Celebrating 75 Years of Camp Owahta!
For 75 years, 4-H Camp Owahta has been a place where lifelong memories are made, friendships are formed, and generations of campers have discovered adventure, confidence, and a sense of belonging. As we celebrate this special milestone, we invite campers, alumni, families, staff, and friends to join us in honoring Camp Owahta's rich history and bright future.
Whether you have a favorite camp story to share or want to be part of the celebration, we'd love to hear from you! Email: owahta [at] cornell.edu for information about anniversary events, alumni opportunities, and ways to celebrate 75 years of camp magic.
4-H Camp Owahta
A place where children grow, explore, and discover their potential.
Welcome to 4-H Camp Owahta!
Get ready for adventure, friendship, and unforgettable summer memories! Nestled in the beautiful hills of Cortland County, 4-H Camp Owahta is a place where youth can explore the outdoors, try new things, build confidence, and make friendships that last a lifetime.
Every day brings a new adventure, from swimming, archery, and nature exploration to arts and crafts, STEM activities, team challenges, campfires, and more. Whether campers are discovering a hidden talent, stepping outside their comfort zone, or simply enjoying the magic of camp, Owahta provides a safe, welcoming environment where everyone belongs.
Rooted in the values of 4-H and operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension Cortland County, Camp Owahta combines fun, hands-on experiences with opportunities for leadership, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
At Camp Owahta, every child can explore, grow, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Stay Connected to Camp!
Want to relive the camp magic all year long? Follow 4-H Camp Owahta on social media for photos, videos, event updates, registration announcements, and all the unforgettable moments that make camp so special. From campfire fun to new friendships and outdoor adventures, you'll never miss a memory!
Follow us and be part of the Camp Owahta community year-round!
For campers ages 5-12, every day is packed with fun, friendship, and discovery. Our Monday-Friday day camp (9:00 AM-4:00 PM, lunch included) blends outdoor adventure with hands-on learning, plus an optional Thursday night sleepover for an extra dose of camp magic.
Spend a week filled with adventure, friendship, and classic camp fun! Campers ages 8-12 enjoy swimming, hiking, archery, fishing, arts and crafts, team games, and more, while building confidence and making lifelong memories.
With all meals included and evenings spent around the campfire sharing songs, stories, and laughter, Overnight Camp is the perfect place to explore, grow, and belong.
Outdoor Adventure awaits at 4-H Camp Owahta! From hiking trails and exploring nature to team challenges and outdoor skills, campers discover the excitement of the great outdoors while building confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. Every adventure is a chance to learn, grow, and create unforgettable memories.
Take aim and build new skills! The 4-H Shooting Sports Archery program gives campers the opportunity to learn archery in a safe, supervised, and fun environment. Whether picking up a bow for the first time or refining their technique, participants develop focus, confidence, responsibility, and sportsmanship while enjoying one of camp's most popular activities.
Get up close with some of the farm's friendliest animals! Campers learn about caring for goats, rabbits, and chickens through hands-on activities that build responsibility, confidence, and animal science skills. Whether feeding, grooming, or simply spending time with the animals, this unique camp experience creates lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for agriculture.
Lights, camera, action! Each week, campers become playwrights, costume designers, and performers as they create their own original production. Campers work together to choose the show, help write the script, rehearse their lines, and even sew their own costumes before taking the stage for a live performance on Thursday. It's a fun, creative experience that builds confidence, teamwork, and unforgettable memories!
Paddle into adventure at Goose Lagoon! Campers enjoy exploring the water while learning basic boating skills, water safety, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. Whether gliding across the pond or taking in the beauty of nature, boating is a favorite Camp Owahta experience.
Whether they're just getting comfortable in the water or already confident swimmers, every camper can enjoy time at Goose Lagoon! With a walk-in shallow end, swimmers of all skill levels can safely build confidence, practice skills, and have fun in the water. From swim lessons to free swim, it's the perfect place to cool off, make friends, and create lasting summer memories.
Cast a line and enjoy the great outdoors at Goose Lagoon! Campers learn the basics of fishing, practice patience and skill, and experience the excitement of making a catch. Whether it's their first fish or their biggest one yet, fishing at camp is a relaxing and memorable way to connect with nature and friends.
Enrollment starts soon for Summer 2027!
Give your child a summer filled with adventure, friendship, and unforgettable memories at 4-H Camp Owahta! From swimming, archery, boating, fishing, and outdoor exploration to creative arts, theatre, and hands-on learning, every day is an opportunity to grow, discover, and have fun.
Spaces fill quickly, so don't miss your chance to be part of the magic. Register today through UltraCamp and start counting down to the best summer ever!
Directions
We are located 45 minutes south of Syracuse, NY, and 50 minutes North of Binghamton, NY.
Our address is:
4826 Knecht Rd., McGraw, NY 13101
From route 81-Exit #10, go south on Route 41 through McGraw to Maybury Road. Take Maybury Road North 3 Miles to 4 -H Camp Road. Entrance is on the right side of the road where our camp sign is.
Facility Rentals at 4-H Camp Owahta
Owned and operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension Cortland County, 4-H Camp Owahta is a scenic 128-acre facility available year-round for schools, churches, community organizations, family gatherings, retreats, and youth or adult groups throughout Central New York.
Guests can enjoy miles of wooded nature trails, Goose Pond, expansive recreation fields, a certified low ropes challenge course, basketball and hockey courts, sand volleyball, a gaga pit, and a variety of indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. The camp also features a recreation and dining lodge, large pavilion, activity buildings, infirmary, and bathhouses to support groups of all sizes.
In addition to rentals, Camp Owahta offers environmental education and outdoor learning opportunities that inspire exploration, teamwork, and a deeper connection to nature.
Looking for the perfect setting for your next event or group retreat? Contact us at 607-391-2660 to learn more about rental opportunities and availability.
Contact
Rachel Bortin
Outdoor Recreation/Camp Director
owahta [at] cornell.edu (owahta[at]cornell[dot]edu)
607-391-2660