Teen Adventure Program
Ages: 13-16
2 week sessions
Spots per session: 8-10
The Teen Adventure (TA) program is an innovative, physically challenging experience for 13-16 year olds. The TA program focuses on adventure education, service learning, affirming individual strengths, teaching compassion, and fostering environmental stewardship. Teens participate in educational and service projects, both on site at Nature Camps and on trips.
TA enrollment is limited and early enrollment is recommended. See below for more information and specific dates of each TA trip.
Experiences
Spoutwood Farm Trip
Spoutwood Farm, Glen Rock, PA
Sessions 1 and 4
TA's and two TA Trip Leaders bike about 20 miles from camp along the Northern Central Railroad (NCR) trail to 26-acre Spoutwood Farm in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania. TA's and trip leaders camp on the farm where they spend four days helping to plant, weed, and harvest crops. On Wednesday evening, they prepare a delicious meal with farm-fresh produce through the Teen Chefs program! Then they return to camp on Thursday evening to participate in the Family Overnight and Concert in the Woods.
Spoutwood Farm is a CSA - a Community Supported Agriculture Co-op - that provides members with fresh, local vegetables. In addition, Spoutwood is an educational, non-profit organization devoted to teaching sustainable living on the land and reconnecting people with nature.
Registration note: Teens aged 13-16 who prefer a day camp only experience are welcome to register for the Camper Program.
Spots: 10
Cost: $1000
Appalachian Trail Trip
Appalachian Trail from Wolfsville Rd. to Harper's Ferry
Session 2
TA's backpack approximately 30 miles on the Appalachian Trail from Wolfsville Road to Harper's Ferry. The group cooks and camps on the trail, staying in AT shelters when available. On Thursday afternoon, the group arrives in Harper's Ferry where they get dinner and ice cream before spending the night in a Youth Hostel. On Friday, teens whitewater raft down the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers before returning to camp.
The group will develop leadership and wilderness skills as they work together to prepare meals, navigate the trail, and complete other tasks.
Registration Note: Teens aged 13-16 who prefer a day camp only experience are welcome to register for the Camper Program.
Spots: 8
Cost: $1000
C&O Canal Towpath Bike Trip
C&O Canal Towpath from Williamsport, MD to Great Falls, VA near Washington, DC
Session 3
Teens bike about 85 miles over the course of this five-day trip from Williamsport, MD to Great Falls National Park (near Washington DC). The route along the historic C&O Canal Towpath provides opportunities to take short side trails to visit small towns, including stopping in Harper's Ferry for dinner one night. On Friday morning, the group arrives in Great Falls National Park where they can witness the incredible waterfall and other beautiful natural scenery. They might even see a reenactment of mules towing boats in the canal! On Friday afternoon, they return to camp.
The group carries all of their gear and food on rear racks on their bikes, as well as in two pull-behind trailers. They spend nights and cook meals at hiker-biker campsites along the towpath.
Registration note: Teens aged 13-16 who prefer a day camp only experience are welcome to register for the Camper Program.
Spots: 8
Cost: $1000