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Appalachian Mountain Club Offers 50+ Active Travelers Expert-led and Multi-Generation Outdoor Adventures This Summer

Range of guided outdoor experiences includes new 50+ Adventure Weeks, Family Adventure Camps, and lodge-to-hut hiking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2007

Media Contact

Laura Hurley, PR Manager, amcpr@outdoors.org
617-523-0655 x321

This summer, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is offering both beginner and experienced outdoor enthusiasts 50+ years old a wide range of outdoor getaway options, including new AMC 50+ Adventure Weeks, multi-generation Family Adventure Camps, and guided lodge-to-hut hiking at AMC destinations in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Lakes Region.

New for this summer and fall, AMC is introducing a camp exclusively for adults, giving active travelers 50+ the choice of two different weeklong experiences for spending time with family and friends – AMC’s 50+ Adventure Weeks or Family Adventure Camps. AMC’s 50+ Adventure Weeks will bring together an adventure-minded group ages 50+ for a mix of nature walks, half-day and full-day hikes, local and natural history, and the chance to meet new friends against the spectacular backdrop of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. AMC’s Family Adventure Camps provide a multi-generation vacation option for families with children and grandchildren ages 5-12.

Also new this year is AMC’s series of monthly, themed lodge-to-hut hiking trips. These expert-led trips combine more challenging, multi-day hikes to the oldest and only full-service mountain hut chain in the United States with AMC’s more than 130 years of outdoor expertise.

For more details about all of the following activities and packages, visit AMC’s Summer Guide at www.outdoors.org/summerguide

AMC 50+ Adventure Weeks
June 3-8, 2007 and Sept. 23-28, 2007
AMC’s 50+ Adventure Weeks, a weeklong camp exclusively for adults, will offer a range of guided activities tailored to the group and a chance to meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Based at AMC’s Highland Center, guests experience the comforts of lodge accommodations and meals in an award-winning, environmentally conscious setting. AMC’s Adventure Weeks give participants the choice of joining a full day of group programs or exploring the area independently for a morning or afternoon. A sampling of planned activities includes:

  • Hike to Zealand Hut: Take an easy hike to AMC’s Zealand Hut, part of the oldest and only full-service mountain hut chain in the U.S.
  • Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge Hike: This National Natural Landmark is considered one of the top birding locations in the Northeast
  • Summit a 4,000 footer: Expert-led, moderate-to-difficult hike to a nearby New Hampshire 4,000-foot peak
  • Grand Hotels of the White Mountains: History of the grand hotels in the White Mountains area
  • Aprés Adventure Social: Downtime before dinner to talk and socialize “off the trail” with new friends

The package starts at $375/person, plus taxes, for members ($435 for non-members) and includes guided programs, five nights’ lodging, dinners, breakfasts, and trail lunches, and the ability to borrow outdoor equipment at no charge from the L.L. Bean gear room. Accommodations at Highland Center include private or shared room/shared bath (depending on availability). Private room/private bath is available for an extra cost.

Multi-Generation Family Adventure Camps
Designed especially for families with kids ages 5–12, Family Adventure Camps provide a multi-generation vacation option that gives grandparents and parents an opportunity to learn new outdoor skills alongside their grandchildren and children. AMC’s Family Adventure Camps have now expanded to every AMC lodge from Maine to New Jersey, including a second lodge in Maine, plus additional weeks are available in 2007. Led by AMC staff during select weeks in July and August, the camps combine guided activities, outdoor skills programs, and evening events—plus all lodging and meals—with time to relax together and meet other families. A sampling of activities, which vary by destination, includes bird watching, geology adventure hikes, canoeing and kayaking, and AMC Junior Naturalist program. Rates start at $295, plus taxes, for members ($328 for non-members). Child rates start at $195, plus taxes, for members ($217 for non-members). Enjoy the benefits of AMC membership, including significant member savings, with the purchase of a $75 family membership.

Guided Lodge-to-Hut Hiking on the Appalachian Trail
Not just for experienced hikers, AMC Huts provide a great way to get a taste of the backcountry without having to carry a tent and extra food. Spend the first night at AMC’s Highland Center, an environmentally innovative roadside lodge built in 2003, and then experience the oldest and only full-service mountain hut chain in the U.S. for the next three days and two nights. Along the way, learn about the unique natural and cultural history of New Hampshire’s White Mountains from an AMC expert naturalist. Trips this summer will include:

The package starts at $275/person, plus taxes, for members ($302 for non-members) and includes guided programs, three nights’ lodging, dinners, breakfasts, and trail lunches. Accommodations at Highland Center include private or shared room/shared bath (depending on availability). AMC Huts offer bunkhouse accommodations.

Rates and Reservations:
For rates and reservations, call (603) 466-2727 or visit www.outdoors.org/lodging.  All AMC Destinations are open to AMC members and non-members, with additional discounts available to members. Membership is $75 for families and $50 for individuals. Must mention specific package deals when booking, and packages cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Space is subject to availability.

For additional summer story ideas and detailed, multi-activity seasonal itineraries, visit:
www.outdoors.org/about/newsroom/destinations-media-kit-summer.cfm

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is the oldest conservation and recreation organization in the nation. With 90,000 members in the Northeast and beyond, the nonprofit AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers and trails of the Appalachian region. The AMC supports natural resource conservation while encouraging responsible recreation, based on the philosophy that successful, long-term conservation depends upon first-hand enjoyment of the natural environment.