Camp Colby
Camp Colby
PO Box 488
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Camp Colby cabins
The Lake Colby Environmental Education Camp, for youth who are 12 to 14 years old, is located on the western shore of Lake Colby, just outside the Village of Saranac Lake. Formerly a private estate, Colby was purchased by the State in 1961 from William Morris of the William Morris Theatrical Agency. During Morris' ownership, it was known as Camp Intermission because theatrical clients were invited there for rest, relaxation and to get away from hectic city life. Many local residents continue to refer to Camp Colby as Camp Intermission.
Camp Colby first opened as a boy's conservation education camp in 1963 replacing the Ray Brook Camp which had operated since 1950. In 1971, Camp Colby became the first DEC Camp to operate as co-educational facility.
A week at Colby promises fun and adventure. Campers participate in a discovery group while at camp, completing six lessons ranging from group dynamics to field, forest, and pond explorations, to a study of human impact. Group members learn science, solve challenges, play games, keep a journal, catch salamanders, net butterflies and discover the interconnectedness of life on earth. College-educated counselor staff guides all activities, encouraging participation and respect among group members while interpreting the natural world for campers.
Additionally, campers choose from a variety of optional activities throughout the week that introduce them to outdoor pursuits and pastimes. Experiences include fishing, canoeing, archery, exploring a bog and overnight camping trips.
Directions
From the West via NYS Thruway to Utica thru the Adirondacks:
Take I-90 East to the Rt. 8/Rt. 12 Exit 31. Continue straight on Rt. 12 for 22 .6 miles to the Rt. 28 N exit towards Old Forge. Merge onto NY 28 through Old Forge, Raquette Lake and Blue Mountain Lake. In Blue Mountain Lake take Rt. 28N and Rt. 30 to Long Lake continuing on Rt. 30 to Tupper Lake. Take Rt. 30/Rt. 3 until they split and continue on Rt. 3 until Saranac Lake. Take a left onto Rt. 86 at the second light. Follow the "airport signs" out of the Village on Rt. 86. Pass The Adirondack Medical Center Hospital on the right and take the next left at the four corner intersection. Bear left between the two stone pillars and follow the signs to Camp Colby.
From the North/South and East:
Take 87 (Northway) to Exit 30 (US 9 and Rt. 73). Take a left onto Rt. 9 and continue to NY Rt. 73 North by following all signs to Lake Placid. Once you pass the ski jump towers (entering Lake Placid) veer left onto Old Military Rd. (County Rd. 35) and follow it to the end. Take a left, putting you back on Rt. 86 and proceed to downtown Saranac Lake. At the second light follow the "airport signs" out of the Village on Route 86. Pass The Adirondack Medical Center Hospital on the right and take the next left at the four corner intersection. Bear left between the two stone pillars and follow the signs to Camp Colby.
Travel time from major cities
Buffalo: 5 hours 45 minutes
Rochester: 5 hours
Syracuse: 3 hours 45 minutes
Albany: 2 hours 30 minutes
New York City: 5 hours
