News

What does that mean for Beaver Camp?

The sale of Maple Ridge Center to Jeff-Lewis BOCES is having a positive impact on Beaver Camp.

Under a lease-to-own agreement, Jeff-Lewis BOCES will pay a total of $850,000 over five years to Maple Ridge Center, with the option to purchase the property sooner by buying out the lease early. In addition, BOCES will pay $10,000 per year for as long as the lease is in effect to help cover insurance and other costs associated with maintaining the entity.

How will these funds be used?

The Beaver Camp Board is carefully balancing several priorities:

• Debt retirement. Over the past few decades, Beaver Camp accumulated debt while investing in Maple Ridge Center and covering operating shortfalls. As of November 2025, total borrowed funds are $311,229. The Board’s initial focus is paying off higher-risk private loans, with the goal of fully repaying them within two years. The Board is also considering accelerated repayment of a 30-year, low-interest loan.

• Facility investment. Beaver Camp has deferred major facility improvements for many years, creating an urgent need to renovate and replace lodging. Early estimates, including labor, indicate these projects could exceed $500,000 over the next four years. Beyond this, additional long-term investments—such as dining and program spaces—will be needed to prepare Beaver Camp for the future.

• Program investment. The Board is launching a strategic planning initiative in March 2026 to identify needed program investments and other long-term priorities.

Why regular giving is still essential.

The sale of Maple Ridge Center does not reduce the need for ongoing donor support!  Beaver Camp continues to rely heavily on donations to cover annual operating expenses. In a typical year, fees cover only about 70% of total costs.

Rooted in Faith, Branching out in Service.

It's not how fast you can run... it's how fast you THINK you can run (or walk)!

You do not need to pre-register - you can register Saturday morning!  

The Tug Hill Prediction Run/Walk is a standard prediction race: awards given to the top four participants who most accurately predict the time it takes them to complete the course. The course will be between 3 and 4 miles along Waters Rd in the neighborhood surrounding Abundant Life Community Church (exact distance and course will be revealed at check-in!). Participants will predict how long it will take them to complete the course at check-in. No watches, phones, or other time-keeping devices allowed on the course.

As participants complete the race, they are invited to enjoy a relaxed lunch with fellow racers while waiting for the awards ceremony to begin. Once all participants have finished and the results are finalized, awards will be presented to the four individuals who most accurately estimated their completion time.

The Tug Hill Prediction Race is not about finishing first, it is about having fun and keeping families active. Runners, walkers and families of all ages are encouraged to participate. Participants ages 3 and older who pre-register will receive a complimentary Tug Hill Prediction Run/Walk 2025 t-shirt.  For those who register Saturday morning, a limited supply of t-shirts are available.  If you have any questions, please reach out to us at the Beaver Camp office at 315-376-2640 or office@beaver.camp.

Sat., Nov. 8 | starts at Abundant Life Community Church, Lowville

8-9:30 | Check-in, learn actual distance, make your prediction

10 | Run/walk start time

11-12:30 | Lunch, prizes, sponsor spotlight

Registration and details:

$45 - Adult (13+) includes t-shirt and meal
$30 - Youth (3-12) includes t-shirt and meal

Fundraising to benefit Beaver Camp!

Click here to register or register Saturday morning!