SLU’s Adirondack Hideaway

Buried deep in the woods of the Adirondack Park on the edge of Saranac Lake sits the St. Lawrence University Alumni Camp. For the families of St. Lawrence University Alumni, the Canaras Conference Center is a remote, relaxing vacation in the summer months. For St. Lawrence University students, Canaras presents an opportunity to gain work experience and meet influential alumni while enjoying a summer in the Adirondacks.  

Counselors serve three meals a day. All of the counselors receive their boating certifications before their arrival at camp, and we offer water skiing to guests twice a day, at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, counselors also offer tubing. Counselors will often take the boat and tube out onto Saranac Lake themselves after the guests have all finished.  

The 5:30 p.m. bell signals the beginning of both kids’ hour and happy hour. An open bar is offered to all guests on their first and last nights, but snacks, glasses, and non-alcoholic beverages are offered on the sundeck every night of the week. During kids’ hour, counselors mostly find themselves at the tennis court. Then, they play games, practice sports or do crafts until the start of dinner. After dinner, counselors can enjoy the camp by going on a sunset paddle, a trip to Donnelly’s, or spending time in the camp’s game room.  

Not only is working at Canaras a great opportunity to network and meet various St. Lawrence alumni, but it’s also a chance to meet other St. Lawrence students working at the camp. 

Finn Ward is a St. Lawrence student who worked at the camp this past summer. “I made some great connections with the alumni I met, and I had a great time with the other counselors,” said Ward. “We were never bored.”  

While popular outings include shopping in Lake Placid, New York and trips up to Canada, those who choose to stay close to camp have a number of activities to choose from. The camp’s waterfront location gives counselors and guests the chance to go for a paddle on supplied paddleboards, kayaks or canoes at any time. If you want to explore somewhere a little further on Saranac Lake, the camp also has three motorized fishing boats available to take out. For those who prefer to stay on land, you can easily take a trip to a nearby mountain, an Adirondack High Peak, or even take a walk on the Canaras trail.  

Whatever you like to do, don’t miss the opportunity to meet alumni, learn valuable skills and spend a summer in Adirondack Park at Canaras.