Overnight campers back on Eagle Island

UPPER SARANAC LAKE | The annals of outdoor Adirondack adventure reached a true historical milestone mid-July when Eagle Island Camp welcomed its first group of overnight campers since 2008. Eagle Island was gifted to the Girl Scouts of New Jersey by industrialist Henry Graves in 1937. It was run as a youth overnight camp for girls continuously for 70 years until it was put up for sale suddenly in 2009. By then, some four generations of women had come to cherish memories of their time at EIC. For the past 13 years, a dedicated and engaged group of former campers and members of the Graves family -- Friends of Eagle Island -- have raised millions to purchase the former Girl Scout island property and restore it. They have diligently repaired historic buildings and living rooms, first built as a Great Camp for Levi P. Morton. They have had sewer and water infrastructure updated and lodging and kitchen facilities brought up to modern code standards. EIC's board has redeveloped programming with historic EIC songs, traditions and adventures reclaimed for a new generation. LEGACY RETURNED While much is new, the method for reaching the historic camp has not changed in over a century: a boat trip across Gilpin Bay on Upper Saranac Lake. With those first burbles of the boat motor, bustling bunches of campers eagerly watched for a first glimpse of the island dock. The legacy has returned. The narrow nature trails will be explored under the starlight and Mariner's Rock will once again reveal its stunning sunset perch with a new league of girls learning about the Adirondack outdoors. RESTART Eagle Island Inc. had officially reopened for day camp events in 2019 and welcomed busy weeks of day camp again this summer. But planned overnight camp sessions in 2020 were scuttled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Having no fear: former campers at EIC Inc. and Camp Director, Assistant Executive Director Katrina Dearden, and a well-trained staff forged ahead. The first overnight campers were ferried in with elation on July 11. "Eagle Island Camp just welcomed 38 campers to overnight camp. This is the first time since 2008 there are overnight campers," staff wrote as the boats shuttled the girls to Eagle Island's dock. "And to celebrate we will be having a campfire on the beach! It was all incredibly well-coordinated: a counselor welcomed cars out on Rt. 30, four stations were set up in the parking lot including 'kiss and go.' Campers were ALL on the island by 1 p.m. with lunch at the ready," the staff reported via email and on social media. "Campers are getting tours of the island, enjoying games and ice breakers, a dip in the lake for swim assessment and making their beds ... The staff is amazing!! This is going to be a great week." The historic moment was marked by many long-time friends, legacy sailing program mariners, and EIC campers from around the country. "Eagle Island Camp is here today because of the dedication of so many, and its future is bright with more work to do as we plan for growth in the coming years." There are some openings for Family Camp sessions in August, along with opportunities to visit EIC during Open Island Days set for Saturday, Aug. 21 and Sunday, Aug. 22. Women's Weekends are also planned with some spots available. To find out more about Family Camp: eagleisland.org/family-camp To find out how to visit and register for Open Island Days: eagleisland.org To find out more about Women's Weekends: eagleisland.org/womens-weekends

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Overnight campers back on Eagle Island

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