Day Habilitation

St. Lawrence NYSARC (www.slnysarc.org), a private, non-profit corporation announces vacation experiences designed to meet the needs and interests of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Dodge Pond, located in Fine, N.Y.  Vacation experiences include theme weeks such as Winter Fest, Maple Madness, and Survivor Adirondacks.  Dodge Pond vacations offer attractive itineraries providing people with choices to create a relaxing and engaging experience.  Each vacation will be limited to 20 individuals, traveling with the Agency's qualified staff escorts.

Dodge Pond vacationers can choose from two different dates for Winter Fest selecting either February 20 - 22 or February 27 - March 1.  Winter Fest is a three-day, two-night vacation highlighting Dodge Pond's serene location as a spot to relax in nature.  Activities such as ice fishing, broomball, skating, skiing, nature walks, riding snowmobiles, and snowshoeing will be available for the convenience of the participants.  Vacationers will be offered a range of organized activities.  People involved in the vacation decide how they want to spend their time each day. 

Maple Madness will be held from April 3 - 5 at Dodge Pond.  This vacation runs for three days and two nights and seeks individuals interested in having the ultimate cooking and maple experience.  Vacationers will participate in activities including: cooking with maple products, sap collection, learning how to make syrup, and hay rides.  Vacationers will enjoy an Iron Chef type of cooking contest, where the group that makes the tastiest treat wins!  Unlike other vacations, Maple Madness will have daily classes attended by all participants and will include authentic maple products that are prepared on-site.   

For the more adventurous vacationer, Survivor Adirondacks is available from August 28 - 30 at Dodge Pond.  This challenging vacation is a three-day, two-night excursion for people who truly enjoy the great outdoors.  Survivor Adirondacks participants will be housed throughout the 200-acre property, rather than in the lodge.  In the spirit of the television show, Survivor, the vacationers will be split up into two teams participating in outdoor challenges based on team building and fun.  All vacationers will participate in challenges with the losing vacationer being "exiled" to the lodge to participate in other activities. 

Dodge Pond is owned and operated by St. Lawrence NYSARC.  The camp-like setting is composed of 200 acres of woodlands, including a large spring fed pond suited for many forms of wildlife.  Dodge Pond has been offering programs for over twenty years to adults and children with developmental disabilities.  We are located 10 miles from the Clifton-Fine Hospital and Clifton-Fine Fire Department.

Dodge Pond vacations cost $225 per person and are all inclusive for the participants.  The price includes transportation from pick-up and drop-off sites, accommodations, all meals and snacks, tours and attractions, and supervision.  Spending money is unnecessary during this vacation.  For more information or to register for a vacation, call Joe Knox, Dodge Pond Camp Director at (315) 848-2336.