Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp

For New Yorkers seeking a distinctive and impactful camping experience, particularly for youth, college, and non-profit groups, Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp in Saranac Lake, NY, stands as a truly unique destination. This isn't your typical public campground; it's a historic Adirondack Great Camp, originally known as Prospect Point Camp, that has been transformed into a dynamic and engaging retreat center by Young Life, a Christian non-denominational ministry. Since acquiring the property in 1969, Young Life has leveraged its stunning natural setting and grand facilities to create an environment where young people can grow, connect, and have an "awesome" time, as one enthusiastic reviewer put it.

While its primary focus is on organized group programs, especially during the summer, Saranac Village offers a blend of "rugged and refined" Adirondack charm with a packed schedule of activities and a supportive community. Reviewers consistently highlight the "great time" had by groups, with one college group enjoying a "great 2 weeks." The camp aims to exceed expectations, making it a "fire" experience for youth groups. From its architectural heritage to its commitment to providing a memorable and enriching stay, Saranac Village offers a camping experience that is deeply rooted in the Adirondacks while fostering personal development and connection for its participants.

Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp is located at

Accessibility to Saranac Village is generally good, given its Adirondack location. NY-30 is a well-maintained state route, making the drive relatively straightforward from various parts of New York State. For those traveling from New York City, it's a scenic drive north, taking several hours but leading to a truly immersive natural environment. From major upstate cities like Albany, Syracuse, or Rochester, the drive is considerably shorter. The nearest major regional airport is Saranac Lake's Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK), which offers limited commercial service, while larger airports like Albany International Airport (ALB) are a few hours' drive away. The remote yet accessible location means that while guests feel removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, they are still within reach. The camp's design as an historic "Great Camp" means it integrates beautifully into the natural landscape, offering a unique blend of grand architecture and wild surroundings. This setting is perfect for groups seeking a focused retreat with a strong connection to nature.

Services Offered

• Group Accommodations: Saranac Village primarily caters to groups, including youth groups, college groups, and other non-profit, church, or service organizations. It is available for select group rentals year-round.
  • Dorm Facilities: The camp offers five beautiful dorm facilities, many with newly renovated bathroom facilities, designed with bunk beds.
  • Loon Lodge: A newer living quarter complete with a fireplace and lounge, featuring four rooms with private bathrooms, each housing 12 people.
  • Guide House: Designed for staff, it includes a comfy lounge, large kitchen, and 11 bedrooms sleeping up to 40 people.
  • Ausable Inn: An adult guest lodge during summer months, offering a kitchen, lounge with fireplace, and bedrooms with private bathrooms.
• Dining Services: High-quality menu offerings are provided in a central dining hall.
• Snack Bars: Two snack bars (including "The Lean-To") are available, where campers can grab milkshakes, "Saranac soda," and other treats.
• Meeting & A/V Spaces: Equipped for conferences, training events, and educational retreats with appropriate audio/visual and meeting spaces.
• Laundry Services: While not explicitly detailed as self-service for all campers, laundry facilities are available, as indicated by the presence of "work crew" members responsible for laundry.
• On-Site Camp Store: A Young Life Camp Store is available, likely offering merchandise, souvenirs, and perhaps some essentials.
• Medical Support: During summer camp weeks, camp doctors and EMT/Paramedics staff an infirmary and are on call 24/7 for emergencies, ensuring medical care for guests.
• Accessibility: The camp is committed to welcoming kids of all abilities. Main buildings are accessible to strollers or wheelchairs, and some cabins are designed to be accessible. Paved walkways around the upper camp enhance mobility.

Features / Highlights

• Upper Saranac Lake Access: The camp is located on a bluff overlooking Upper Saranac Lake, providing stunning views and direct access to a wide array of water activities.
• Extensive Water Activities: A major highlight, including tubing (four-person tube rides), wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, sailing, and parasailing over the lake.
• Sports & Recreation:
  • Gym Sports: A basketball gym and other indoor sports facilities.
  • Outdoor Sports Fields: Fields for games like basketball, volleyball, soccer, and Octoball.
  • Disc Golf Course: An 18-hole disc golf course.
  • Game Room: Equipped with ping-pong, pool, and shuffleboard.
• Unique Adirondack Rustic Architecture: The camp is a historic Adirondack Great Camp (Prospect Point Camp), notable for its unusual chalets and half-timbered effect with birch bark, a significant example of the Adirondack Rustic style.
• Hiking Trails: Opportunities for hiking and exploring the scenic Adirondack surroundings.
• Hammock Grove: A relaxing "hammock grove" provides a peaceful spot for unwinding.
• Engaging Program Activities: Young Life camps are renowned for their highly organized and engaging programs, including "Club" sessions (spiritual reflection), competitions, skits, dances (like 80's dance themed nights), and interactive events designed to foster connection and fun.
• Dedicated Staff & Volunteers: The camp relies on a large team of "extremely friendly and helpful" staff and volunteers (including high school "work crew" and college-age "leaders") who are committed to making the campers' experience exceptional.
• Spiritual Component: As a Young Life camp, it incorporates Christian teachings and discussions, with "Club" and "Cabin time" often including spiritual reflection, though the intensity can vary.

Promotions or Special Offers

Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp, operating as a non-profit Christian ministry, does not typically offer "promotions" in the commercial sense (like discounts for early booking or multi-night stays for the general public). Instead, its "offers" are structured around its program delivery for various groups:

• Group Booking Rates: Pricing for group rentals (non-profit, church, or service groups) is customized based on the number of people, number of nights, meals, and activities. Interested groups are encouraged to request a custom, no-obligation quote.
• Summer Camp Sessions: The primary "offer" during the summer months (typically June through August) is the immersive one-week camping experience designed for middle and high school students, arranged through local Young Life clubs. Registration is typically handled by local Young Life staff.
• Adult Guest Program: During summer camp weeks, a limited number of adults (up to fifteen) can participate in an "Adult Guest program," staying in the Ausable Lodge and experiencing camp alongside the youth. This is a unique opportunity for adults to engage.
• Volunteer Opportunities: The camp offers "Work Crew" opportunities for high school volunteers (a month-long summer commitment) and "Summer Staff" roles (paid positions for college students). Medical providers (doctors and EMTs/Paramedics) can also volunteer their services, often receiving free lodging for their families. "Work Weeks" are also organized for volunteers to help prepare the camp for the season.
• School Season Opportunities: Camps are available for various groups during the school season (August to May), including church groups, school groups, college ministries, and adult retreats. These are generally shorter (often weekend) and quieter than summer camps.

For specific pricing and availability for your group, it is essential to contact the camp directly.

Contact Information

To learn more about Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp, inquire about group bookings, or get information for youth participation through a local Young Life chapter, you can use the following contact details:

Address:

Phone: (518) 891-3010

Mobile Phone: +1 518-891-3010 (Emergency cell extension: Ext 369)

Fax: 518-891-0295

Email: saranacvillage@saranac.younglife.org

Website: saranac.younglife.org (This is the dedicated camp site for bookings and contact)

For general Young Life inquiries or to find a local Young Life club, visit the main Young Life website (younglife.org) and use their locator tool.

Conclusion: Why Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp is Suitable for Locals

For New Yorkers, especially those involved with youth groups, schools, or non-profit organizations, Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp offers a truly unique and transformative experience right in the heart of the majestic Adirondacks. This is not a typical public campground for individual family reservations, but rather a specialized facility focused on providing immersive, program-driven retreats. Its historic setting as an "Adirondack Great Camp" adds an unparalleled charm and sense of place that is deeply ingrained in New York's heritage.

The camp's dedication to providing "all sorts of activities"—from thrilling water sports on Upper Saranac Lake to various land-based games and engaging evening programs—ensures that participants, whether from a "College Group" or a "youth group," will have a "fire" and memorable time. While one review humorously points out a quirk with the showers (hot is cold, cold is hot), this minor detail doesn't detract from the overwhelmingly positive experiences centered around the vibrant atmosphere and the "extremely friendly and helpful" staff who go above and beyond. For New York-based organizations looking for a well-equipped, scenic, and activity-rich venue that fosters community, personal growth, and unforgettable memories for young people, Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp stands out. It's an opportunity to leverage a piece of New York history for modern-day adventure and development, making it an invaluable local resource for youth engagement in the Empire State.

Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp

4014 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA