New York, also known as the "Empire State," is a land of towering skyscrapers, delicious hot dogs, shiny yellow taxis, and the wondrous Niagara Falls. But did you know? It is also home to a merry band of youthful, courageous kayakers. They aren't your everyday adventurers, though. They are led by a cool, imaginary character named Kip the Kayaking Kangaroo. Yes, you heard right—a kangaroo that kayaks! Kip sports a neon life jacket and a pair of sunglasses that are never on straight. He's always ready to embark on a new adventure with his paddle in his paw and a massive grin on his furry face. He skips and hops around, infusing the sport of kayaking with a dose of fun and laughter, and never fails to amuse his youthful crew. Every weekend, Kip and his army of kiddie-kayakers gather at the serene Finger Lakes or the mighty Hudson River. They maneuver their colorful kayaks through the waters, splashing and laughing, their faces glowing with thrill and excitement. Kip often leads the way, hopping in his kayak with a funny, exaggerated salute before he dives into the water—with a SPLASH! These New York kids love their kayaking adventures. They come from all over the state—from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the calm suburbs of Westchester—just to paddle with Kip, their beloved Kangaroo captain. Their laughter and cheer echo across New York’s waterways, earning them the name "The Empire State Kayak Krew." Whether it's racing under bridges, dodging water lilies, or having impromptu water fights, kayaking in New York is never just about the sport. It's about the adventures with Kip the Kayaking Kangaroo and the laughter, friendships, and memories they create along the way.
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For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
Skye Farm is one of five camp and retreat centers in the Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Under the leadership of staff and dedicated volunteers, the camp is supervised by the Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries, and overseen by the Committee on Camp & Retreat Ministries. The mission of Skye Farm is to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and be God’s love with our neighbors in all places. At Skye Farm, we believe in three core truths: that there is a God, that God loves us, and that God desires a relationship with us. All of our activities and programming are designed to reinforce this.