Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp

- 4014 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Introduction / Overview: More Than a Camp, It's an Adirondack Village Experience

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Upper Saranac Lake, Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp is widely known across New York State and beyond as a premier destination for youth and an exceptional retreat facility. Operating from a historic site known as Prospect Point Camp—one of the area's original "Great Camps"—Saranac Village has seamlessly blended the opulent heritage of Adirondack Rustic architecture with modern, resort-quality amenities.

The core mission of the camp, run by the non-denominational Christian organization Young Life, is to provide life-changing experiences for middle and high school students, offering a perfect blend of high adventure, engaging activities, top-notch facilities, and spiritual enrichment. For New York residents with school-age children, or for non-profit organizations seeking a uniquely beautiful conference or retreat venue, Saranac Village stands out. It provides an all-inclusive environment where young people can escape the pressures of everyday life, connect with peers, and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the Adirondack Park. Guests consistently praise the dedication of the staff, the quality of the food, and the life-changing nature of their stay, often referring to it as the "best week of their life."

Location and Accessibility: A Historic Gem Overlooking Upper Saranac Lake

Saranac Village is located at 4014 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA. This highly desirable location places it directly on a bluff overlooking the northern reaches of Upper Saranac Lake in the heart of the Adirondack Park.

For New York-based groups, the camp is situated near the quaint and historic village of Saranac Lake, providing access to local services while maintaining a secluded, private atmosphere. Its position off of State Route 30 makes it reasonably accessible by vehicle, though it offers an immediate and total immersion into the natural world upon arrival. The camp’s storied grounds, which were originally built for a New York copper magnate, feature grand architecture and beautifully maintained landscapes. Accessibility is a key focus, with all main buildings being accessible to wheelchairs or strollers, and several cabins specifically designed to accommodate guests with special housing needs, ensuring that every child is welcome to participate in the camp experience.

Services Offered

The facility is designed to be an all-inclusive destination, providing comprehensive services for both its summer youth camps and its non-profit group bookings throughout the year.

• Accommodation: Offers comfortable and restful housing options, including various dorm facilities with bunk beds, the four-room Loon Lodge, the 11-bedroom Guide House, and the Ausable Inn adult guest lodge.
• Dining Services: Provides high-quality, delicious homemade meals served in the main dining hall, with a strong reputation for excellent food service.
• Snack Bar & Store: Features two separate snack bars—including the popular 'Lean-To'—for milkshakes and treats, plus a dedicated Young Life Camp Store for souvenirs and essentials.
• Medical and Safety Staff: Maintains the highest level of safety standards, with all activities supervised by fully trained and certified staff, and a qualified medical professional (EMT/Paramedic or Physician) on call 24/7 during camp sessions.
• Group Rentals: Available for conferences, educational retreats, college, high school, and junior high retreats, staff retreats, and other non-profit group events (not available for private events like weddings or family reunions).
• Logistical Support: Provides ample free parking and essential meeting spaces with full audio-visual (A/V) capabilities for hosting large and small groups.
• Volunteer Programs: Offers structured volunteer opportunities for high school-age individuals (Work Crew) and college-age or older participants (Summer Staff, Interns, and Adult Guests) who wish to serve in the camp ministry.

Features / Highlights

Saranac Village is known for its high-octane recreational facilities, combining water adventure with land-based sports and quiet reflection spaces.

• High-Adventure Watersports: Takes full advantage of its lakefront location with a complete watersports program, including wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing, tubing, and the unique thrill of parasailing over Upper Saranac Lake.
• Paddling and Boating: Offers quieter waterfront activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and sailing, providing multiple ways to enjoy the lake.
• Sports Facilities: Features extensive land-based activities, including a full basketball gym, volleyball courts, outdoor sports fields for soccer and field games, a shuffleboard court, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
• Game Rooms: Multiple recreation spaces are available for downtime and fellowship, equipped with activities like pool, ping pong, carpet ball, and other games.
• Historic Architecture: The camp retains the impressive character of the original Prospect Point Camp, an Adirondack Great Camp notable for its rustic chalets, covered walkways, and unique interior elements like birch bark ceilings.
• Hammock Grove: Provides designated, peaceful areas for relaxation and reflection, complementing the high-energy adventure schedule.
• Spiritual Programming: The camp’s ultimate focus is its impactful Christian ministry, which includes Club (a nightly meeting), cabin time, and excellent speakers, all aimed at fostering spiritual growth.

Contact Information

To inquire about summer camp registration (which is typically done through local Young Life groups) or to book the facility for a non-profit group retreat, please use the following contact details.

P Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp

P Address: 4014 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA

P Phone: (518) 891-3010

P Emergency Cell: Ext 369 (during operating hours)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for New York Locals

For New York families and youth leaders, Saranac Village provides a truly unparalleled summer camp experience. It is not a typical rustic "campground" but a well-established, resort-quality educational and spiritual retreat center. The combination of its stunning Adirondack setting—built upon the foundation of a historic Great Camp—and its commitment to state-of-the-art activities and guest safety makes it a trusted choice.

Locals appreciate that the facility’s high standards and comprehensive programming offer tremendous value, giving high school and middle school students from New York a focused, fun, and faith-centered environment to grow. The all-inclusive nature, which bundles professional guidance, exceptional meals, high-adventure watersports like parasailing, and comfortable lodging into one package, ensures that a trip to Saranac Village is a memorable and impactful week of adventure and personal connection. This camp represents a premium Adirondack experience dedicated to the holistic development of young people from across the state and the country.

Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp

4014 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA