All of our programs offer fun and adventure, but choosing the best program is as individual as each participant. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Youth Adventures, for teens age 12-13, offer a variety of outdoor activities but keep hiking distances and pack weights appropriate for younger participants. You'll spend the first day or two going on short day hikes before venturing on a backpacking trip, rock climbing adventure, or canoeing expedition.
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Single-Sport Adventures focus on a single skill and offer total immersion into the wilderness experience, while giving you the chance to improve your skills in a specific activity.
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Multi-Sport Adventures offer a taste of several skills and experiences while maintaining a sense of a longer expedition. Ranging from 5 to 14 days in length, these Adventures combine activities like hiking, backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, whitewater and sea kayaking. If you're new to the fun of outdoor pursuits or think a more relaxed pace is for you, try our 2 new Intro Adventures that sample hiking, canoeing, and rock climbing at an introductory level.
The following descriptions provide more detail on each program element that may be part of a particular teen adventure. (All courses are coed unless otherwise noted.)
Backpacking
Backpacking remains one of the most popular outdoor activities in New England, and we explore some of the most striking mountainous terrain in the East. We camp at AMC or U.S. Forest Service shelter sites, designated tenting areas, or at our own low-impact sites and learn Leave No Trace techniques to protect these wild and beautiful areas. Most trips average four to eight miles per day, and we carry all the camping gear and food we'll need. Our trips in New Hampshire and western Maine explore the 770,000-acre White Mountain National Forest. With several Wilderness Areas and world-famous mountain ranges, the forest offers some of New England's premier hiking. Some of the places we explore include the Southern Presidentials, the Franconia Notch area, the Carter and Mahoosuc Ranges, and the Pemigewasset Wilderness area.
Canoeing
Look for bald eagles in their nests and enjoy the calls of the loons as you canoe through the scenic Rangeley Lakes and river systems of Maine and New Hampshire. We will review basic canoe strokes and techniques, group safety issues, water navigation skills, and open-water rescue skills. Daily paddles over flatwater, perhaps with a swim in between, will lead us to our evening camp where we enjoy delicious meals and watch the sunset. Depending on our route, some portaging may be required.
Rock Climbing
Learn to make your way confidently up famous rock faces. Using provided equipment at established climbing sites, we will learn standard rock-climbing techniques, how to belay, rope-handling skills, and rock-site safety practices. AMC staff will be joined by professional climbing school instructors from the International Mountain Climbing School. Most Rock-climbing sections last three days and, conditions permitting, culminate in a multi-pitch climb on the last day. In case of inclement weather, we will continue the fun in an indoor climbing gym. All technical and rock-climbing equipment will be supplied.
Sea Kayaking
Watch for harbor seals near your boat while exploring the Maine Island Trail. Learn sea-kayaking techniques, proper equipment use, the basics of open-water navigation, and how to paddle with a fully loaded boat. We will practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics as we camp on secluded offshore islands. Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center (American Canoeing Association accredited) and AMC instructors will provide instruction. All sea-kayaking equipment will be provided for the five days of adventure on the ocean.
Whitewater Kayaking
During this thrilling session, you will navigate the rapids of rivers such as the Androscoggin and Magalloway. Using provided equipment we will learn kayaking techniques, how to read the river, and how to use the currents to your advantage. Programs will start on flatwater, then move onto quickwater, and finally onto Class I, II, and possibly III whitewater. Instruction will be provided by Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center (ACA accredited) along with AMC instructors. We will stay at a campground and paddle during the day.
Mountain Biking
Explore some of the best mountain-bike terrain in New Hampshire. You'll start on Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center's private bike trails to hone your skills on dirt roads, single track, and double track before venturing to other acclaimed areas for longer rides. Learn to shift like a pro, cross streams and logs, make field repairs, climb and descend with confidence, and be comfortable with varying terrain. Guides from Great Glen will join your AMC instructors to lead your rides. At the end of the day, retire to a campground for dinner and a swim. Mountain biking sections are designed for beginner to intermediate bikers to ensure that everyone is comfortable riding together. We recommend bringing your own bike if you have one, but pre-serviced bikes are available and included in the cost of the program.
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