FAQs

Eagle Island is its own 31-acre island on Upper Saranac Lake in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. We are close to the towns of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. We are a 5-6 hour drive from New York City and 2.5-3 hour drive from Albany.

Overnight Camp: Overnight camp begins on June 28 and runs through August 7 and is open to all girls ages 8 and up for one- and two-week sessions (with the option to attend more than one session). (Note: if your camper is close to turning 9 we may be able to accommodate them, please reach out to Danielle LaCavalla, our Executive Director, directly at dlacavalla@eagleisland.org.)

Bridge Camp: Day to Overnight runs July 5 through July 31. For girls ages 8-11: Start as day campers Sunday to Tuesday, then stay overnight Wednesday to Friday in platform tents. Campers join an overnight group all week to experience camp fully while easing into overnight stays.

Day Camp: Day Camp runs August 10 - August 14 and is open to all genders ages 7-11.

Register here.

Day camp serves all genders ages 7-11.

Overnight camp serves girls and gender minorities ages 8-17. Our campers identify as girls, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming. All participants express their gender in a variety of different ways.

All campers are able to participate in all activities (only sailing requires passing a deep water swim assessment)

Our programming is designed to take advantage of our exceptional, natural location and place great emphasis on the outdoors. Eagle Island offers swimming (instructional and free), sailing, canoeing, kayaking, arts and crafts, nature exploration, camp skills, and more. Additionally, campers participate in team-building games and challenges, camp-wide special events and activities, and enjoy unplugged down-time with their fellow campers.

You can learn more about our activities here.

There are many wonderful camps out there, but only one is located on a private island in the heart of the Adirondacks! Eagle Island is a small, down-to-earth, unplugged, rustic camp where girls have fun, go on adventures, and grow to be even more confident, collaborative, and courageous.

A piece of Eagle Island’s specialness stems from the fact that it is owned and directed by women, many of whom are former campers and counselors themselves. Our deep commitment to financial accessibility also sets us apart from other private camps; approximately 35% of all campers receive some level of financial assistance.

Yes! On average 35% of youth campers receive some level of financial assistance. More details here. If you have specific questions please email our Executive Director, Danielle LaCavalla (dlacavalla@eagleisland.org).

Eagle Island campers hail from all over! The bulk of our day campers and a good portion of our overnight campers come from the Adirondacks. Overnight campers come from New York City and its surrounding areas, the greater Albany area, and other places including Vermont, New Jersey, D.C, Connecticut, California, and Vermont.

Our camper-to-counselor ratio is 8:1 and our campers are in groups of 8-16.

Eagle Island counselors are enthusiastic, kind, fun, caring, and supportive. Counselors are 18 and up, and bring dedicated skills in youth development, team-building, outdoor education, etc. All waterfront activities are led by certified lifeguards. Program specialists with deep knowledge in our core areas – sailing, paddling, arts & crafts, nature exploration – lead these activities.

Fun! Camp days run from ~7am - 9pm and include a mix of activities and choices in our key areas: swimming, boating, arts and crafts, nature exploration, and special camp-wide events. Campers are busy and outdoors for much of the day, but always have some downtime before afternoon activities. More detailed information on a typical day is here.

We know heading to camp can be a big challenge, so we pay extra attention to first-time campers and those who come on their own. Eagle Island is the first overnight camp experience for many of our campers and many come to Eagle Island solo. Campers start meeting other campers and counselors as soon as they step on the boat to the island. The first day at camp always includes a tour of the Island, an explanation of core camp activities, and plenty of name games and ice-breakers. Counselors are trained to support the getting-to-know-you and settling-in processes.

At Eagle Island, our goal is to provide good, nutritious, and well-balanced meals that kids love. Camper surveys indicate we’re doing a good job! Meals include kid-friendly options (pizza, pancakes, tacos, hamburgers), and plentiful fresh fruit and vegetables on our daily salad bar. (More information here.)

Please note that when campers with specific food allergies are present, our kitchen avoids all foods or snacks containing ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction. To ensure everyone's safety and well-being, we offer fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks throughout the day.

A key part of our commitment to safety is adhering closely to camper allergies and dietary restrictions. As part of our registration process, we ask families to detail all allergies and dietary restrictions on the health form. The nurse, kitchen team, and involved counselors are all fully briefed and prepared to support your camper. Campers who use Epi-Pens and/or inhalers keep these with them at all times.

Yes! We are proud of our unwavering commitment to safety and that we have achieved the rigorous standards of the American Camp Association.

We offer Tours and S'mores days (June 6th and June 26th) prior to the start of camp to give families a chance to see the island and meet some staff. We know many families won’t be able to attend these events, so we encourage you to check out videos and pictures from past summers. Please note that on check-in days we do not have enough boat space for families to go over to the island with their campers. Our counselors will help campers unpack, set up their beds, and get settled.

Bus transportation is available from the NYC area (bus stop located in the Bronx) for select dates. Visit eagleisland.org/bus for more information.

Our camp is located on a 31-acre, wooded island (we are the only thing on the island) on the Upper Saranac Lake, a short boat ride from the mainland. Most of our programming happens outside and on the waters of Upper Saranac Lake. Campers sleep in platform tents, cabins, and/or historic buildings. Meals, evening activities, and rainy day activities take place in our historic buildings. There are multiple washhouses on the island with flush-toilets, showers, etc. (More details on our facilities can be found here.)

Campers can "add on" a weekend, enabling them to stay for three to six weeks straight without going home, perfect for those extending beyond two-week sessions! In CampDoc, please select the weekend "add-on" for any sessions longer than two weeks. Note that adding a weekend requires committing to an additional consecutive week; campers cannot add a weekend and then be picked up on a Sunday. For any questions, please contact Hanna Sue or Katrina at campdirector@eagleisland.org .

Laundry service is available for campers staying two weeks or longer, with a maximum of 10 pounds per camper. Each camper is billed for 10 pounds, regardless of actual weight. Laundry is collected during the week and returned within a day or two. The service costs $25 and can be added during registration in CampDoc. For additional laundry options or questions, contact Hanna Sue or Katrina at campdirector@eagleisland.org.  

The key items all campers need are a reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes, and a swimsuit! Lots more details are provided in our packing lists. We encourage families and campers to pack together so campers know what’s in their bags and where they are! Please make sure to label your camper's belongings with their full name. More specific details on what your camper should bring can be found on the Registered Families page.

As part of our unplugged island experience we ask that campers leave all technology at home. This allows us to focus on creating a camp environment that is unhurried, camper-led, inclusive, and attuned to nature.

We meet each camper where they are and tailor our daily swim lessons to what they need. We follow the American Red Cross Learn to Swim program. Swimming and boating are key parts of every day at camp so we strive to develop the skills and comfort level for all campers to be able to participate and enjoy.

Our first and most important job is to ensure the safety of all campers and staff; we take this job very seriously. All staff are trained in our emergency procedures and we conduct frequent drills. Eagle Island has a Registered Nurse on-site and is connected with local pediatricians, emergency services, hospital, and neighboring camps in the unlikely event these services are needed. Many staff are trained in First Aid and CPR/AED, including at least one staff member in each group. We also have on-site staff who are trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

At Eagle Island, we strive to ensure that all campers feel included and welcome at camp. Camp is about being your authentic self. Campers and counselors are given the opportunity to share (or not share) their pronouns on their registration forms and during the getting-to-know-you activities. Staff will always use the name and/or pronouns the camper tells us they prefer.

We post updates and pictures to our Facebook and Instagram pages frequently throughout the summer. We encourage campers to write home, but remember if you’re not hearing much from your camper it’s likely because they’re having too much fun with their friends! Eagle Island has a no-phone call policy, but families may always call the main camp number (518) 323-9422 to speak to a senior member of our team and get an update on how your camper is doing.

When you may hear from us: While your camper is with us, our goal is for them to feel happy, supported, and fully engaged in camp life. On occasion, we’ll reach out to keep you informed and involved, including if:

• Home-missing support: Your camper is feeling homesick in a way that’s affecting their participation for more than 24 hours, and we want to partner with you on next steps.

• Medical care: Your camper needs care beyond basic first aid.

• Extended time in the Health Center: An illness or symptoms require continued monitoring by our nurse or an overnight stay in the Health Center.

• Off-site medical care: Your camper needs to be seen by an off-site provider (we will always prioritize timely care, even if we’re unable to reach you right away).

• Camper well-being: Your camper shares concerns related to their emotional or mental well-being, and we want to ensure they feel supported.

Our team is committed to caring for each camper and keeping families informed when it matters most.

DAY CAMP: Drop-off will be around 8:00 am. Pick-up for all campers will be at 4:00 pm. More details will be emailed to registered families.

OVERNIGHT CAMP: Parents/Guardians are responsible for transporting campers to the mainland dock at 442 Gilpin Bay Road, Saranac Lake, for boat transport to camp on their arrival day. Exact check-in/out times will be communicated closer to the program date. More details are on the Registered Families page.

You can bring pre written letters to drop off, use our one way message system CampGrams or use snail mail. Read more about these options here!

To ensure your camper and her friend are together, please sign them up for the same program and dates. They’ll have a chance to select their sleeping spots once they arrive at camp.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to Danielle, Executive Director, at dlacavalla@eagleisland.org. Cancellations before May 1 qualify for a tuition refund minus the non-refundable deposit. Refunds are processed within two weeks and will match the original payment method (credit card, ACH, or check). No refunds are available after May 1 however there are other options for families to consider:

Partial Credit: Hold 50% of the tuition for a 2027 program.

Donations: Contribute to Eagle Island's mission to support future campers.

Protection Plan: During registration, opt-in during registration to cover costs in case of cancellation or interruption due to a covered event. Details on CampDoc.

There is no refund for camper rule infractions, disruptive behavior, or voluntary withdrawal. Participants must indicate their refund preference within two weeks of the cancellation/refund request.

Goals and Objectives for Campers

Our island location provides a natural layer of security, as it’s only accessible by boat. Our trained staff monitor the area daily, with cameras at key entry points (docks and mainland parking lot) offering real-time oversight. Upper Saranac Lake is also managed by the Upper Saranac Foundation, with a nearby lake manager adding extra oversight. The only public launch, located on the northern end of the lake, is monitored by the DEC which inspects all boats.Other boats belong to local lake property owners familiar with the camp. For more details, contact Executive Director Danielle at dlacavalla@eagleisland.org or 518-323-9424.

All staff receive emergency training each summer and practice drills to refine procedures. We partner with the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad, who also dock their fire boat at our mainland dock, ensuring they know our camp well and allows quick access in the event of an emergency. In line with American Camp Association standards, local emergency services are notified before the summer season starts along with surrounding camps located in Gilpin Bay (where EIC resides). We are also within 25 minutes from the Adirondack Medical Center, the largest hospital in the Adirondacks.

Eagle Island does have a pet policy for some of our leadership team members. Pets at camp are all vaccinated and have limited contact with campers unless they have proven track records of good behavior with strangers and children. Other animals at camp include squirrels, birds (including loons!), and some very cool red-backed salamanders. Because we are an island we have limited wildlife.

Our programs cater to diverse interests and challenge campers in unique ways, making it difficult to find another camp that offers a similar experience. Therefore, we recommend that families use the ACA find-a-camp tool to help you find the best program that aligns with Eagle Island's offerings and matches your camper's interests.