Camp Colby is one of four residential summer camps run by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, on the shore of Lake Colby in Saranac Lake. Campers spend a Sunday-to-Friday week on hands-on field ecology and outdoor skills — collecting insects, netting streams, investigating soils and keeping field journals, alongside fishing, birding, fly-tying, archery, canoeing, hiking, camping, orienteering and hunter safety education. Weeks are age-grouped, with ages 11–13 in weeks 1–3 and 7 and ages 14–17 in weeks 4–6, including an Outdoor Adventure Week of team and trust-building, forestry and conservation science. A one-week session costs $350 including all meals, trips and a camp t-shirt; more than half of DEC campers attend sponsored by a community organization, and an EMT or nurse is on site at all times.
Camps
| Camp | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (ages 11-13) | Jun 28 – Jul 3, 2026 | 11–13 | $350/wk | Past season |
| Week 2 (ages 11-13) | Jul 5 – Jul 10, 2026 | 11–13 | $350/wk | Past season |
| Week 3 (ages 11-13) | Jul 12 – Jul 17, 2026 | 11–13 | $350/wk | Past season |
The practical details
- Ages
- Ages 11–17
- Environment
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Operator
- New York Department of Environmental Conservation Summer Camps
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact New York Department of Environmental Conservation Summer Camps directly before you register or pay.
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Google Reviews
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★★★★★maggie muldoonround we go round in the same sweet circles ❤️❤️❤️
★★★★★Matt Callard
★★★★★Mel BGreat camp. Unplug and get nature time.
★★★★★Samuel Powers
★★★★★Casimir CatthIts called Camp Colby, high quality Environmental Education experince for kids 11-17.