AMC Teen Wilderness Adventures is a unique summer outdoor program in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine.  Teen Wilderness Adventures let you discover more of the great outdoors in the company of exceptional leaders and newfound friends. We have programs designed for young people with previous experience as well as those new to outdoor experiences.

New for 2012! This year we're offering trips in the Berkshires for 12-13 year olds and have expanded our offerings for older teens by adding a 5-day Paddling Adventure,  8-day Hike, Rock Climb and Whitewater Kayak trip, and a 6-day High Peaks Backpack. Or, join us for a snowshoeing adventure during February break.

We offer exciting, rewarding outdoor adventure education for youth ages 12-18 ranging in length from 4-20 days. Teen Wilderness Adventures combine one or more outdoor activities--like hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and mountain biking--with spectacular destinations. Group size on our programs ranges from 6 to 10, and each of our trips has at least two instructors at all times.

Teen Wilderness Adventures participants learn valuable wilderness skills and develop essential life skills. This unique combination fosters an appreciation for the environment, develops self-esteem, instills a spirit of adventure, and promotes teamwork, friendship, and a sense of community through memorable wilderness experiences.

Further reading: "Rapid Growth: Young people expand their horizons in AMC's Teen Wilderness Adventures" (AMC Outdoors)

 

 

 

Choose Your Adventure!
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. 

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. Ranging from 5-7 days in duration, these trips are for youth ages 13-17.

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  Intro Adventures that sample hiking, canoeing, and rock climbing at an introductory level.

Ultimate Adventures are unique because they teach more advanced skills and involve more challenges than our standard programs. These programs range in length from 5 to 20 days and are for youth ages 15-18. The 20-Day Leadership Courses require a pre-registration form (PDF) that must be approved prior to registration. If you have any questions, please call 603-466-2727.

Our Staff
AMC's professional instructors are dedicated, energetic, and talented leaders experienced in working with youth. All of our instructors are certified in wilderness medicine and trained in water safety, and have strong backcountry skills. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds and life experiences and are committed to providing youth with a fun and educational excursion in the outdoors while maximizing the safety of all participants.

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.  

Ocean 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 ocean-kayaking equipment will be provided for the 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.

Primitive Skills

Taught by a professional from the Maine Primitive Skills School, our primitive skills course will help you better understand and responsibly utilize the wilderness environment surrounding you. We'll learn how to track animals, build a fire using a bow drill, identify wild edibles and tune into bird song. Learning to reading the landscape is fun and challenging and you'll never look at the woods quite the same way again.

White Water Rafting

Spend a memorable day or two rafting the rapids of the pristine rivers winding through the scenic boarder region of Western Maine and Northern New Hampshire. Professional guides from the Enriched Learning Center, Berlin, NH lead these exiting adventures on Class II, III or IV rapids. In this region, rich with woods lore and history, you'll negotiate the same rapids and waves that were once used by northern loggers to start their timber supply down northern headwaters toward market. The Androscoggin, Magalloway and Rapid Rivers offer plenty of excitement as the group works together to paddle their raft as well as provide great riverside lunch spots and the chance to encounter wildlife such as moose, osprey, and eagles.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a popular and accessible means of winter travel, which opens up little used areas of the woods for exploration and enjoyment. Whether using the floatation in deep powder or the crampon for stability on a packed surface, you'll learn the techniques for traveling in varying winter conditions. You'll also gain winter preparedness skills and then use them to keep you comfortable and having fun while you enjoy the spectacular beauty of the winter landscape.

Equipment – Let Us Outfit You

Don’t let the cost of gear keep you from signing up for one of our Teen Wilderness Adventures.  This summer we’re giving registered Teen Wilderness participants free access to AMC gear.

To take advantage of this offer and reserve your gear, please call 603-466-2727.  Gear will be reserved for participants on a first-come, first-serve basis and must be returned at the end of the program. Gear will be issued and fitted when you arrive at your  the start date of your trip.

Available Gear List:
•    Sleeping Bags
•    Sleeping Pads
•    Backpacks
•    Rain Gear
•    Synthetic Long Underwear

Q. Who signs up for these adventures?

A. Teens like you sign up because they love being outside, challenging themselves in new ways, meeting new friends, and learning interesting things about the places they visit.

Q. Should I sign up with a friend?

A. Most of our participants come without a friend and look forward to making new ones, which happens quickly on our trips. Still, we don't prohibit friends from signing up. Either way, we strive to create a community of people on each trip where there are no "cliques" and exclusions. If you and a friend do come, we will expect you both to integrate with the entire group and partake in the fun of getting to know new people.

Q. Are scholarships available?

A. Yes! If financial constraints are prohibiting you from signing up for a Teen Wilderness Adventure, please call or email the Education Programs Coordinator for more information on how to apply for scholarship assistance and/or download our application form here (PDF). You may reach the Coordinator at 603-466-2721, ext. 8125, or email us by selecting "Teen Wilderness Adventures" on this email form.

Q. What if I've never done any of these activities before?

A. No prior experience is necessary to participate in a Teen Wilderness Adventure, with the exception of the Leadership Training Program which has a pre-registration process. In fact, we have designed some Adventures as introductory experiences. We'll teach you all the skills you need to succeed and have a good time. You do not have to be athletic to enjoy any of the activities, but you will have a more comfortable experience if you pursue a  simple routine of regular exercise beginning a few months before your trip.

Q. If I've taken a Teen Wilderness Adventure before, can I do it again?

A. Of course! We'd love to have you back. Many of our participants return, often come back for a longer trip, a new activity, or to advance their skills on the Leadership Training Backpack or  Ultimate Adventure. Even if you return for the same trip, it will be a completely new experience with new friends and instructors. Food & Gear

Food & Gear

 

Q. What will I eat?

A. You will be offered three full meals each day including plenty of snacks. We provide fresh food, probably similar to what you eat at home, but we might ask you to try something new. Favorite meals include various pastas, burritos, stir-fry, hamburgers, bagels and cream cheese or peanut butter and jelly, dry and hot cereal, cookies, granola, fruit, and hot chocolate for chilly evenings and mornings. We easily accommodate most dietary restrictions; let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly. All the participants help prepare and clean up after meals.

Q. What do I need to bring?

A. You can view the equipment and clothing list for a particular trip by clicking on the individual trip link. Also when you register for a trip, you will receive  the entire information packet, which includes the clothing list. We ask that you bring your own personal gear. We provide the group gear. That means you need a few changes of clothes, boots and shoes, toiletries, flashlight (headlamp preferred), hat, sunglasses, water bottles, and other similar items. We provide tents, stoves, cooking equipment, all food, and all the technical equipment for rock climbing and water sports. We ask that you bring a backpack, rain gear, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.

Instructors

 

Q: Who are your instructors?

A: Our instructors are all trained in water safety and certified in Wilderness First Aid and are selected for their judgment, dedication and passion for the outdoors and their experience working with young people. In addition AMC provides an additional 8 days of training, including 4 days in the backcountry. Any outdoor activity has inherent risk, but we work hard to minimize the potential dangers and maximize the safety precautions. One way we do this is by keeping our group sizes small, with between 6-10 youth per group, and by providing two AMC instructors for attention and supervision.

Safety

 

Q. How safe will I be?

A. Safety is a high priority in all aspects of our programs. Our leaders all have Wilderness First Aid training and are selected for their good judgment, among other qualities. Any outdoor activity has inherent risk. We do our best to minimize the potential dangers and maximize the safety precautions with everything we do.

Q. Are there any rules I have to follow on the trip?

A. A list of our policies can be found on the Trip Policies Form you will receive upon registration. Or you can click on any individual course link and scroll through to find the trip policies form. These have been set to increase your safety, as well as the safety and consideration of others on your trip. Your commitment to these policies will ensure your trip will be fun, enjoyable, and comfortable. Here are a few examples of policies we ask you to abide by: Instructors will carry and manage all participants' medications. We do not tolerate the use of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs on any of our programs. Sexual behavior, exclusionary cliques, and disruptive behavior are also not tolerated. Boys and girls always sleep in separate tents, and supervision by our trained instructors helps to ensure that privacy is respected. On the first day of the trip, your instructors will cover additional safety policies such as our closed-toe shoe policy for the camp kitchen and water sports, lightning drill, water treatment, and the no whittling policy.

Activities

 

Q. How do the multi-element programs work?

A. If you choose an Adventure that includes more than one activity, you will either return to the starting point of your trip between each activity or have your extra bag brought to you in the field. For example, that means you can pack clothing and equipment for canoeing and don't have to bring it along backpacking. We'll store your extra gear and you will have access to it between trip sections.

Q. What is expected of participants on the trip?

A. Participants are expected to keep a positive attitude, respect the instructors and other group members, take responsibility for their personal belongings and group equipment, be supportive and inclusive of fellow participants, try new activities and foods, make good decisions about personal safety, and follow the Teen Wilderness Adventures policies. Participants are also expected to help out with daily camp chores like cooking meals, pitching tents, getting water, and storing equipment and food away at the end of each day. On the first day of the trip, instructors cover expectations of participants and participants also have a chance to share what they expect to get out of their trip.

Q. Is there a service component to your trips?

A. Our Wilderness Conservation and Service Adventure focuses on outdoor ethics and conservation and offers the opportunity to earn up to 80 service hours! Other than this trip designed as a service experience, most Teen Wilderness Adventures do not contain a pre-planned service component; however, many groups end up doing impromptu service projects like planting trees, cleaning up fire rings, packing out litter, or brushing in unofficial trails and campsites. Our longer trips like the Appalachian Trail Backpack, and the Leadership Training Backpack offer many opportunities to delve deeper into Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and for small service projects. For more AMC trips that incorporate a service component for teens, check out AMC’s Volunteer Vacations.