Eagle Island Camp Activities
Every Sunday, campers pick their adventure tracks for the week—2–3 fun activities to dive into daily! From sailing and paddling to nature exploration, creative crafts, and even running our camper newspaper, there’s something for everyone. Plus, every day includes swim lessons and plenty of splashy, waterfront fun!
All campers are eligible to choose and participate in all activities other than sailing, which requires a deep water swim assessment.
Swim Lessons and Waterfront
After a swim check campers are grouped with others of similar ability for their daily swim lessons. Campers work on developing confidence in the water and progress in stroke development. Campers also have the opportunity to free swim, or take out a kayak or corcl.
Sailing
Sailing is open to campers who can confidently swim in deeper water. Campers learn to rig and sail our Mercury Sailboats on Upper Saranac Lake. Throughout the week, campers will take turns manning the jib, mainsail, and tiller.
Paddling
Campers in our Paddling tracks will learn different strokes and how to maneuver in sit-on-top kayaks, sit-in kayaks, and canoes while navigating Upper Saranac Lake.
Arts and Crafts
Our Arts and Crafts interest tracks include a variety of projects depending on the week. Crafts may include painting, wood carving, jewelry making and more!
Nature
Nature education tracks can include learning to identify plants and fungi on the island, paddling to one of our smaller islands to compare their ecosystem with the main island, and basic survival skills.
Eagle’s Eye
In our camper-run newspaper, campers conduct interviews, develop creative writing skills, draft comics, create ads, make puzzles, and learn editing skills. Hard copy editions are distributed each Friday. You can read past editions at eagleisland.org/news.
Music and Drama
Campers have the opportunity to collaborate with other campers and write their own songs and skits to perform. Campers can also create their own instruments or costumes in these interest tracks.
Sports and Games
We love games at Eagle Island. Whether it’s a quick one with our Grove (housing group) between activities or a longer big group activity after dinner, we love them all. High-energy sports and games are typically played in our Main Camp Courtyard, or one of our 2 play fields.
Archery
Our archery interest tracks allow campers to learn the basics of the sport as well as perfect their form and aim. Our archery range is located near the middle of the island