The Basic

Drop Off Times for All Teen Expeditions:  2:00 PM

Pick Up Times:

North Carolina:  11:30 AM

New England:  11:30 AM

Appalachian Odyssey:  6:00 PM

Location for all pick up and drop off is Hemlock Overlook Regional Park

 

Preparation Checklist

• Register for Teen Expeditions at www.adventurelinks.net or by phone at 571-281-3556
• Complete the pre-camp paperwork on-line at www.adventurelinks.net.  This is different from the registration process, and includes a short medical form and other useful information we’ll need before the start of camp.  Please submit these forms at least two weeks before the first day of camp!
• Check out the pack list for your camp (included in parent handbook), make sure you have these items as well as any medications or personal belongings ready for the start of camp.
• Double-check your confirmation email to make sure you have the correct dates for your camp.  Can’t find the confirmation email? Give us a call and we can re-send that for you.
• Drop off is from at 2:00 PM AM at our home site at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park.  Make sure you know how to get to the park!
• Talk to your child about the camp.  Let him/her know that our Instructors will be there to help them if they have any questions or concerns.  Remind them about your expectations for their behavior during camp, as our expectations are similar to those at school or other extra-curricular activities.  Ask your child what his/her expectations are for the camp, and if there is anything you want to share with us to improve your child’s experience, give us a call to tell us about it!

 

North Carolina Pack List

Please Note:  Campers are encouraged to bring only essential items for the trip.  Campers should plan to arrive with one large duffle bag, one large backpack, one small day pack or back pack, and a small stuff sack containing a compact sleeping bag.  Storage space is limited on our Mini-buses, so any bulky or non-essential items may be left at base camp for the length of the trip.

□ Sleeping pad (recommended):

PACK ITEMS

□ Large duffle bag for bus travel □ Large overnight backpack for overnight hiking: □ Small backpack/day pack for day trips: □ Sleeping bag (rated between 15 – 40 degrees/synthetic material):             □ Camping pillow (small packable size): □ Re-usable water bottle/Nalgene (2): □ Eating utensils and a mess kit or sturdy bowl and cup with lid □ Sunglasses □ Sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) □ Bug Spray □ Rain Gear (rain jacket and rain pants – no ponchos) □ Small flashlight or headlamp □ Extra batteries (2 sets) □ Towel □ Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

CLOTHING

Note:  Synthetic materials such as polypropylene, synthetic wool, or polyester, will wick moisture away from the body, maintain warmth when wet, and dry much quicker than cotton. Synthetic material clothing is essential to comfort and safety on this expedition. □ One pair of sneakers □ One pair of sturdy hiking boots with ankle support (make sure boots have been broken in before the trip!):□ One pair of water shoes, old sneakers that can get wet, or fixed heel/closed toe sandals  (no strapless sandals, crocs, or flip-flops):  □ Jacket or windbreaker (can double with raingear) □ Wool or fleece pullover □ Long sleeved polypropylene shirt (2) □ T-shirts (4) □ Polypropylene t-shirts (3) □ Shorts (3) □ Synthetic material long pants, i.e. jogging pants or warm-up pants (1-2) □ Bathing suit □ Underwear (13) □ Cotton socks (5 pairs) □ Wool or synthetic fiber socks (3 pairs) □ Cap or brimmed hat □ Winter hat and gloves □ Bandana □ Trash bag with name on it for dirty clothes □ Polypropylene or synthetic fabric long underwear (tops and bottoms) □ Gaiters (optional for backpacking) CAVING GEAR □ Warm layers that can get DIRTY - old sweatshirts and jeans work well! □ Boots sneakers what can get WET & DIRTY! □ Kneepads (optional)

OPTIONAL ITEMS

□ $20 for spending on program □ Camera/film □ Book □ Journal/pen/pencils

PLEASE DO NOT BRING

• Cell Phones • iPods • Electronics • Knives • Jewelry or other expensive items

North Carolina Sample 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:  Caving at Glade Cave, Mt. Solon, VA

Campers will learn about cave ecology first hand as they explore the various tunnels and caverns of Glade cave, before camping out at Natural Chimneys Campground in Augusta County, VA.

Day 3, Tuesday:  Pilot Mt. State Park, NC

Today the group will travel to Pilot Mt. State Park, NC for a short hike to a local waterfall before camping out under the stars.

Day 4, Wednesday: Rock Climbing at Pilot Mt. State Park, NC

A full day of rock climbing for all ability levels at one of the region’s premier climbing sites.

Day 5, Thursday:  Green River, NC

Today is a travel and rest day, with the destination of Wilderness Cove Campground on the Green River near Asheville, NC.

Day 6, Friday:  Whitewater Kayaking on the Green River, NC

The first day of kayaking on the Green River includes basic paddling instruction, and moves on to more advanced techniques of “wet exits” and “rolling”.

Day 7, Saturday:  Whitewater Kayaking on the Green River, NC

After a day of learning and practicing techniques, today is a full day of whitewater kayaking on the green River.

Day 8, Sunday:  Backpacking in Pisgah National Forest, NC

Day 9, Monday:  Backpacking in Pisgah National Forest, NC

Day 10, Tuesday:   Backpacking in Pisgah National Forest, NC

Day 11, Wednesday:  Backpacking in Pisgah National Forest, NC

Day 12, Thursday:  DuPont State Forest, NC

After concluding the 4 day backpacking section of the trip, today is the perfect day to rest up at DuPont State Forest and cool off in the local waterfalls near the campsite.

Day 13, Friday:  Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, VA

Travel back to our base camp at Hemlock Overlook in Clifton, VA

Day 14, Saturday: Trip Conclusion/Pickup at 11:30 AM

 

New England Expedition Pack List

Please Note:  Campers are encouraged to bring only essential items for the trip.  Campers should plan to arrive with one large duffle bag, one medium/large backpack, one small day pack or back pack, and a small stuff sack containing a compact sleeping bag.  Storage space is limited on our Mini-buses, so any bulky or non-essential items may be left at base camp for the length of the trip.

PACK ITEMS

□ Large duffle bag for bus travel: □ Medium/Large overnight backpack for overnight hiking: □ Small backpack/day pack for day trips: □ Sleeping bag (rated between 15 – 40 degrees/synthetic material □ Sleeping pad (recommended) □ Camping pillow (small packable size): □ Re-usable water bottle/Nalgene (2): □ Eating utensils and a mess kit or sturdy bowl and cup with lid: □ Sunglasses □ Sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) □ Bug Spray □ Rain Gear (rain jacket and rain pants – no ponchos) □ Small flashlight or headlamp □ Extra batteries (2 sets) □ Towel □ Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

CLOTHING

Note:  Synthetic materials such as polypropylene, synthetic wool, or polyester, will wick moisture away from the body, maintain warmth when wet, and dry much quicker than cotton. Synthetic material clothing is essential to comfort and safety on this expedition. □ One pair of sneakers □ One pair of sturdy hiking boots with ankle support (make sure boots have been broken in before the trip!) □ One pair of water shoes, old sneakers that can get wet, or fixed heel/closed toe sandals  (no strapless sandals, crocs, or flip-flops) □ Jacket or windbreaker (can double with raingear) □ Wool or fleece pullover □ Long sleeved polypropylene shirt (2) □ T-shirts (4) □ Polypropylene t-shirts (3) □ Shorts (3) □ Synthetic material long pants, i.e. jogging pants or warm-up pants (1-2) □ Bathing suit □ Underwear (14) □ Cotton socks (5 pairs) □ Wool or synthetic fiber socks (3 pairs) □ Cap or brimmed hat □Winter hat and gloves □ Bandana □ Trash bag with name on it for dirty clothes □ Polypropylene or synthetic fabric long underwear (tops and bottoms) □ Gaiters (optional for backpacking): Service Learning Project Gear □ A set of clothes that can get DIRTY - old t-shirts and jeans work well! □ Boots or sneakers what can get WET & DIRTY

 

New England Expedition Sample 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 to Wild Waters Outdoor Center, Hudson River Gorge, NY

The drive will take about 8.5 hours, the group will camp here tonight and raft the next day.

Day 3, Tuesday:  White Water Rafting on the Hudson River, NY

Experienced white water guides from Wild Waters Outdoor Center will assist our group in safely navigating the exciting rapids.  The group will also camp out one more night in this location.

Day 4, Wednesday:  Travel to the White Mountains of New Hampshire

After reaching Our Campsite near Gorham, NH, the group will have some time to visit Glen Ellis Falls or take a scenic drive on the famous Kancamagus Highway.

Day 5, Thursday:  Hiking at Mt. Washington, NH

Campers will ascend the beautiful Mt. Washington and stay overnight at Lakes of the Clouds Hut, enjoying some of the most breath taking views in New England.

Day 6, Frida:  Hiking at Mt. Washington, NH

Campers will descend Mt. Washington and visit nearby Conway, NH for a pizza dinner.

Day 7, Saturday:  Service Learning Project at Camp Dodge, Pinkham, NH

Campers will get a firsthand experience of local ecology while assisting the Appalachian Trail Club with preserving the forest for future generations.

Day 8, Sunday 8/3:  Rock Climbing at Square Ledges, Pinkham Notch, NH

Today’s activity will include an introduction to climbing techniques and belay school, with plenty of time to get on the rock wall to test these new skills.

Day 9, Monday:  Zip Lining at Wildcat Mountain, NH

The Zip Line at Hemlock was just a warm-up for this thrilling 2.5 hour canopy tour.

Day 10, Tuesday:  Rock Climbing at Cathedral Rocks, Pinkham Notch, NH

A full day of rock climbing at the one of the premier climbing destinations in the Northeast

Day 11, Wednesday:  Sunset Sail near Portsmouth, NH

Today our group will travel to the coastal town of Portsmouth, NH and enjoy an interpretive sunset sailing experience led by local naturalists.

Day 12, Thursday:  Coastal Kayaking or Stand-up Paddle Boarding, Portsmouth, NH

Today’s activities include coastal kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding off the coast of New Hampshire, depending on weather conditions and preference.

Day 13, Friday:  Travel back to Hemlock Overlook Park, VA

It’s time to make the trip back to Virginia for the closing ceremonies of this amazing adventure.

Day 14, Saturday:  Trip Conclusion and Pickup at 11:30 AM

Appalachian Odyssey Pack List

Please Note:  Campers are encouraged to bring only essential items for the trip.  Campers should plan to arrive with one large duffle bag, one large backpack, one small day pack or back pack, and a small stuff sack containing a compact sleeping bag.  Storage space is limited on our Mini-buses, so any bulky or non-essential items may be left at base camp for the length of the trip.

PACK ITEMS

□ Large duffle bag for bus travel: □ Large overnight backpack for overnight hiking □ Small backpack/day pack for day trips □ Sleeping bag (rated between 15 – 40 degrees/synthetic material): □ Sleeping pad (recommended):               □ Camping pillow (small packable size): □ Re-usable water bottle/Nalgene (2):  □ Eating utensils and a mess kit or sturdy bowl and cup with lid: □ Sunglasses □ Sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) □ Bug Spray □ Rain Gear (rain jacket and rain pants – no ponchos) □ Small flashlight or headlamp □ Extra batteries (2 sets) □ Towel □ Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

CLOTHING

Note:  Synthetic materials such as polypropylene, synthetic wool, or polyester, will wick moisture away from the body, maintain warmth when wet, and dry much quicker than cotton. Synthetic material clothing is essential to comfort and safety on this expedition. □ One pair of sneakers □ One pair of sturdy hiking boots with ankle support (make sure boots have been broken in before the trip!): □ One pair of water shoes, old sneakers that can get wet, or fixed heel/closed toe sandals  (no strapless sandals, crocs, or flip-flops): □ Jacket or windbreaker (can double with raingear) □ Wool or fleece pullover □ Long sleeved polypropylene shirt (2) □ T-shirts (4) □ Polypropylene t-shirts (3) □ Shorts (3) □ Synthetic material long pants, i.e. jogging pants or warm-up pants (1-2) □ Bathing suit □ Underwear (13) □ Cotton socks (5 pairs) □ Wool or synthetic fiber socks (3 pairs) □ Cap or brimmed hat □ Winter hat and gloves □ Bandana □ Trash bag with name on it for dirty clothes □ Polypropylene or synthetic fabric long underwear (tops and bottoms) □ Gaiters (optional for backpacking) CAVING GEAR □ Warm layers that can get DIRTY - old sweatshirts and jeans work well! □ Boots sneakers what can get WET & DIRTY! □ Kneepads (optional)

OPTIONAL ITEMS

□ $20 for spending on program □ Camera/film □ Book □ Journal/pen/pencils

PLEASE DO NOT BRING

• Cell Phones • iPods • Electronics • Knives • Jewelry or other expensive belongings

Appalachian Odyssey Sample 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:  Caving at Glade Cave, Mt. Solon, VA

Campers will learn about cave ecology first hand as they explore the various tunnels and caverns of Glade cave, before camping out at Natural Chimneys Campground in Augusta County, VA.

Day 3, Tuesday:  “Ducky” paddling on the Upper New River in West Virginia

A Ducky is a 1-2 person inflatable kayak, and experienced white water guides from Rivermen Rafting will assist our group in safely navigating the exciting rapids.  The group will also camp at Rivermen’s site for the next three nights.

Day 4, Wednesday:  White Water Rafting on the Lower New River

Rivermen Rafting guides show us the way down the Lower New River in traditional white water rafts.

Day 5, Thursday:  Rock Climbing at New River Gorge

A full day of rock climbing for all ability levels at one of the region’s premier climbing sites.

Day 6, Friday:  Shopping and Backpack Prep

Create Menus and go shopping for our backpacking trip that begins tomorrow.  Camp at Tea Creek Campground in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, and learn the basics of backpacking such as how to pack your pack, and how to avoid blisters!

Day 7, Saturday:  Backpacking in the Cranberry Wilderness, WV

The backpacking trip begins!  The next three days and two nights are spent enjoying the natural beauty of the Cranberry Wilderness in Monongahela National Forest.  The group will bring only what they can carry in their packs, and camp out each night in primitive camp sites along the trail.

Day 8, Sunday:  Backpacking in the Cranberry Wilderness, WV

Day 9, Monday:  Backpacking in the Cranberry Wilderness, WV

Day 10, Tuesda:  Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks

Today our group will drive to the summit of Spruce Knob, the tallest peak in West Virginia, before a leisurely hike to the lookout point at Seneca Rocks.  Seneca Shadows campground will be the campsite for tonight.

Day 11, Wednesday:  Tubing on the Shenandoah River

A relaxing day of tubing down the Shenandoah River, the current will bring the group to their destination before traveling to their campsite in Shenandoah National Park

Day 12, Thursday:  Hiking at Old Rag Mountain

What better way to bring our trip to a close than to reach the summit of the most popular peak in the Shenandoah National Park?  With a little help from the weather, the group will enjoy 360 degree panoramic views from the summit of this historic mountain. We finish the trip back where it all began, camping at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park.

Day 13, Friday 8/22:  Burke Lake Park/Trip Conclusion

After sleeping in and enjoying a hot breakfast, our group will help in wrapping up all the equipment used on the expedition before heading to Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, VA for a relaxing day of mountain biking, volleyball, and Frisbee golf.  Campers will enjoy one last dinner together before pick-up at 6:00 PM.

 

The First Day of Expedition

Drop off time is 2:00 PM at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park.  Follow the signs to the specific meeting location within the park.

 

Please make sure your camper has had a hearty breakfast and lunch before dropping off - it will be a long, active day!

 

Please assure that your camper has everything they need for their two weeks at camp.  

 

If you are running a bit late for a drop off (or pick up), please call the Adventure Links office to let us know.

 

At the time of drop off, our Instructors will review your camper’s paperwork to make sure everything is accurate and up to date.  Instructors will also perform a brief medical screening and review any necessary medications at that time.

 

Please be prepared to present a picture ID when dropping off and picking up, not only at drop off but at pick up on Friday too.  We are very thorough when it comes to the safety of your camper!

 

At the time of drop off and pick up, you will be asked to sign your camper in and out on our pick up/drop off forms.  Please do not “drop and run”. Let our Instructor know if you are in a hurry, and he/she will help you finish this process as quickly as possible.  

 

On the first day of camp, our Instructors will hand out our scheduled itinerary for the week.  Please note the schedule may change due to weather or other circumstances. We’ll let you know if we have to make a change.

 

During the Expedition

You are welcome to call the Adventure Links office if you would like an update on how your camper’s expedition is going. We will also send out an email update on each Wednesday or Thursday to tell you how the group is doing.  

 

Check out the Adventure Links Facebook page for updates and photos from your camper’s activity!

 

If you experience an emergency and must contact your camper, please give us a call at the Adventure Links office and we will relay the message to your child right away.

 

If there is an emergency involving your child, a member of our staff will contact you immediately.

 

If your teen is feeling homesick, a staff member will contact you to decide the best remedy.  Sometimes a call home is the best cure for homesickness.

 

If you have any questions, concerns, or special instructions you are welcome to speak to the Instructor at drop off, or contact the Adventure Links office.