Teen Adventure Camp?

[TomC]

I have a 15 year old son (almost 16 by summer 2012) who is interested in a backwoods/climbing/hiking adventure camp experience. He has a 1 or 2 week trek through the high country of northern NH/White Mountains in mind. Anyone have knowledge of such a program, or better yet, could make a recommendation based on first hand experience? thanks!

[jst_4_kiks]

I'm 26 now but back when I was growing up I went to a place in Center Harbor/ Sandwich area that was called "Camp Harmony". Also been called Camp Quinebarge. They did all sorts of things at the camp. Swimming, archery, high ropes course, smaller activities at different buildings, etc.

They also had a program for older kids/teenagers called "teen trails". Those would leave for a week and just go and have a bunch of outdoor activities. White water canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, etc. Then would take a trip down to hampton beach for a day. We would sleep in tents at different campgrounds around new hampshire. They provided everything needed. For the week.

I had gone to the camp harmony first cuz I was still young and then when old enough had done the teen trails.

http://www.insidecamps.com/review/camp-quinebarge-1099.html

http://www.campquinebarge.com/

Hope this information is/was helpful.

J4K

[TomC]

He has been a camper for 5 years at YMCA Northwood in Tuftonboro and seems to have outgrown the cabin experience, but that 'teen trails' thing is on the right track.

[gf2020]

Is he a Boy Scout? I can make some great recommendations.

[TomC]

Actually he is a boy scout. he goes to camp Bell in Gilmanton with his troop in June.

[mcdude]

OUTWARD BOUND (http://www.outwardbound.org/index.cfm/do/exp.course_detail/courseID/639) ? Mountaineering in the White Mountains and sailing along the coast of Maine?

PHOTOS (http://www.outwardbound.org/index.cfm/do/obs.photo_search_result/activity/Multi-Expedition/region/Maine/page/1/id/1329)


An Outward Bound wilderness course is a unique experience. Our courses take you to remote and beautiful wilderness areas to engage in hands-on wilderness activities. By facing these challenges, you will yield amazing rewards like glimpsing beautiful vistas, gaining a powerful sense of accomplishment, being more self-confident, and creating lasting friendships. Most Outward Bound courses are designed with the novice outdoorsperson in mind. But from there, we move through a series of progressively more difficult challenges at an appropriate pace for all members of the group. An Outward Bound expedition is not an outdoor camp and it's not a guided outdoor trip. Completing an Outward Bound Wilderness course rests on your ability to work effectively as a team member and as an individual. You will learn to communicate, to lead, and to be self-reliant within specialized group activities.

[gf2020]

Tom, since your son is a Scout then there are several high adventure opportunities that he can take part in.

I am the Scoutmaster in Lynnfield, MA. We attend T.L. Storer in Barnstead, NH, in early July and I know they offer an out of camp high adventure trek for older Scouts.

http://bsaboston.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=31138&orgkey=909

You should also contact the Daniel Webster Council office to see what treks may be planned for summer 2012 at Hidden Valley and Bell.

http://www.nhscouting.org/camping

Additionally, there are other opportunities for individuals and crews to participate in high adventure backpacking activities. I am leading a group of 12 from my Troop out to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico this summer. Typically each Scout council will send a few crews to Philmont each summer. I bet the Daniel Webster trek for 2012 is already full but sign-ups for 2013 are probably already underway.

If your Troop is interested in putting together a trip, Maine High Adventure offers great program activities closer to home.

http://mainehighadventure.org/

[TomC]

my son is in troop 26, not far from lynnfield

[mcdude]

Hidden Valley Camp in the Griswold Scout Reservation in Gilmanton is a beautiful place with direct access to acres of wilderness in the Belknap Mountain Range. I've done a lot of hiking and dog walking over there. the scouts maintain many of the hiking trails. They offer APEX ....Advance Program Experiences...here is a listing of what they have to offer....
http://www.nhscouting.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=39578&orgkey=1812

Many of these look like they would be very challenging and I'm sure they would be less expensive than Outward Bound!

[TomC]

Coincidentally, my son, with his troop, are winter camping in Hidden Valley this weekend. i'll look over the link you provided.

[gf2020]

my son is in troop 26, not far from lynnfield


26? Hmm... Pepperell? Lowell? West Newbury?

[TomC]

just a little north of you. thanks for your help

[VitaBene]

Great thoughts and ideas. Hidden Valley is a great camp

[TomC]

today i signed my son up for a 14 day backpack/canoe adventure in Maine. Looks like great fun (wish I could go!)