Wilderness Adventure Day Program                                   
Age: 10-12                                                                   Date:  July 28 – August 1, 2008
Max:  18 students                                                        Time: See below for details    
Lead Instructor:  Katy Aborn                                        Cost:  $325 see below for what is included
 
This program will offer students between the ages of 10 and 12 a chance to learn about several local wilderness areas. The group will hike every day, and experience real outdoor adventure with a Thursday wilderness overnight at a local campsite. Students will discuss wilderness ethics, learn about Leave No Trace practices, and practice expedition behavior. Everyone will learn how to use their backpack effectively, put up a tent and tarp, tie a variety of knots, cook on a camp stove, and care for and evaluate hiking gear. Daily activities will focus on teambuilding and leadership in the outdoors. We’ll learn about the habitats found in the Blackstone Valley and their inhabitants, using local parks and rangers as resources.  Must be able to carry up to 20 lbs and walk up to 5 miles/day.  The registration fee includes transportation to and from hikes, meals during the overnight, rental of equipment and camping fee.  Class meets Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with a Thursday overnight at a local campground.  Students will leave from Touchstone Thursday morning and return Friday afternoon.

To register for this program, an Outdoor Education Release Form and a Health Form must be submitted.

Backpacking on the Appalachian Trail   PROGRAM IS FULL
Age: 12-17                                                                   Date: August 11 – 15, 2008
Max: 10 students                                                         Time: See below for details
Lead Instructor: Katy Aborn                                         Cost: $775 see below for what is included
                                                                                   
Our five day, three night adventure will take students through a section of the Presidential Range in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, considered by some to be the most spectacular and challenging section of the Appalachian Trail. Monday will be spent planning and packing in Grafton, looking at our route maps, making our snack bags, and discussing wilderness ethics. On Tuesday morning, we’ll hit the trail! Staying in AMC Huts, student will have gourmet breakfasts and dinners provided by a fun-loving Hut “Croo”. During the trip, students will have the opportunity to summit several of New Hampshire’s famous 4,000 ft. peaks. Students will also become certified Leave No Trace trainers and spend the week practicing sustainable outdoor travel. Group activities will focus around teambuilding and outdoor leadership skills. Must be able to carry up to 30 lbs and walk up to 8 miles/day.  The registration fees transportation, meals while camping, rental of equipment and overnights at AMC huts.  Class meets Monday at Touchstone from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with Tuesday through Thursday overnights in New Hampshire.  Campers will leave from Touchstone Tuesday morning and return Friday afternoon.

To register for this program, an Outdoor Education Release Form and a Health Form must be submitted.