About
Friends of Camp Little Notch
Camp Little Notch (CLN) is a 443-acre Adirondack campground near Lake George, NY, where people of all ages can connect with nature, community, and adventure. Owned and operated by the nonprofit Friends of Camp Little Notch, CLN welcomes individuals, families, and groups to enjoy its pristine wilderness and private 80-acre lake through retreats, family programs, and private rentals for weddings, special events, and corporate gatherings.
Our American Camp Association–accredited residential summer camp remains the heart of CLN, continuing a proud tradition of empowering girls, nonbinary, and transgender youth ages 8–16 through outdoor exploration and personal growth, fostering lifelong memories and lasting friendships.
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Mission
Camp Little Notch provides wilderness experiences to children and adults, shaped by fun and friendship, empowering self-discovery, collaboration within a diverse community, and an appreciation of nature.
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Vision
Provide opportunities for all people to practice living in harmony with nature, each other, and themselves.
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Values
Harmony with Nature - Environmental Stewardship
Harmony with Each Other - Community Building, Social Consciousness, and Inclusivity
Harmony with Self - Growth and Wellness
Friends of CLN Story
Friends of Camp Little Notch is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Camp Little Notch, a historic summer camp located in the Adirondack Mountains near Lake George, NY. From 1939 to 2008, the camp was owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of the Greater Albany, NY area, providing generations of girls and young women with a special place for outdoor recreation, personal growth, and adventure. In 2008, the Girl Scouts decided to close and sell the property.
In response, Friends of Camp Little Notch was formed in 2010 by a passionate group of former campers and staff. This energetic group worked with the Open Space Institute to successfully conserve the property, leading to its reopening in 2012 for summer camp programs and group rentals. By January 2015, the organization had raised enough funds to purchase the property, ensuring that future generations will continue to experience the unique outdoor opportunities Camp Little Notch has to offer.
Camp Little Notch Girl Scout Camp History
(1939-2008)
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July 1, 1939
Camp opened with:
5 staff, 37 campers
Tents, kitchen tarp, 2 rowboats
Camp centered in the waterfront area
Director: Miss Eleanor Ault
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1940:
40 campers, 10 staff.
Rafters (the original dining hall) was built.
1941:
The property was officially named Camp Little Notch for the notch that can be seen in of the mountains over the lake.
1944:
8 weeks of summer camp was offered.
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1952:
A telephone installed at the entrance gate.
1959:
Electricity installed at camp.
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1964:
Lachenwald (the new dining hall) was built.
A new health center (a gift from State Bank of Albany) was built.
1965:
Pine Point unit was destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in 1966. The fire is part of why Pine Point is mostly a wide open, grassy area today.
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1980:
Brookhaven (staff house) was built – a year-round facility dedicated to the memory of Jeannette Rafter, former Executive Director.
1984:
Tall Timbers Unit House was destroyed by heavy snow, but luckily rebuilt in time for summer camp.
1987:
Upper “2-lane” section of the camp entrance road was built.
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1994:
Camp drinking water was taken from Lakes Pond up until this point. Two wells were dug this year to provide a new drinking water source.
1995:
Imagination Station was built to replace the old dining hall (Rafters) that stood in its place, now the arts & crafts building.
1996:
Pooh Bridge and the Floating Bridge were replaced.
1998:
A new unit house was built at Sleepy Hollow and ramps were added to the dining hall, health center, and Pine Point Unit House to improve accessibility.
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2000:
New boathouse was built after the prior one was destroyed by a fallen tree.
2008:
Girl Scouts make the decision to divest Camp Little Notch.
2009:
Girl Scouts list the property for sale.