Events : 2012 Calendar of Special Events
(The special events are run in addition to our regularly scheduled raft trips we offer at each of our three locations. For information pertaining to rafting, please refer to the “Raft Trips” page.)
* Please note: All activities have a minimum number of participants needed to be run. In the event an activity is canceled due to low enrollment or extemely inclement weather, all fees will be refunded.
May 2012
Mother's Day Special: Sunday, May 13 - Bring Mom out for a day of rafting at Letchworth State Park and if she's accompanied by at least two other family members paying the regular rate, she is our guest for the day. Just so she knows how special she is, after the trip is over, we will present her with a bouquet of flowers. (No other pricing discounts or special offers apply.)
Balloon Rally Dinner Trip: Saturday, May 26 - 5:30 PM (*Please Note - this is a rafting trip through the gorge in the park. We are not riding in the balloons. Also, the balloons’ direction of travel depends entirely on the prevailing winds. There is no guarantee the balloons will drop into the canyon.) On the weekend of May 26 – 28 more than a dozen hot air balloons will gather for the annual Red, White, & Blue Balloon Rally in the park. They launch from the Archery Field overlook each morning and evening and it is truly a sight to behold. Hundreds of people will clamor for a choice viewing spot up above, but only a select few will get the rare view we offer as each balloon drops into the gorge to see which pilot can get closest to the water before ascending out of the canyon. We will travel the river to the beach directly under the overlook and then stop for a delicious picnic supper. You’ll enjoy spectacular views and a gourmet meal at the same time. This certainly will be an evening to remember. Cost: $45.00 per person.
Top of Page
June 2012
Mom and Me Retreat: June 1 through 3 - This weekend-long event is a chance for you single moms to build some lasting memories with your kids. Besides all the neat outdoorsy stuff you'll be doing; like paddling a raft, climbing a rock wall, swimming in an indoor heated pool, cooking s'mores around the campfire, etc., mom will find some much needed refreshment for her soul.
The picturesque campus of Houghton College will be our home for three days and two nights. We’ll have full access to the cafeteria, dorms, athletic facilities, and chapel. The highlight of the weekend will be the Saturday evening program. Our featured speaker is Natalie Thomas from the Family Life Network. She’s a “been there - done that” mom who uses her gift of humor and Southern Belle charm in her unique story telling. Child care will be provided so mom can sit back, relax, and be filled with the Lord’s love and grace.
Cost: $100.00 per family (up to four members, consisting of mom and three children at least 3 years old), includes all activities, lodging, meals, and programs.
Additional children (5—18): $25.00 per child / Additional adults: call for pricing
For more information, check out: MomAndMeRetreat.tripod.com. To register, contact Joan Anderson at: 716.341.7657 or e-mail: mom.me2009@gmail.com.
Raftin/Ridin' Roundup: Sunday, June 3 (9:30 AM) - This activity has always been one of our most popular and since space is limited, it sells out every year. In the morning you’ll be paddling through the deepest section of the gorge and in the afternoon, you’ll go on a guide-led horseback trail ride in some of the prettiest countryside in Wyoming County. In between, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous chicken barbecue prepared especially for the group. Meet at the rafting office in the park. Cost: $85.00 per person, all equipment and meal included.
"An Act of Kindness" Raft Trip: June 10 - Enjoy a trip through the gorge and help out a local Food Pantry at the same time. For every dollar of non-perishable food you bring to our Site Office the day of the trip, we will take that amount off the total cost of your trip. In the past two years, this trip has been responsible for more than $1200.00 worth of food being delivered to needy families in our area. We can’t wait to see what this year will bring!
Father's Day Special: Sunday, June 17 - Now it's Dad's turn to be treated to rafting. The same deal as Mother's Day applies. Since we weren't sure what his reaction to flowers would be, upon returning to the rafting office after the trip, Dad is given a commemorative coffee mug.
Multi-Day Canoe Trip in the Adirondacks: June 24 through 30 - ACO Guide Tim Reed will lead a small group of outdoor enthusiasts on this week-long paddling & hiking trip through the Saranac Lake chain. The itinerary is as follows: Sunday (2:00 PM), meet at the Saranac Inn boat launch on Upper Saranac Lake. Load canoes and paddle to Buck Island. Monday will be spent on the island. Tuesday - paddle to Middle Saranac Lake and camp overnight. Wednesday - paddle across Middle Saranac and hike up Ampersand Mt. Thursday - paddle to Lower Saranac Lake and camp overnight. Friday - explore Lower Saranac Lake. Saturday - paddle to the public boat launch on First Pond, pack up and head home. Price: $400 per person includes; canoe, paddle, life jacket, meals and tent. Transportation to and from the Adirondacks is not included.
July 2012
No activities scheduled.
August 2012
No activities scheduled.
September 2012
Christian Youth Adventure Weekend: September 7 through 9 - We will be hosting three days of fellowship, food, and fun. It begins Friday night at 6:00PM with dinner, then games, and a Bible Study around the campfire. Saturday includes rafting through the gorge in the park after breakfast and a High Ropes Course Program in the afternoon. Another scrumptious dinner awaits back at Group Camping, then more games and Bible Study. The weekend will conclude Sunday morning with an outdoor service at Inspiration Point. Cost: $110.00 per person; includes all group gear, meals, and activities.
A Taste of the Finger Lakes Canoe Trip: September 16 (12:00 PM) - Come spend a relaxing afternoon paddling a canoe around pristine Hemlock Lake while sampling some of New York’s finest wines and cheeses. After a brief lesson in the basics of canoeing, we will proceed along the northern portion of the lake, stopping every so often to try one of the various selections that are with us. The trip concludes with some delicious gourmet coffee and a delightful dessert waiting for everyone upon reaching the takeout. This should be a day to remember for a long time. Limited to 16 participants - must be 21. Cost: $65.00 per person; including canoes, paddling gear, wine samples, and coffee/dessert.
October 2012
“Just Us Guys” Overnight: October 6 & 7 - What a great opportunity for some male bonding between a youngster and his “dad”; be it a father, uncle, grandpa, or older brother. You’ll get a chance to spend a couple of days at Letchworth State Park, run the river twice, camp in a tent, and eat four very manly meals. Do you hear the steak sizzling yet? This is sure to be a memorable event so sign up early and don’t miss out! Cost: $90.00 per person; includes all group gear, meals, and activities.
12