Who owns 4-H Camp Shankitunk?

Shankitunk is owned by Delaware County, which makes us unique, as we're the only county-owned camp in the state

What is Lennox Forest?

The Lennox Memorial Forest is a 140 acre demonstration forest across the road from Shankitunk. It was established as instructed by the will of John and Florence Lennox. John Lennox was the camp's first director. The forest is used by several classes here at camp, including Water and Forestry, and Nature. Feel free to stop and read the information board posted in the pavilion at the beginning of the memorial forest.

Who is Walter B. Gladstone?

Walter B. Gladstone grew up in Andes and attended 4-H Camp Shankitunk as a kid. He's been helping the camp anyway he can, even now. To honor all the work and help he's given us, the science center built in 1999 was dedicated to Mr. Gladstone. He has been the camp committee chairperson for years, and was also the town of Andes supervisor. His grandson can now be found at camp.

Who is Pat Ford?

Pat Ford is Walter Gladstone's wife. She, along with Mr. Gladstone, has helped the camp enormously and her efforts will be honored by having the new building dedicated to her.

I know that SUNY Delhi has constructed many of the buildings around the camp. How are Shankitunk and the college related?

Shankitunk has been a place for many SUNY Delhi students to learn their trade. By donating their time, Shankitunk saves a lot of money, and the students gain valuable learning experiences. Many of the buildings around camp were built by aspiring architects, wired by aspiring electricians, and plumbed by aspiring plumbers. This is a way for the students to get hands-on experience doing what they want to be doing for the rest of their lives.

How can my camper become a counselor?

Easy! When your camper turns 14, he or she can sign up for CIT I class. If she or he has been on a High Adventure Trip it is not necessary to take this class. CIT I will teach campers cooperation and team building. When he or she comes back the next year, CIT II is available. CIT II is a more hands-on class that shows what it's like to be a counselor. It is a double class period class. The first class period is spent with the program director, playing games or discussing what it means to be a counselor. The second class period is spent observing counselors at work, teaching classes. During these two years, the CITs are watched very closely by the staff to see what kind of role model they are, how they interact with other campers, and how we think they would fare as a counselor. If the staff thinks they would do well as counselors, they are invited back for CIT III. CIT III is a two week, invitation only, intensive class. The first week is spent with the program director and observing classes. During the second week, the CIT is an active counselor in a cabin and in classes. If we like what we see during the second week, the CIT will probably be hired the next year as a counselor. The majority of our current staff has been through this program.

Can my organization use the camp when camp is not in session?

Yes. Just contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Delaware County for information.