Optional programs

Canoes and Kayaks

Campers will be introduced to the safety and the fundamentals of canoe/kayak use. Instructional staff will cover the history of these craft and demonstrate the manner in which campers are expected to enter and exit both canoe and kayak. American Red Cross and other reference resources are utilized to train campers prior to going out in either a canoe or a kayak.

Goals for Canoeing and Kayaking:

  • Campers will learn the proper water safety protocol and component parts of the canoe and the kayak.
  • Campers will learn to enter and exit these craft and demonstrate the basic skill and knowledge to maneuver this craft while paddling.
  • Campers will appreciate and understand the opportunities canoeing and kayaking may provide them in years to come from a recreational point of view.
  • Campers will learn about organizations that exist where additional skills may be acquired will be discussed.
  • Campers will comprehend the great opportunities New York State provides for leisure Sport, or recreational canoeing and kayaking.

Environmental arts and Crafts and Goals:

Campers will be introduced the natural materials found in the camp environment and will commence a project to work on as the instructor teaches the campers how to properly and safely utilize the tool recommended for specific projects:

  • Natural Occurring vines for cordage;
  • Beach stones, shells from waterfront;
  • Understory vegetation, i.e., ferns, plants common to an edge;
  • Feathers from birds, skeletons collected, i.e., small mammals, birds, etc.

The instructor, using field guides, will demonstrate how materials collected from the field utilizing plants guide will be used identify ferns, wildflowers, etc. so campers will be able to identify those species when going into the field on the stewardship initiatives selected during the presentation Sunday evening.

Outdoor skills

Campers will be introduced to the history and use of a compass and the basics of understanding the importance of finding one's way in the outdoors . Topographic maps will be utilized as a graphic model to bring students to a more competent level regarding orienteering. During optional periods Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursday GPS technology will be taught as well as survival skills and outdoor cooking, knot-tying and emergency shelter.

Goals for Outdoor Skills:

  • Campers will acquire the basic survival skills required if lost in a wilderness area;
  • Campers will learn how to properly start and extinguish a campfire in a park or wilderness area;
  • Campers will gain greater self-confidence in being able to determine a course of action using a compass and topographic map to find their way out of a wilderness area;
  • Campers will learn the etiquette required and expected when thev leave a camp-out area with reference to cleaning up and removing refuse.
  • Campers will be given an opportunity to discuss becoming good stewards as well as places in NYS they may visit to camp and hike.

Skits / Presentations

Each stewardship group will develop a presentation that is environmentally/conservation ally outdoor-oriented-focused, pertinent, appropriate as a tool in transmitting a message regarding the stewardship initiative of the group (i.e. trout, quail, pond, entomology, etc.). The presentation will be judged by our staff and awarded points to be added to points earned to date for stewardship group (team) of the week.

Archery

Campers will be introduced to the leisure time recreational sport of archery from a trained certified instructor who will cover the following.

  • History of archery;
  • Nomenclature parts of bow and arrow;
  • Safety protocol in the range and in the field;
  • Supervised shooting for each camper.

Goals of Archery

  • Campers will be able to demonstrate the safe use of a bow and arrow and do so on a safe, approved range under supervision;
  • Campers will be able to increase their proficiency as a result of repetition by shooting during optional periods;
  • Campers will become knowledgeable regarding the nomenclature of equipment and history of archery;
  • Campers will have knowledge of how they might continue this recreational pastime outside camp.

Fishing

Campers will be exposed to the sport of angling at Laurel Lake and Deep Pond. Sea Wolf staff supplemented by "I Fish NY", staff from NYS DEC Region I and volunteers from Bass Master will introduce campers to the fundamentals of fresh water fishing utilizing a spin casting rod and reel.

Goals and Objectives of Fishing:

  • Campers will demonstrate a proficiency in being able to spin cast;
  • Campers will learn the various types and forms of lures used to harvest fish;
  • Campers will become knowledgeable with regard to the species of fresh water fish available to the angler on Long Island and the rest of New York State;
  • Instructors will teach and the campers will demonstrate their understanding of the stewardship commitment they must make to ensure the angling resource will be strong in New York State, now and ill the future;
  • Campers will have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding regarding angling ethics by participating in a SAREP exercise on ethics;

Sports

Campers will be able to engage in team sports during optional time outside their environmental stewardship initiatives. On Monday only, a sports period is provided to briefly review the sportsmanlike protocol expected during activities. Sports will be available during optional times for the balance of the week, i.e., softball, basketball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee.