Doing Hard Things, Bravely
Our pinnacle overnight trip for 14-18-year-olds is geared towards learning and practicing backcountry skills on an expedition-style trip. These campers get a chance to be immersed in the Appalachian Trail Experience over four weeks as they hike through the Bigelows to a hopeful Katahdin Summit.
This camp specifically backpacks for the entire four weeks. We aim to teach and facilitate confidence in their outdoor leadership and backcountry skills while they are on the trail. Campers will help to navigate, choose, cook, and clean while on the trail. Our Trip Leaders carry satellite communication devices so that our home base can communicate with them when cell phone signal is minimal.
We hope campers choose to be brave and adventurous with us!
Find Your Confidence.
Our Expedition Experience is meant to be for those that want complete confidence in their backpacking skills. This experience is about what they want to get out of it and not based on a cookie-cutter itinerary. This means each session’s experience is completely different based on the peers in the group. These campers flourish and come out with confidence in their decisions as young adults with being able to backpack, read maps, cook, and take care of themselves in the backcountry.
Dates for 2024:
June 23rd- July 20th
July 21st- August 17th
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Ages: 14-18 year olds
Tier 1- $3200
Tier 2-$2720
Tier 3- $2400
Tiered pricing offers a fantastic array of advantages for both us and our families alike. The tiered structure enables families to choose the pricing level that best suits their budget, fostering inclusivity and diversity among camp participants. There is additional financial aid available as well. Please contact info@shesummitsco.com for more information.
Payment Plans are Available. Trips must be paid in full by June 1, 2024
Location: Appalachian Trail and Baxter State Park
Active Activities: Backpacking and Swimming
Additional Activities: Journaling, Camp Cooking, Indigenous Culture, Natural History, Waterfalls
Accommodations: Backcountry tent camping, Lean-Tos, Cabins (2 nights)
Length: 4 weeks
Adventure Scale Rating: 5
Camp Highlights:
Backpacking in the 100-mile Wilderness
Exploring Lakes and Rivers along the AT
Summit Attempt for Katahdin
Frequently Asked Questions
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6:30 am- Breakfast, Morning Chores, Pack
8:00 am- Leave for our Backpacking Adventure
12:00 pm- Have lunch on the trail or at a summit Backpack 3-5 miles. Typically at 1.5 mph pace. Swimming/ Siesta stop if wanted.
4:00 pm- Arrive at the camping area for the night. Set up camp, journal, dinner prep
8:00 pm- Leader Check-in with Director and Camper discussion on the day, next day plan
9:00 pm- Lights Out/ Quiet Time
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Bangor- We pick up and drop off outside of the Bangor International Airport at 3:00 pm on Sunday and 10:30 am on Saturday.
Portland- We pick up and drop off at the Back Cove Trail Parking- exit 6B 295 at 1 pm on Sunday and 12:30 pm on Saturday.
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Hiking 7+ miles a day, overnight canoeing, overnight kayaking, overnight rock climbing, whitewater rafting, swimming in the ocean, lakes, rivers, backpacking up to 10 miles a day, and stewardship events. See week descriptions for activities that particular week.
This trip is a 5 on our Adventure Scale due to the total amount of mileage.
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We do have some packs available for campers to use- please notify us if you need one.
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Yes! We try to accommodate as best we can but, in backcountry settings, some food allergies can't be accommodated. If you have questions please email us, info@shesummitsco.com
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All SSC programs are electronics-free. We believe that not scrolling and being present is an important component of the outdoor adventure that you will be embarking on. Families can stay updated on their camper's journey during occasional trip updates that will be shared throughout the summer via Instagram stories and emails. Given the backcountry locations and busy schedules of our trips, these updates will be occasional and should not be expected on a daily basis. The group does have a session cell phone and a camera to capture all of their moments.
For this Program- Campers will get a chance to check in with parents during Week 2 of camp and have letters given to them at resupply.
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Yes! We use Instagram Stories and Google Photos to share all of the photos we take when there is enough cell signal to upload them to our folders. At the end of the session, we upload everything to Google Photos where you have access to it.
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We require at least four campers for the week to adventure. We review this two weeks ahead of time and will attempt to move the camper to a week we know will be running. If there is no other week that will work then we will fully refund you.
