Parking Areas
   3. Departure Times and Locations
   4. Winter Procedures
3. Registration Form
   1. Revocable Permit
   2. Child Protection Policy
   3. Menu Information
   4. Program Itinerary
   5. Trip Itinerary
4. Facility Use Fee
5. Certificate of Liability Insurance
6. Suggested Equipment List
   1. Sleeping Gear
   2. Toiletries
   3. Suggested Clothing
   4. Footwear
   5. Other
   6. Cellphones
7. Residence Hall Assignments
   1. Antlers
   2. Camp Huntington
   3. Fire Drill and Safety Procedures
8. Group Meeting Spaces
   1. Antlers
   2. Camp Huntington
9. Dining Hall Procedures
   1. Dining Hall
   2. Family Style
   3. Staff Responsibilities
   4. Student Duties
10. Student and Staff Medical Information
    1. Group Medical Coordinator
    2. Automatic External Defibrillator Unit (AED)
    3. Hospital Directions
11. Program Content
    1. Expected Behavior
    2. Antlers Beach Use
12. Cleanup Responsibilities
    1. Recycling
    2. Trash
13. University Smoking and Drug Use Policy
    1. Smoking Policy
    2. Alcohol and Drug Policy
14. Equipment Room
    1. Sign Out System
    2. Winter Equipment
    3. Cleanliness
15. Equipment Use
    1. Motor Boats
    2. Canoes
    3. Kayaks
    4. Center Vehicles
    5. Tools
    6. Computer Use
    7. Telephone Use
16. 16. Trip Food
17. Challenge Course
    1. Lead Facilitator
    2. Equipment
    3. Challenge Course Elements
       1. Dynamic Belay High Elements
       2. Static/Self Belay High Elements
       3. Low Elements
       4. Tower Activities
    4. Participant Informed Consent/Release Form
18. Coordinator Forms and Policies

1. Overview of the Center and Facilities The William H. Parks Family Center for Environmental and Outdoor Education encompasses four sites including Brauer Field Station just south of Albany, Hoxie Gorge in Cortland with Antlers and Camp Huntington both at Raquette Lake. A main office on the SUNY Cortland campus serves as the hub for each of the facilities. The center, created in 1991, strives to promote campus wide awareness and commitment to environmental and outdoor education. The Center also administers an academic minor in the area of environmental studies in conjunction with a variety of other academic departments. Several thousand students use these exceptional resources each year. Raquette Lake aids in developing an attitude of appreciation for natural resources in all participants; provides them with the knowledge to make informed decisions; and fosters an understanding of ecological relationships, environmental concerns and human needs. Our website has more information on all of SUNY Cortland's facilities.

A.) Antlers
SUNY Cortland has operated Antlers on Raquette Lake in the Adirondacks, since 1965 when the Faculty Student Association (FSA, now known as Auxiliary Services Corporation, ASC) purchased the property from Donald and Mary Elizabeth Langham. The Langham's ran the property as a hotel, bar and restaurant from 1958 until they sold it to the FSA. In 2013, Antlers was gifted to the Cortland College Foundation and is being operated by SUNY Cortland. Antlers was built by Charles Bennett in 1887 and opened as a hotel. It was constructed as a decentralized hotel, meaning that the buildings were spread out, yet had common dining and gathering areas. Antlers can house 45 guests throughout seven buildings and is operated from mid-May through mid-October.

B.) Brauer Memorial Field Station The Brauer Field Station is situated eight miles southwest of Albany. The property is nestled in the Helderberg escarpment, a classic region of fossiliferous limestone and shale formation from the Devonian Age. The facility acquired its name from a 21 year-old geology major in 1968, Robert Brauer. Brauer, after just finishing his junior year, was fatally injured in a mining accident. Everton and Elsie Brauer, parents of Robert, gifted a 33-acre tract of land to SUNY Cortland in his honor. In 1982, the Brauer Field Station erected two buildings on the property, one a rustic bunkhouse sleeping 16 people and the other a main lodge sleeping 24. The main lodge houses sleeping quarters, classroom space, the dining facilities and bathrooms complete with showers.

C.) Hoxie Gorge Nature Preserve Hoxie Gorge Nature Preserve is located just seven miles south of SUNY Cortland's main campus. The preserve has a gently sloping forest and open space. Following the Revolutionary War, this land was designated as a Military Tract. The Military Tract was an area of more than one and one-half million acres set aside by the state legislature to compensate Revolutionary War veterans for their wartime services. The lot was farmed from the 1880s onward. Abundant hay crops and timothy pastures proved suitable for dairy farming and this was, most likely, the major focus of the farm. When the land was acquired for use by Cortland College in 1965, it consisted of three separate parcels of land totaling 169 acres.

D.) Huntington Memorial Camp Camp Huntington is a National Historic Landmark and the first "Great Camp" of the Adirondack Mountains. It was built and constructed by Thomas C. Durant and his son, William West Durant, in the late 1870s. Durant sold the 200-acre parcel, Camp Pine Knot, to Collis P. Huntington in 1895. The camp was used as his summer home until 1900, when he died there. Camp Pine Knot was vacant for 48 years. Cortland State Teacher's College acquired the camp in 1948 from Archer, son of the late railroad magnet Collis, naming it Huntington Memorial Camp. Since 1948, Camp Huntington has been used for coursework, special interest groups and clubs, sports teams, alumni activities, as well as board, department and foundation retreats. The grounds include a conglomeration of buildings new and old in addition to four and a half miles of trails and a challenge course.

2. Travel and Arrival at Raquette Lake Arrival time must be no later than one hour prior to your first meal. If a bus will transport you to and from the center, talk to the director or the assistant director before arriving. Drop-off points are weather dependent. Camp Huntington guests should allow approximately 30 minutes of travel time to go across the lake. Safety is a primary concern so groups should plan to arrive well before dark. If arrival or departure times change after initially completing the online registration form, use the declaration of attendance change form to make corrections. 

A). Driving Directions To Raquette Lake
Driving From Syracuse or the West
Take Interstate 90 (New York Sate Thruway) east to Exit 33. Follow Route 365 east to Route 12 north, then Route 28 for approximately 55 miles.
OR
Take the NYS Thruway to Exit 31, following signs for Utica Routes 8 & 12. This area can be tricky. Get onto Routes 8 & 12, Utica and Genesee St. north lane. Merge right with Routes 5, 8, & 12. Stay in right lane and turn right at the light (there is a Fastrac gas station on corner). Take the first right onto Routes 8 & 12. Follow signs for the Poland and Watertown exit. Exit right, after you have gone under the overpass. Wal*Mart will be on your right. Make your way over to the left lane still following Routes 8 & 12 north (merge is near a Ford dealership on your right). Follow Route 12 north onto Route 28 north. Bear right at the Nice and Easy Sunoco gas station (approximately 20 miles from Utica). Follow Route 28 north to Raquette Lake.

From the North
Take Route 30 to Blue Mountain Lake, then follow Route 28 south for about 10 miles.

Driving from Albany
Take Interstate 87 north to Warrensburg, Exit 23. Follow Route 9 north (NOT 9N) through Warrensburg for approximately five miles, turn left onto Route 28. Follow Route 28 to Blue Mountain roughly 50 miles. At T- intersection, turn left on Route 28 and continue for about 10 miles.

From Route 28 (*Uncas Road is a mostly dirt road and is closed in the winter, we do not recommend taking it)
Turn onto Raquette Lake Road at the corner where you see a small school and power sub-station (Sagamore sign on the opposite corner). Proceed north through Raquette Lake Village. Stay on the paved road following it through town. You will drive past the Post Office (on your left) toward the lake, (General Store on right) once near the lake the road curves around to the left. Continue on the same road past the Library toward a small hill. Go up the hill around a sharp bend. The road will twist and turn a bit; you are looking for a brown and yellow Cortland Outdoor Education Center sign, not a Raquette Lake Camps sign. You will see the Cortland sign and road signs for Brightside and Antlers Road, turn right onto Antlers Road and follow to next Cortland sign. Turn right into the parking lot and park. Walk to the base of the hill for further instruction.

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B.) Parking Areas
Parking for both of the Raquette Lake facilities is located at Antlers. Once you have arrived at the Center, look for a staff member. If you cannot find a staff member, park your vehicle in the parking lot and walk to the bottom of the hill. The office is in the building on the left. All gear should be walked to the base of the hill if you are being ferried across the lake to Camp Huntington. Antlers guests may wait for lodge assignments before unloading.

C.) Departure Times and Locations
Check your reservation form for departure times. At Camp Huntington, gear should be brought to the main dock area and loaded into the designated boat. Antlers guests may load gear at anytime.

D.) Winter Procedures A staff member will meet you in the Antlers parking lot. Your gear will be transported across the lake for you and placed on tarps for you to retrieve once you arrive at Camp Huntington. Be prepared to walk one mile on the ice road over the lake. You will want warm clothing complete with mittens, scarves, and boots. When departing, bring gear to the maintenance area and place on tarps or in the vehicle provided. **Please note that there is no bathroom facility open at Antlers during the winter months**

3. Registration Form 
After initial contact, the center office will send you an online registration form. Each group leader must fill out and return their registration form within three weeks of your receipt. Space is not confirmed until we receive the registration form. The form includes important information that will ensure your group's needs are properly met. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask for clarification before your arrival.

If your participants include children under age 17 (16 and under),  a Revocable Permit and Child Protection Policy will be required. 

Cancellation policy: cancellations that received more than 21 days prior to your arrival date may be subject to a 20% cancellation fee. Within 21 days, you are responsible for 90% of the estimated charge based on the numbers of participants. Read carefully as we have recently made changes.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask for clarification before your arrival.

A.) Revocable Permit 

The revocable permit will only be required for groups that have participants age 17 or under and Non-SUNY Cortland groups. 

An individualized revocable permit will be sent to you from our office. If you did not receive it, or would like the form sent again, contact our office via email or phone. The revocable permit will need to be completed and returned to our office 30 days prior to your visit. Example of Revocable Permit (PDF)

B.) Child Protection Policy (CPP)

The Child Protection Policy is only required for groups that have participants age 17 or under. 

The CPP will need to be completed and returned to our office 30 days prior to your visit. The policy is specifically for groups with children age 17 and under. 

Exhibit D Permittee acknowledgement of Receipt of SUNY Cortland Child Protection Policies

State University of New York Child Protective Policy

SUNY Policy on Mandatory Reporting and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, Policy Document No. 6504

C.) Menu Information

The online registration form and online declaration of attendance change form has specific menu information. The cooks plan well in advance of your group's arrival. The food deliveries can be up to a week apart, making it hard to fulfill a last minute request. Properly noting the number of participants in your group will help the cook plan. If plans or number of participants change, notify the cook as soon as possible. All dietary needs should be listed on the registration or declaration of attendance change form; this includes but is not limited to vegetarians, food allergies, lactose intolerant, etc. The participants name and dietary need should be listed. Guests may need to bring specialty food items with them to properly supplement their diet. Upon arrival or at the first meal, participants with dietary needs should go into the kitchen to meet the cook. 

Bag lunches may be planned for day trips or the last meal. Each participant is responsible for making his or her own bag lunch individually. Lunch items include sandwich meats, peanut butter and jelly, bread, condiments, a bag of chips, fresh fruit, a granola bar or cookie. Participants should bring refillable water bottles for their use. *Be sure to note bag lunches on your program itinerary.*

Double-check your arrival time to make sure it is consistent with the first meal you choose to have at camp. Arrival time must be no later than one hour prior to your first meal. Camp Huntington guests should allow approximately 30 minutes travel time across the lake.

D.) Program Itinerary
A program itinerary should be forwarded at least 30 days prior to your arrival. Requests, such as use of the challenge course may not be fulfilled if the information is late or another group is using the course. We have several groups that use our facilities and it takes some planning to make it all work. Your program itinerary should include dates, equipment needs, meal plans (in or out of the dining hall), boating, AV needs and the like. 

E.) Trip Itinerary If you are planning an overnight trip or a boating experience, an action plan or float plan will need to be given the director. It should be forwarded with your itinerary at least 30 days prior to your trip. In case of emergency, we will need to know where to find you. Include alternate campsites and or activities. If you plan on camping, some sites require a camping permit. Prior arrangements should be made with a DEC Forest Ranger. Each Ranger is responsible for specific areas. The DEC website, lists Forest Ranger locations and phone numbers by region.

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4. Facility Use Fee
The facility use fee covers the cost of equipment use as well as the challenge course use. While staying at either of the Raquette Lake facilities, the use fee enables groups to use the boats, camping gear, the challenge course, snowshoes, cross-country skis, canoes and kayaks.

5. Certificate of Liability Insurance
A Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) must accompany all non-SUNY Cortland groups. All SUNY academic groups are covered under a SUNY policy. Any SUNY non-academic, non-Cortland program or club must have a COI. Minimum requirements include a $2 million additional insured policy. The COI include the additional insured language. 

If your group involves participants under the age of 17 (16 and under), additional requirements may be needed to fulfill the Revocable Permit and Child Protective Policy. Additional information available on the Coordinator Forms webpage. 

6. Suggested Equipment List
The time of year you visit our facilities will depend on the items you should bring. Do not bring or use any colored plastic garbage bags that you intent to leave behind. Our local transfer station will not accept them.

A.) Sleeping Gear
Each participant is responsible for bringing his or her own bedding. Sleeping facilities at both of the Raquette Lake facilities consist of a plastic coated twin-sized mattress. You may bring twin-sized sheets and blankets. Sleeping bags are preferred and may be required for your program. You may want to waterproof your bedding in plastic or a waterproof bag for transport.

B.) Toiletries
Suggested toiletries includes: contacts, contact solutions, deodorant, glasses and sports strap, lip protection, prescription medications, shampoo, shaving cream, shaving implement, soap, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, etcetera.

C.) Suggested Clothing
Warm and cool clothing should be packed. Layering clothing is recommended. Both long and short-sleeved clothing will help protect you from the weather, sun and bugs. Remember that cotton fabrics absorb water and moisture and take a long time to dry. Be sure to pack appropriate undergarments such as underwear, long underwear and socks. A breathable waterproof outer layer will help protect you from environmental factors.

D.) Footwear
Footwear will be contingent upon the season. Sturdy footwear will be worn throughout camp, as bare feet are not permitted. Old sneakers, water socks or sandals work well for the waterfront area. Bringing more than one pair of shoes will allow drying time in between uses. Please note boots are not worn in Fuge Dining Hall during the winter. Bring a pair of "indoor" shoes for dinning hall use. People on KP shall wear sneakers, no open sandals or shoes.

E.) Other
Alarm clock, board games, camera, flashlight, insect repellant, notebook, rain gear, sunglasses, swimming suit, watch, water bottle, writing utensil and the like. 

F.) Cellphones
Cellphone service at the Center is sporadic at best. We encourage you to leave cellphones at home or in your vehicles. The center will not be responsible for lost or broken electronic equipment of any kind. We ask that you keep in mind the values you are trying to instill in your participants.

 C.) Fire Drill and Safety Procedures 
While there are 911 services at Raquette Lake, the call should be placed from a land line phone whenever possible. One cellphone tower offers spotty service and cannot triangulate the cellphone location. During your orientation you will be directed to the specific area of camp you should go to if there is a fire and/or emergency. 

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9. Dining Hall and Kitchen Patrol (KP)
A.) Dining Hall
Both the Cummings Dinning Hall at Antlers and the Fuge Dining Hall at Camp Huntington have traditions. Meals are served at 8 a.m., 12 noon, and 6 p.m. promptly. Meals are served family style; therefore, all members of your group must be present before the group eats. Hats should be taken off at the door. People should stand behind their chairs until everyone has arrived at which time the director or group leader will share some words of wisdom or have a moment of silence. Please hold announcements until after the meal.

Special requests such as nighttime snacks, coffee breaks or pizza parties may be accommodated for an additional fee and with prior notice (minimum of 21 days). Birthdays are usually celebrated at dinner with the birthday person receiving their dessert first with a candle. The group is more than welcome to sing. Before your group arrives, they should all be assigned time to help in the kitchen. You will need a minimum of three people and one per table thereafter. Each table seats six people. Example: for 36 participants you will need six tables and six KPs at each meal consumed in the dining hall. All assigned KPs should report to the kitchen 15 minutes prior to each meal, with close-toed shoes. A minimum of one of your staff members will be on KP during each meal. Please realize the responsibilities are before, during and after every meal. No one leaves until all jobs are finished.
See the list of KP duties (PDF).

*During the winter at Camp Huntington, alternate footwear should be brought for dining hall use. Sneakers or rubber-soled slippers are OK. Boots or outside shoes are not to be worn in the dining hall.

B.) Family Style
Family-style meals are served at each table. There will be a serving of each menu item on every table. Breakfast will include a side bar with cereal, bagels and fruit while lunch and dinner meals offer a salad bar.

C.) Staff Responsibilities
Group leaders should help direct the students in the kitchen and dining room. Find two students who would like to work in the kitchen with the dish machine, the rest of the KPs will work in the dining room after the meal. If you have questions, ask the cook or cook's assistant. Lead by example and pitch in. The group as a whole is responsible for serving, clearing, cleaning and re-setting the tables.

Participants with dietary needs should be brought into the kitchen to meet the cook. It will be easier for both parties if they can discuss meal options. 

D.) Student Duties
The kitchen staff will give direction. All KPs sit at different tables. You will be serving, clearing and re-setting your table. If you need more food at your table, you are responsible for getting it. After your group has finished their meal and left the dining hall you will need to sweep the floor and re-set the tables for the next meal. KPs leave at the same time after all jobs are completed.

10. Student and Staff Medical Information
The facilities each keep a small first aid kit on hand for minor injuries. Each group is responsible for bringing their own first aid kits. We will not dispense or hand out any drugs or medicine, including aspirin. Be sure to have a plan and supplies in place.

A.) Group Medical Coordinator:
The group's medical coordinator should check-in with the director upon arrival at Raquette Lake. It is helpful to know who to send your participant to if needed. Each group is responsible for keeping their own medical records. The center will not need medical records unless an injury occurs. All accidents and injuries must be reported to the director and an incident report (PDF) filed with in 24 hours. The report will be forwarded to our University Police Department.

The cook should know about any food related allergies or dietary constraints a minimum of 30 days prior to your arrival. Dietary needs can be noted on the initial registration form or the declaration of attendance change form. Be sure to list the participants name and dietary need. At the first meal have the participant with the allergy or specialized diet talk to the cook so they know who each other are and can gain a better understanding of needs. Guests may need to bring specialty food items with them to properly supplement their diet.

Each group is responsible for bringing one vehicle to use as an emergency vehicle. Center vehicles may not be driven by anyone except Raquette Lake staff. 

B.) Automatic External Defibrillator Unit (AED)
There is an AED at each facility. The AED units are kept in the kitchens of the dining halls near a phone. If an emergency should arise, remember 911 services should be called from a land line, not a cellphone. Land lines can be found at Antlers in the kitchen and office; at Camp Huntington, they may be found in the kitchen, office and shop. Find a SUNY Cortland staff member for assistance. 

C.) Hospital Directions
The closest hospitals are in Glens Falls, Saranac Lake and Utica, which are approximately an hour and a half in any direction. The closest medical offices are in Indian Lake, Long Lake and Old Forge. Contact information (PDF) and directions for all listed medical facilities. If an ambulance is called, it will take you to Utica. 

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11. Program Content
A.) Expected Behavior
Expectations of each group include respect for the facilities, each other, and your surroundings. SUNY Cortland has been a good neighbor and environmental steward for over sixty years in the Raquette Lake area. Groups fulfilling camping requirements always leave campgrounds and surrounding areas in better condition than they found them. The College is known for its gentle use of the Adirondacks and for teaching many people how to enjoy the out-of-doors. We ask that you instill in your groups the continued high expectations that have been set.

On-site behavior should include the respect of quite hours 10 p.m. through 7 a.m. Careless actions causing destruction of center equipment, buildings and grounds will not be tolerated. Groups or individuals will be held responsible for broken equipment, defaced property and the like. 

B.) Antlers Beach Use
The Antlers beach is owned by an individual, not SUNY Cortland. The beach also has an association therefore we share the beach with other association members. We are expected to give other people ample room to enjoy their surroundings. Boats are not to be launched from the beach area or cross the swim buoy lines at any time.

Groups that plan to use the swim area will need to complete a swim waiver (PDF) as required by the Department of Health. 

12. Cleanup Responsibilities
In an effort to keep costs low there are no janitorial or maid staff at any of the locations. All participants are expected to clean their accommodations including sweeping, mopping, and/or vacuuming, where applicable. Trash and recyclables should be emptied, bathrooms cleaned, beds straightened and any furniture that was moved should be placed in its original position. Each guest is responsible for leaving the facilities in as good or better condition than they found them. Cleaning supplies minus elbow grease are supplied. Be sure to have one of your staff members walk through each cabin or lodge before you leave checking for cleanliness and items left behind in drawers or under beds.

A.) Recycling
We do recycle at our facilities. The local transfer station will not allow trash with recyclables in it. Recyclables accepted at the station are: glass, metal, paper, cardboard, #1 and #2 plastics. All items should be rinsed clean and the lids removed. Visit Hamilton County Solid Waste Management  for more information.

Antlers guests may bring their recyclable bins to the kitchen area at the end of their stay. Separate the recyclables into the proper bins and return the bin to its original location.

Camp Huntington participants can empty their recycle bins in the Utility Room behind the His and Hers bathroom complex. Separate the recyclables into the proper bins and replace your bin to its original location.

B.) Trash
Participants will bring trash from their rooms and any common areas that they used to collection sites. Antlers collection site is at the Shop in the Casino building and Camp Huntington's dumpster is situated behind the dining hall.

13. University Smoking and Drug Use Policy
A.) Smoking Policy
As an extension of SUNY Cortland we follow and abide by all policies described in the College Handbook. Section 270.04 explains the smoking policy. SUNY Cortland is a smoke and tobacco free environment.  

B.) Alcohol and Drug Policy
Students attending classes, coursework, club or organizational outings at Raquette Lake are prohibited from bringing, consuming or distributing alcohol and/or drugs. Group leaders, professors or directors of the facilities at Raquette Lake may be contacted for further clarification.

The alcohol and drug policy may be found in Chapter 360 of the College Handbook. 

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14. Equipment Room 
The equipment room (PDF) is located above the garage at Camp Huntington.

A.) Sign-out System
One staff person from your group should be responsible for signing in and out all of the equipment used by your group. You will be given a tour of the room and a sign-out sheet. The sign-out sheet has a column for signing equipment in and out of the room. If any equipment is broken please explain the problem on an equipment repair tag. Be sure to include specifically what is wrong with the item and affix the tag to the broken piece of equipment. Leave broken gear near the workbench or fix it when applicable. All usable gear should be returned to its original location.

B.) Winter Equipment
Winter equipment includes cross-country skis, poles, ski boots, snowshoes, military boots, winter-weight sleeping bags and various sized ice skates. The cross-country skis can be found hanging on the side of the waste water treatment plant with the corresponding poles. Ski boots and ice skates are kept warm and dry in the Knox Classroom. The skis have the NNN (New Nordic Norm) binding system. A few sets still have the 75mm three pin binging system. An example of the binding system is in the Knox Classroom for teaching purposes. Various sized military boots are available for extended periods of time outside, in addition to winter-weight sleeping bags located in the Chalet. Snowshoes consist of a mix of military surplus, wooden and newer crampon style snowshoes. Snowshoes hang on the exterior of the Chalet. If the equipment fails in any way, please let a staff member know so it may be repaired. Remove snow and replace all equipment to its proper location after use. If snow has been tracked into the Chalet while obtaining or returning gear, please sweep it out. Melted snow may damage the floors.

C.) Cleanliness
All equipment should be returned in as good as or better condition than it was found. Backpacks are to be cleaned and dried before being returned to the equipment room. All river bags should be rinsed out and thoroughly dried. Tents and stuff sacks should be aired out, dried and put back into their corresponding bags. Tarps should be free of rope, dried and properly folded. All kitchen pots/pans and utensils need to be scrubbed clean and then run through the dish machine for sanitation. Set up a time with the kitchen staff for dish machine use prior to the projected use time. Expectations include putting away all used gear clean and dry, as well as, sweeping the equipment room when you are done.

15. Equipment Use
A.) Motor Boats
The motorboats are not for individual group use. Plans may be made in advance of your arrival to be ferried across the lake.

B.) Canoes (PDF)
Any group may use the canoes with proper training and/or supervision. Participants will be taught proper handling and use of canoes by qualified staff prior to their use. Your group will need to have a lead instructor or hire a small craft facilitator (we can supply options). Life jackets must be worn at all times while in a canoe. The canoes should be cleaned after each use and stored in the designated areas.

Be sure to take weather into account while preparing for or going out on the water. The winds can be very rough on the lake. Have a back-up plan for inclement weather. Shoes that can get wet should be worn and extra gear should be stowed in plastic bags for waterproofing. Canoes are not permitted on the water after dark.

C.) Kayaks (PDF)
Any group may use the kayaks with proper training and/or supervision. Participants will be taught proper handling and use by qualified staff prior to heading out on the water. Your group will need to have a lead instructor or hire a small craft facilitator (we can supply options). Life jackets must be worn at all times while in a kayak. Please note the number of kayaks is limited. Antlers has nine kayaks and one tandem while Camp Huntington has 16 kayaks and two tandem. Water shoes should be worn for kayaking. Kayaks are not permitted on the lake after dark.

D.) Center Vehicles
Center vehicles may not be driven by anyone except Raquette Lake staff. Each group is responsible for bringing one vehicle to use as an emergency vehicle.

E.) Tools
The Center has a variety of tools for various uses. If you need a specific tool, ask a center staff member. Do not take items from the shop without permission.

F.) Computer Use
A Wi-Fi signal should be able to be picked up throughout most of Antlers. The wireless Internet connection is strongest in the Casino, Cummings Dining Hall, Main Lodge and Cedars. You must bring your own device with wireless access for it to work. One laptop computer and one iPad will be available for use at Antlers. Arrangements for use may be made with the assistant director.  

Camp Huntington has a wireless Internet access also. There are computers and iPads concealed in a locked cabinet in the Carlson Classroom. There are two computers and six iPads for use. Arrangements may be made with the director. 

G.) Telephone Use
The phones at the center are business phones. Camp Huntington has a phone in the Staff House for personal use. If you are making a long distance call, you will need a phone card.

Emergency contact numbers are Antlers 315-354-4631 and Camp Huntington 315-354-4784.

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16. Trip food
With prior notice trip food may be obtained through the center for overnight camping trips. Examples of items packed by the kitchen staff include but are not limited to macaroni and cheese, chicken and rice, pancake mix, syrup, hot chocolate, granola bars, oatmeal and GORP. There are many options available and questions should be directed to the Camp Huntington cook.

17. Challenge Course
The Challenge Course located at Camp Huntington is available for both Antlers and Camp Huntington guests, as well as day user groups. All groups must have a lead facilitator, who has successfully completed a safety orientation on the Camp Huntington course within the past two years, present on the course during the entire program. If your group does not have an approved lead facilitator, the center can provide you with available options. Each facilitator works as an independent contractor. As such, the facilitators determine their own fees, which are not included in Camp Huntington's challenge course use fee. Many of the facilitators have other employment and commitments, it is recommended that groups contract with a facilitator(s) well in advance of their scheduled program.

A.) Lead Facilitator
In accordance with the Association for Challenge Course Technology (A.C.C.T.) standards, no group will be permitted to use the course without a lead facilitator with ACCT Level II certification of equivalent training and experience and who has also successfully completed the annual safety orientation workshop. This workshop is meant to cover course safety issues including site-specific policies, procedures and the approved use of the elements and equipment at Camp Huntington. It is not training on how to use a challenge course; all facilitators must have previous facilitation training and experience. The workshop is offered every year and must be renewed every other year. Only one person from your group must attend and successfully complete this training prior to using the course. Depending upon the size and needs of your group, you may want to have more than one person qualified to serve as a lead facilitator.

B.) Equipment:
All necessary equipment is provided. The lead facilitator must sign out the equipment for their program through the Challenge Course Manager. The use of personal or non-center equipment is allowed for facilitators only. However, the center accepts no responsibility for its performance or application.

C.) Challenge Course Elements

a.) Dynamic Belay High Elements

Dangle Duo, Giant Swing, Heebie Jeebie, High and Low Pamper Poles, Incline Log, Islands in the Sky, Rapunzel's Crossing, Stairway to Heaven, Two Wire Bridge and Zip Line.

b.) Static/Self Belay High Elements

 Burma Bridge, Catwalk, Multi-vine, Cargo net, and Rope Ladder Climb.

c.) Low Elements

Acid River, Elephant Shoes, Islands, King's Finger, Maze, Mohawk Walk, Nitro Crossing/ Prouty's Landing, Spider's Web, Swinging Log, The Wall,TP Shuffle, Whale Watch and Wild Woozy.

d.) Tower Activities

 Dock Rappel, Free Rappel, Ladder Climb, Rope Climb and two Rock Climbing Routes.

D.) Participant Informed Consent/Release Form
All members of any group using the Challenge Course must sign a Participant Informed Consent/Release Form (PDF). Unless your group has submitted your consent/release form to the Challenge Course Manager for review and approval prior to using the course, each of your participants must complete the Camp Huntington consent/release form. If a group wishes to use its own consent form, the form must specifically cover the use of the Challenge Course and release SUNY Cortland, its staff, agents and the facilitators from liability. All minors must have the form signed by a parent or guardian. Completed forms must be turned into the Challenge Course Manager prior to using the course. No exceptions will be made.

18. Coordinator Forms and Policies 

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