What is Great Escape on the Lakes?
We are an annual fun-for-the-whole-family tabletop board game convention and geek adventure camp located in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate NY. In addition to tabletop games, LARP, and RPG’s, there will be other engaging activities, including collaboration with board game designers, workshops, attendee-led events, and board game playtesting. This event also includes primitive woodcraft, axe throwing, climbing wall, Finger Lakes nature trails, wading creek, archery, miniature painting, leatherworking, disc golf, pickleball, corn hole, GaGa ball, giant lego construction zone, and more. Join us for the whole event or join us for any day that works best!
The Y at Watson Woods is a YMCA 400-acre family event and retreat center. Corning, Watkins Glen, and Hammondsport are just minutes away, serving as the perfect places to enjoy Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, Wineries & Cider Houses, Watkins Glen International Speedway, Watkins Glenn State Park, the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning’s Gaffer District world famous for glass blowing, and the natural beauty and rolling hills of the Southern Tier.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page.
When and where is Great Escape on the Lakes?
GEOTL is held during the third week of August at Y at Watson Woods, 9620 Dry Run Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page.
How do I register?
Start with admission badges, then add lodging, meal plans, and scheduled games as those options open for the current event.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page and Admission Badges.
Does your venue have a lake?
The August GEOTL event is at Y at Watson Woods, which is not directly on a lake but has creeks and a waterfall nearby. GEOTL REDUX is the smaller September gathering at Lamoka Lake.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page.
What is Great Escape on the Lakes – REDUX?
GEOTL REDUX is a smaller, quieter September lake gathering for casual gaming, meals, lodging or camping, crafting, reflection, and community planning.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page.
Do lodging and meals come with admission?
No. Admission, lodging, camping, meal plans, raffle tickets, shirts, and other add-ons are purchased separately unless an item says otherwise.
Learn more: Admission Badges, Camping & Lodging, and Castle Meal Plans & Dining.
Can I come for only one day?
Yes. Daily badges and full-event badges are available when listed for the current event, and children ages 4 and under are free.
Learn more: Admission Badges.
What lodging options are available?
Onsite options may include lodge rooms, retreat rooms, hotel-style rooms, shared beds, and camping. Details vary by room type.
Learn more: Camping & Lodging.
What should campers know?
Camping is field-style for tents, campers, and RVs. Sites do not include hookups, electric, or septic, and bathrooms are available in nearby buildings.
Learn more: Camping & Lodging.
Can I arrive early?
Early arrival may be available for setup and casual play before scheduled festivities begin. Check the current event details before making plans.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page.
Are meal plans available?
Yes. The Castle Meal Plan includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the event, and individual meals may be available separately.
Learn more: Castle Meal Plans & Dining.
Can dietary needs and allergies be accommodated?
The team aims to accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergy needs when those details are included with meal reservations.
Learn more: Castle Meal Plans & Dining.
Can I cook my own food?
Yes. You may cook at your campsite, use permitted fire pits or grills, and use the shared kitchenette when available. There is also a communal cooking area in the Great Hall at the center of the Retreat Centers; near the camping area. There are tables and chairs for food prep, and a propane grill is provided. There is a refrigerator in the hall, and also the refrigerator in Retreat Center 3 may be used on a shared, first come, first serve basis.
Learn more: Castle Meal Plans & Dining and Camping & Lodging.
How do I schedule or join tabletop games?
Use Tabletop.Events to submit games you want to host or join games posted by other attendees.
Learn more: Plan Games on Tabletop.Events.
Do I need to schedule games in advance?
No. Advance scheduling is optional, but it helps hosts plan and helps attendees organize their time. If you do plan in advance, you receive 1 free raffle ticket for every game you play that you signed up for on Tabletop.Events. Pickup gaming is also welcome.
Learn more: Plan Games on Tabletop.Events.
Is there a board game library?
Yes. Attendees can use the free-to-play board game library and are also welcome to bring their own games.
Learn more: Board Game Library.
How does Play-and-Win work?
Play donated games during the convention, sign up when you play, return the game when finished, and winners are drawn from the players.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page.
How does the raffle work?
Buy or earn raffle tickets, place them in prize bags, keep your ticket stubs, and check posted winning numbers.
Learn more: Raffle.
What kinds of activities are offered besides board games?
Activities may include LARP, RPGs, mini painting, crafts, archery, axe throwing, climbing, hiking, creek trails, sports, movies, tournaments, Castle Quests, and more.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page.
Is LARP beginner-friendly?
Yes. GEOTL LARP is flexible and community-led, so attendees can participate lightly or dive into character play, NPC roles, quests, and story events.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page.
How do I volunteer or host games?
Adventure Guides help host games, run RPGs, welcome attendees, answer questions, and support setup, teardown, and event activities.
Learn more: Adventure Guide Guild.
Where are schedule changes and timely updates posted?
Timely updates are posted in the public GEOTL Facebook group, and Discord is useful for planning and community conversations.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page.
Do you offer refunds?
Refunds are offered through July 1st; however, we retain 10% to cover non-refundable merchant fees and expenses. All reservations and purchases made after July 1st are non-refundable because they impact our ability to plan and commit funds for the event.
Learn more: Admission Badges.
Is there an age limit?
No specific age limit is listed. GEOTL is built for friends, families, and people of all ages; children ages 4 and under are free and must be supervised by a parent or adult guardian.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page.
Is alcohol allowed?
The Y at Watson Woods has a liquor license, and outside drinks may not be brought into the Main Lodge.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page.
Are there local wineries, craft breweries, cider mills, and the like?
Yes. The Finger Lakes region has many wineries, breweries, cider houses, tours, and tastings nearby. Please use discretion because GEOTL is family-friendly.
Learn more: Great Escape on the Lakes event page.
How should I leave my lodge rooms and tent site?
Please leave rooms, campsites, and shared spaces better than you found them, and place trash in the proper cans or dumpster before leaving.
Learn more: Camping & Lodging.
If you have any other questions, please contact us anytime at GEOTL@GreatEscapeAdventures.net
Great Escape on the Lake
"The Most Adventurous Experience Ever"
The Community Board Game Network is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to community building, mentorship, leadership development, and experiential learning through tabletop gaming, workshops, game design, creative activities, and adventure-based experiences.