view of lake from shore with mountains in the distance

ABOUT CLN

Camp Little Notch is a non-profit, ACA-accredited summer camp for girls, owned and operated by Friends of Camp Little Notch. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks near Lake George, NY, our stunning 443-acre property offers a serene escape surrounded by pristine wilderness, including a private 80-acre lake.

In addition to our girls summer camp programs, Camp Little Notch offers year-round opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to experience the beauty of the Adirondacks. From CLN-sponsored retreats and family programs to private rentals for weddings, special events, and corporate gatherings, our camp provides the perfect setting for outdoor adventures and meaningful connections throughout the year.

  • OUR MISSION

    Camp Little Notch offers transformative wilderness experiences for children and adults, fostering self-discovery, teamwork, and personal growth in a supportive, diverse community. Through fun, friendship, and a deep connection to nature, we empower individuals to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.

  • OUR VISION

    Our vision is to create a future where individuals, inspired by their Camp Little Notch experiences, grow into confident, compassionate, and independent leaders. We aim to cultivate thoughtful, open-minded individuals who embrace diversity, practice kindness, and become dedicated stewards of the environment.

  • OUR 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.

view of lake from shore with mountains in the distance

CLN Girl Scout Camp History (1939-2008)

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 1952:

    A telephone installed at the entrance gate.

    1959:

    Electricity installed at camp.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.