Skill Classes

Skill classes are a large part of the Camp experience at Chingachgook.  Each camper is given the opportunity to select their preferred activities for skill classes when they register. Upon arrival at Camp, you will receive a schedule of four skill classes, which focus on individual progression rather than competition.  Descriptions of available skill classes can be found below.

 

To participate in some water-based classes (indicated in skill class descriptions below), campers must pass a swim check of either 220 or 440 yards on the first day of camp.  Campers that do not complete the 220-yard swim check will be enrolled in a swimming skill class that follows the YMCA swimming standards.

 

Questions?  Give us a call!  (518) 656-9462

 

Skill Classes offered in 2013:

 

Swimming: “YMCA Progressive Swimming” emphasizes personal improvement as campers progress through skill levels at their own pace.  “Competitive Swimming” is an advanced swimming class available for qualified campers.

 

Canoeing: Must pass 220-yard swim test. Learn the basics, explore the lake and marsh, and play games in aluminum and war canoes.

 

Waterskiing: Must be at least 12 years old and pass the 440-yard swim test.  Learn to ski with a qualified instructor and earn medals for accomplishments.  Additional fee of $65 per 2-weeks and $35 per one-week applies to offset costs of equipment and gasoline.

 

Fishing: Juniors only.  Learn the basic skills of baiting, casting, and fishing.  Campers must bring their own fishing poles.

 

Farming and Animal Care: Learn the basics of agriculture and animal care in this hands-on program.  Gardening, composting, and caring for goats, chickens, pigs, rabbits and horses are some of the skills campers will learn in this class.            

 

Arts: Explore your creative abilities through painting, candle-making, beading, nature crafts, tie dying, and more.

 

Nature/Outdoor Living Skills: Explore the dynamic natural areas of camps—mountain, brook, wetlands, lake.  Learn about habitats, ecosystems, and conservation principles.

                       

Improv & Theater: Explore drama, juggling, costumes, and theatre games.

 

Drawing: Explore the world of sketches, story-boarding, comics and more. This class will teach basic skills and allow campers to explore their creative side. 

           

Riflery: Must be at least 12 years old.  Learn safe firearm operation under the supervision of an instructor certified by the NRA.  

 

Archery: Structured according to standards of the National Archery Development Association.  Shoot for fun, to score, and in tournaments.

 

Dance & Movement: Stay fit and have fun. Learn different types of dance and choreography.  

 

Guitar: Learn chords, strumming techniques, and play camp and popular songs.  Campers may use guitars provided by Camp.           

            

Outdoor Cooking: Cooking outside is fun and useful.  Safely build and use an outdoor fire or stove for easy-to-prepare meals.

 

Junior Sports Zone: Juniors only.  A different activity everyday: Chingacross, whiffle ball, kick ball, crab soccer, international games day and more!   

 

Water World: Juniors only.  Play basketball, volleyball and other games… all in the water!  Special rope swing competition

 

Woodworking: Juniors only.  Create great wooden projects while learning to safely use hand tools.

 

Softball: Learn to bat and field on a regulation-size little league field.

 

Soccer: Practice basic soccer skills and scrimmage on a regulation-size field.      

   

Tennis: Bring your racquet.  Learn tennis skills and rules in singles and doubles play.    

 

 Yoga:   Must be at least 12 years old. Relax and meditate while learning yoga basics, including introductory poses, breathing techniques and theories.  Bring your own mat if you have one, but Camp will provide as needed.

 

Photography*: Campers must bring 35mm camera (not digital).  Take creative shots, then develop black-and-white photos in Camp’s well-equipped darkroom.

 

Sailing*: Must pass 440-yard swim test.  Learn sailing terms and techniques in Sunfish and 14-foot Capris. Advanced sailors develop solo skills.        

           

High Ropes*: Must be at least 12 years old. Experience the challenges and thrills of a 14-element course.  Safety is maintained with harnesses, helmets, and belay ropes.

 

Mountain Biking*: Must be at least 12 years old. Bring a bike, helmet, lock and patch kit.  Learn riding and tune-up skills while exploring camp’s roads and trails.

 

Rock Climbing*: Must be at least 12 years old.Learn to climb and belay on our climbing tower and on rocks on and near Chingachgook property.  Harness, helmet, and belay rope worn for safety.

 

*Denotes class lasting two periods rather than one