Getting To Camp
Adult and Intergenerational Programs
If you are attending an adult or intergenerational program or retreat in the spring or fall, we have shuttle options available for you as well! Right now, Unirondack can ONLY provide shuttles to and from the Utica train station and the Syracuse airport.
If you are registered for a spring or fall Unirondack event, and you know that you will need a shuttle, please use this link to sign up for your shuttle. Shuttles are coordinated based on the requests that come to us through this system, so it is your responsibility to fill out all necessary logistical information so that we can be sure there is a ride lined up for you. Since there is no full-time camp driver on duty in the spring and fall, the staff need to coordinate driving shuttles around their other responsibilities, and we've found that this is most effectively done with specific, clear, and early communication from attendees about any and all needs, concerns, or anomalies.
Timing - It is very important that you arrive in Utica or Syracuse with enough time to drive to camp before the beginning of your event. This means that planes should arrive in Syracuse at least two hours before the start of your event, and trains should arrive in Utica at least 1.5 hours before the start of your event. Please note that, because we may need to pick up multiple passengers arriving at different times, you may need to wait for some time at the airport or train station. We will communicate with you ahead of time about our expected pick-up and drop-off times.
Deadline - You must sign up for your shuttle at least one week prior to your event. If you need a ride, but you register for it less than one week in advance, you will incur a late fee, just like with late registrations to normal camp events. All late fees are $25 on top of the standard registration fee or shuttle fee.
Thank you very much for you patience and understanding as we streamline and standardize this process so we can more effectively help you attend camp. In the past, camp-driven shuttles have been coordinated using different methods, and the goal of this new system is to make it easier than ever to coordinate shuttle rides, both for attendees and for staff. So, please refrain from using those previously-used methods from now on. This new system will be much more effective if all communication is consolidated here.
All of this being said, you are still welcome and encouraged to organize your own ride-shares with other attendees between camp and any other locations. If you have any needs, concerns, or anomalies that are not addressed by either the registration for the event you're attending or by this transportation registration, please describe your situation in the open questions later in this form. Any other questions can be directed to [email protected].
We know that transportation can be a barrier for many in our community. Here are some ways we can help.
Please read this information carefully, and contact us if you have any questions!
Summer Youth Camp
We offer shuttles to and from the train station in Utica, NY and the airport in Syracuse, NY every check-in and check-out day throughout the summer, making it possible for campers to arrive by train or plane. You can register for our shuttle service directly through CampDoc when you register for camp, or add it to your account any time via the “Registrations” tab.
The shuttle fee is $75 for a one way ride to or from Utica Train Station, and $95 for a one way ride to or from Syracuse Airport. Please contact us if you require assistance covering these fees.
Learn more about train and plane transportation to camp here.
In addition to shuttles, we also compile a carpool directory every summer to help families connect with others traveling from their area. This will be sent out to all registrants in the spring. Carpooling is a great way to save time, money, reduce your carbon footprint, and connect with other families! Please make sure you answer “yes” to the carpool question in the permissions section of your registration to ensure that you are added to the list!
NOTE: This registration link for shuttles is for spring and fall events only, NOT youth summer programs or the Queer Youth Advocacy Retreat. Shuttles for summer youth programs can be accessed through the CampDoc portal when you register youth for summer camp sessions. The Albany shuttle for the Queer Youth Advocacy Retreat can also be selected during registration.
Queer Youth Advocacy Retreat Shuttle
For youth attending the Queer Youth Advocacy Retreat, a FREE shuttle from Albany, NY is available. You may sign up for the Albany shuttle directly through your registration form for the QYAR. Please do not use the shuttle link above to register for this shuttle.
Feeling Safe while Traveling to Camp
While Unirondack is a very welcoming and inclusive community, we are located in a geographical area that is not always known for sharing our values. Driving to camp means traveling through a remote rural area that is politically very right-leaning. While we have worked hard to cultivate positive relationships with our neighbors, and we have not had any community members recently report negative experiences, we recognize that it can still feel uncomfortable or even unsafe for some of our community members - particularly BIPOC, Queer and Trans community members - to travel through these areas. If this is an obstacle for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to connect you with our shuttle service, coordinate a carpool, or send a staff member to accompany you for part of your trip. It is a priority for us to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable getting to camp.