How long will it take us to get to Ogontz?
By car, from southern Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut, it takes about 4 and 1/2 hours, from Boston, just over 3 hours, from New York City, about 6 and 1/2 hours, from Hartford about 4 hours. A lot depends on the traffic at the time of day you go.
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How often do we eat at Ogontz? What if I need some water?
You will be served three full meals a day at Ogontz. Clean, drinkable water is always available in the coolers in the Dining Hall, 24 hours a day. We do have a vending machine that has a variety of different drinks in it -from iced tea to vitamin water - available for $1.00. The Ogontz General Store also has a variety of snack foods.
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Can Ogontz cook for special dietary needs?
Unfortunately at this time we can't. We can often meet certain other special requests, but that should be worked out with your camp leader. Refrigerators are available in the dining room in which you can keep any special food you need to bring.
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Is there a camp store at Ogontz?
Yes, there is a camp store that has a variety of snack foods, small personal items (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.), Ogontz merchandise, and a variety of other things.
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Does Camp have a fitness center? Is there a gym or athletic center nearby?
Ogontz does not have a fitness center, but there is a great one nearby. While camp has plenty of activities to help you exercise and burn those calories (swimming, tennis, etc.), we do not have a full fitness center or gym. If you need to find one, there is a great athletic center/gym nearby in Littleton, on the way to the downtown area, and is about a ten to fifteen minute drive. This fitness center has weights, aerobic machines and other typical fitness center amenities. They have very reasonable day and week rates. Upon arriving at Ogontz, a member of our staff can give you further information and driving directions.
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What else is near camp?
Ogontz is quite near the towns of Littleton and Franconia, both historic New Hampshire villages with lots of New England charm. Franconia Notch State Park and Canon Mountain are about 1/2 hour away from camp. There you can hike on the many trails, visit "The Basin" or "The Flume", or just have a nice picnic in the mountains. In nearby Littleton, there is a movie theater, opera house, a library and many restaurants, if for some reason you can't be entertained enough at camp (that never happens, though)!
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What clothes should I bring to Ogontz?
Because the temperatures in the mountain's vary from day to day, you should probably prepare for several scenarios. It can be very warm during the days, shorts and t-shirts, and quite cool at night, jeans and perhaps a jacket. Bring a bathing suit or two and some towels (for both the swim area and the showers), bring good shoes that can be used for walking on the camp terrain, sandals are a good idea for the swim area, boots and rain gear are always important. Just remember you are going to a camp in the mountains, so what ever makes you comfortable!
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What other special items should I bring with me?
A flashlight will be a great asset to have with you as there is very little light after the sun goes down at Ogontz. Bring your sleeping bag, pillow and extra blankets if you are not having bedding provided for you (check your camp registration). Ogontz has some sporting equipment, but not a lot, so if you want to play tennis, your own racket and a can of tennis balls could be helpful. If you wish to fish in our streams, a fishing pole is recommended. We have plenty of boats if that is your thing!
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I have been assigned to an outdoor cabin, what is that like?
Don't panic! Most people are in these cabins and actually prefer them. Depending on your camp, you will be in the cabin with 2 - 5 other people. There are over 40 of these cabins at camp. The are basically cabins with no walls around three sides, the back wall consists of 5 - 6 stalls (or cubbies) for you to store your gear in. The front of the cabin has a small porch. The beds are inside and protected by the roof and tarps/flaps that roll down on the three open sides to keep weather and bugs out at night. This helps create a more indoor feel to the cabin, particularily at night. All outdoor cabins have electricity and lights in them. The shower and toilet facilities are all within a short walk and are always lit and open.
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How many shower and toilet facilities are there?
There are a variety of toilet facilities all around campus in some of the larger buildings and indoor cabins, however, there are three main group showers and toilets. There is one on the upper campus near the tennis courts, one near the Rehearsal/Junior Recreation Hall, and another next to the Dining Hall and Bake Shop on the lower campus.
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Can I bring my pet to Ogontz with me?
Pets and outside animals are not allowed to come with Ogontz campers for their visit. The horses from the rented Equestrian Center often exercise on the main campus and can be easily scared by animals.
Can we ride the horses? The Equestrian area is a separate facility which is rented out. The Manager is very friendly and will usually give permission to visit with the horses. Normally, the horses aren't available for riding.
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How many camps and events does Ogontz host in a summer?
While the schedule continues to grow, Ogontz hosts about nine full week long camps/workshops as well as several weddings, family reunions and other meetings per season. This varies from year to year.
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What is the cooperative plan that I will participate in at Ogontz?
Because our regular staff is not large, Ogontz is run on a cooperative plan. Everyone helps keep the camp going. All camp participants, from all camps/retreats, are asked to pitch in a little bit and help with a few of the daily chores and food preparation. These duties are generally non-demanding and often contribute to the atmosphere of camaraderie of the campers at Ogontz.
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OGONTZ WISH LIST
YES! We do have a wish list, most definitely! We are looking for a tools, sporting equipment, mattresses, box springs, large vacuum cleaners, boats, a rebuilt Senior Rec Hall, and a host of other things. Check back!
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