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Incarnation Conference Center
Programs and Facilities
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The center
has numerous outdoor basketball courts, ping
pong tables, fields and other facilities
that can be used during your stay.
The following activities
and programs are available by arrangement:
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TESTIMONIALS>> |
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Activity Center - Our
Activity Center is heated with a lit
indoor court and viewing deck. The
space is
ideal for youth programs and training
courses. Large
conferences have also made use of this
spacious and versatile building.
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Incarnation
Farm - In 1933 guests
attending the "Vacation Lodge" at
Incarnation Center decided that a farm was
needed on the expansive acreage. Volunteers
began constructing the first stables and
before long a neighbor with 8 horses began
using the riding ring for lessons for
campers and conference guests.
When Nature's Classroom began its
environmental education programs on the
proerty
30 years ago, the teachers volunteered to
care for the animals, which included horses,
pigs, a cow, etc. Later, the Director of the
Bushy Hill Nature Program, Phil Miller, also
did his part to both assist at the Farm as
well as create vegetable gardens.
In 2003 the notion of renovating the farm
surfaced, but with an exciting difference. In addition
to the more typical farm animals, llamas were
added because they are child friendly.
Donkeys (arriving from Dolly Parton's Farm
at "Dollywood"),
peacocks, ducks, and goats entertained
guests on a daily basis. Even
an alpaca, was rescued from the Catskill
Game Farm and resides at our eclectic farm.
Incarnation Center is now able to offer "llama
trekking" (a long hike with a llama on a
lead rope carrying the gear), llama racing,
donkey carting, and general feeding and
grooming of the animals, all part of both the
camp and conference agenda. With the
founding of our daycare center, Nature's Playground, which is
adjacent to the Farm, children are now able to enjoy the
proximity and joy of the animals and birds.
The public is also welcome to come in and
enjoy seeing and feeding the animals.
Incarnation Center is busy expanding its pastures
and stables to allow for future arrivals.
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High Ropes –
Harnesses, helmets, and carabineers are
provided for a fun day on the high ropes course.
The adventure begins with a safety brief by
qualified instructors, an equipment check, and
then its up into the trees! Using multiple
high structures that have been recently built,
groups build understanding and trust,
conquer fears, and foster individual
achievement. The course finishes with an
exciting zip line.
Not available
between November and February.
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Low Ropes –
Through the use of games and physical
challenges, groups become more physically
comfortable and closer emotionally with one
another. The focus here is on building
group cohesion.
Video Clip >>
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Waterfront – Our spectacular mile-long lake allows us to provide
swimming and boating opportunities
in a unique setting. Feel the wind
in your hair and the sand on your
feet while being watched by trained
lifeguards (from May to September).
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Hiking Trails
– Our 700 acres are home
to 10 miles of trails that
run through a selection of different
environments, including protected
wetlands and New England virgin
forest. The trails provide
potential locations for a variety of
programs, including backwoods
games and meditation exercises.
Along the way there are fire pits,
walkways, and rocks to climb over, so
bring your hiking boots!
Trails
are open to the public during the off-season
(September through April).
Trail Map>>
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Bonfires
Create a
bonfire at one of our many fire pits
for a truly memorable setting to any
number of spiritual experiences.
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Guided Nature Hikes – Our
experienced guides can show you the
natural and unique beauty of our
site. Hike the trails and gain
a better understanding
of the ecosystems that are
operating around you.
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Primitive History and Technology
Demonstrations – Join our expert
staff in learning about how the
primitive peoples of the world lived;
flint knapping, firelighting, canoe building, and
structure building provide a fun and
informative way of getting in touch
with nature and history.
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Senior Programming –
Let us create a
program that will delight and
entertain seniors from many
backgrounds.
Our
programs can include anything from
arts and crafts to musical theater
to excursions on the Connecticut river. Long term
relationships with many local
performers, attractions and
craftsmen ensure a retreat to
remember.
We
have also been a site for
Elderhostel, a recreational program
for seniors, for many years. Please
go to
www.elderhostel.org
to learn about our current
programming with them.
We
also host the Federation of
Protestant Welfare Agencies' Senior
retreats here at the Incarnation
Conference Center.
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Worship
Services – The Episcopal church has a
tradition of beautiful liturgies
and Eucharistic services; the clergy and
laity of Incarnation Center have years of experience in
creating moving and profound services based
on that tradition. Please consult with us
as to your needs. We have two chapels, one
indoor and one outside by the lake, as well as other
spaces available for worship. Vessels,
bread, and wine are provided at no charge.
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Llama Trekking -
Load up
the packs and head off on the
trails! Llama trekking is a great team-building
exercise and a truly unique
experience for both the young and old.
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Maple Sugaring -
We
produce our own maple syrup during
March. It is available for purchase from
our gift shop. See
www.bushyhill.org
for more details. Arrangements
can be made to visit the on-site
sugar house.
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Hay Rides -
Jump on
board our custom made trailer and
take a tour of Incarnation Center.
Chug along at a relaxing pace while
enjoying the natural beauty around
you.
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