Itinerary

Day 1, Sunday

Challenge Course and Zip Line at Hemlock Overlook, Clifton, VA

 

After a 2:00 PM Drop Off, Campers will get to know each other and begin learning to work as a team while participating in a series of interactive initiative games and challenge course elements, including the Zip Line. Campers will then have an introduction to camp craft including Leave No Trace Principles, camp cooking, and campsite set-up, and camp out at our home base at Hemlock Overlook Park.

 

Day 2, Monday

Travel Day to New Paltz, NY

 

With everything and everybody packed into the van, the journey North begins with the first stop in New Paltz, NY. With a stop for lunch and much needed leg stretch at Spruce Run Recreation Area, campers will be able to break up the trip with some frisbee and other field games.

 

Day 3, Tuesday

Rock Climbing at the Gunks, New Paltz, NY

The Gunks, short for Shawnagunks, is one of the top destinations for rock climbing on the East Coast and in the country. After a quick lesson in climbing techniques and belay school, campers will be ready to take on this awesome crag.

 

Day 4, Wednesday

Hiking in the Adirondacks near Warrensburg, NY

 

At the southern end of the Adirondack Mountains lies Warrensburg, NY, our destination for the next two days. Today we will go for a day hike to prepare us for our backpacking trip later in the week. Our two favorite day hikes in the area are Prospect Mountain and Crane Mountain, but the decision will be up to the group.

 

Day 5, Thursday

Rafting on Hudson River, Warrensburg, NY

 

Whitewater rafting in New York means taking a trip through the Hudson River Gorge. Offering Class III - V whitewater, this rafting trip will always be an exciting highlight of our expedition. Sleeping will not be hard after spending the day on the Hudson.

 

Day 6, Friday

Driving and Backpack Prep, Gorham, NH?

 

Today will be spent creating menus and going shopping for our backpacking trip that begins the following day. Campers will learn how to prepare for a multi-night backcountry trip including selecting a backcountry-friendly menu,  properly packing a backpack, and, most importantly, how to avoid blisters.

 

Day 7, Saturday

Backpacking in White Mountain National Forest, NH

 

There are few mountain ranges as scenic as the White Mountains. With plenty of backpacking trips to choose from, your instructors will pick a trip that will provide everybody with a challenge and a great reward at the end. Our two favorites, other than Mount Washington, are Kearsarge North and Mount Willard. No matter where we go, we can guarantee a view that will rival the best in your life.

 

Day 8, Sunday

Backpacking in White Mountain National Forest, NH

 

After spending the night under the stars and cooking an awesome backcountry breakfast, it’s time to hike back to the van and indulge ourselves in one of the best pizzas you have ever had. It’s the best because you were thinking about it for the whole 8 mile hike.

 

Day 9, Monday

Tubing on Saco River, NH

 

Relaxation and adventure are both priorities on this trip and tubing down the Saco River offers both. While the crystal clear water is relaxing, there are plenty of places to dip out of your tube and find a rope swing.

 

Day 10, Tuesday

Service Learning Project at Camp Dodge, NH

 

Campers will get a firsthand experience of the local ecology of the White Mountains while assisting the Appalachian Mountain Club with preserving the forest for future generations. The work that we do over the next two days ranges from to trail maintenance to habitat restoration, but will make a difference for generations to come.

 

Day 11, Wednesday

Service Learning Project at Camp Dodge, NH

 

Day 12, Thursday

Driving to Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ

 

The long journey to the Mid-Atlantic begins and ends shortly at the Mohican Outdoor Center in New Jersey. This center provides an ideal place to set up camp and stretch our legs. Our day will consist of a quick dip in the lake and hike up to the fire tower for a great sunset.

 

Day 13, Friday

Travel Day and Awards Night at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, Clifton, VA

 

After the long drive back to Hemlock, we will clean and repack our gear. After a pizza party, we will have an awards ceremony and eat s’mores over one last campfire.

Day 14, Saturday

Trip Conclusion at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, Clifton, VA

After two weeks of adventures, the last day is usually filled with a much deserved late wake-up time and goodbyes to friends, new and old. The formal end to each trip is a cookout for campers and their families to attend.