1. Does the Outdoor Education Center operate year round?

Yes and no. From mid-June to mid-August Pok-O-MacCready summer camps are in full swing. During this time the Outdoor Education center is closed to groups. However, when people ask this question they are usually referring to the winter, during which time we actually offer some of our most exciting classes. In addition to our normal teambuilding, evening, and living history programs, students who visit in the winter can also take part in snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dog sledding, winter ecology, winter ascents of the Adirondack Peaks, and ice climbing, a perennial favorite. Our tubing hill, complete with lights and rope tow, is also open for after-dinner fun. All of our dorms are completely winterized, and fully heated, and two (MacCready Lodge and Aunt Sarah) have wood-burning fireplaces.

2. What size groups can you accommodate?

The Center is equipped to provide room, board, and instruction for up to 132 people. Traditionally larger groups come in the fall and spring. Those groups looking for a instructionally intensive high adventure program should consider the slower (and less expensive) Off Season (December & March). The minimum group size is 10 students.

3. How many chaperones should we bring?

We strongly recommend a student to chaperone ratio of 1:10. We therefore waive fees for one adult per ten students. Additional adults are required to pay half tuition to cover room and board.

4. What is the Center’s relationship with the 1812 Homestead?

The 1812 Homestead is a non-profit Museum and Educational Foundation owned by the Swan family, who also own the Outdoor Education Center. We use the Homestead for our three living history programs: the much-acclaimed Underground Railroad, Time Quest, the “early bird” animal feeding class, and the full tour and demonstration. As the latter employs the full extent of the homestead’s facilities, a $7 per person fee applies to those who participate.

5. What do we do if it rains?

Here at Pok-O-MacCready we continually strive to emphasize the “Outdoor” in Outdoor Ed. With the exception of rock climbing, all of our classes take place rain or shine. The best thing that parents and group leaders can do to assure a positive learning environment is to encourage their students to dress appropriately. Remember: synthetics and wool are better than cotton, and Adirondack weather is subject to severe change.

6. If I am coming from Quebec, what documentation do I need?

Canadian citizens do not need a passport to cross the frontier. Nor do Canadian students need supplemental health insurance. A copy of a student’s birth certificate is considered proof of citizenship and is sufficient to ensure a safe and speedy border crossing.

7. To what medical facilities do you have access?

All of our staff members are certified in Red Cross Wilderness First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Two members of the Pok-O-MacCready staff serve on the Willsboro Ambulance Squad. In case of drastic emergencies the ambulance reaches our property in 5-7 minutes after 911 has been called. There are two hospitals nearby; one in Elizabethtown, seat of Essex County, and CVPH in Plattsburgh. The staff of the Outdoor Education Center is prohibited by the New York State Department of Health from giving medications to students.