Outdoor Activities
OUtdoor activities
Our Summer Experiences offer a variety of activities from hiking, rafting to rock climbing. Most experiences include a backpacking component that varies in rigor and some may include another activity or two. Click through the links below to learn more about some of the activities you might do!
Backpacking
When you're backpacking, you'll have everything you need to survive and camp in the outdoors all in a backpack. This includes your food, tent, sleeping bag and clothes. This bag can weigh close to 40 pounds, and you'll carry this with you as you hike through the mountains or forest. Your trip leaders will teach you how to safely navigate through the terrain, use a map and compass, find & set-up camp, and how to cook in the outdoors. You'll do many of these activities as a group and work together to share the load and navigate through your trip. It sounds hard, but students say it's one of the most rewarding and empowering parts of their Summer Experience.
Additional Backpacking Resources
Backpacking 101 by Outside
How to Train for Backpacking by REI
Sample, Basic Packing List by Fresh Off the Grid
kayaking & Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are watersports that involve a kayak or canoe and paddle — and that's it! You will mostly like be in a tandem (or two-person) kayak/canoe, so you'll have the support of another person to paddle. It takes some arm and upper body strength to paddle, but you'll get the hang of it quickly and learn a few tricks to make it easier. All of our kayaking and canoeing trips will be led by trained guides who will teach you everything you need to know to get around safely and effectively. You'll also wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or life vest when you're on the water.
Additional Kayaking & Caneoing Resources
Beginner Kayaking Tips by Barefoot Theory
How to Kayak: The Basics by REI
How To Canoe // Canoeing Crash Course by Artistry of Adventure
rafting
Rafting, or white-water rafting, is a water sport where you're in an inflatable raft with 6-8 people paddling down a river with rapids. As you're moving down the river, some portions will be calm and give you an opportunity to play games with your raft-mates. Other sections will have Class I or II rapids where the water is moving faster and rougher, and you'll work together as a team to navigate through it. All white-water rafting portions are guided and led by trained professionals, so your experience will be safe and fun. You will also be required to wear a personal floatation device (PFD) while rafting.
Additional Rafting Resources
What is White Water Rafting by Paddle Camp
rock climbing
Some of our experiences will include top-rope style of climbing. Top-roping is a style of climbing where you wear a harness and a rope is attached it and the top of the wall. As you climb, another person will be holding the other end of the rope (the belayer) who will make sure the rope catches you if you slip or need a rest. All rock climbing adventures are facilitated by professional guides who will teach you the basics, such as how to tie climbing knots, belay someone with a rope, and how to rappel (or descend) down after you reached the top.
Additional Rock Climbing Resources
Everything You Need to Know to Get Started Rock Climbing by Beyond the Tent
Rock Climbing for Beginners by Advnture
Remember that your mentor is always your best resource! Reach out if you have any questions or need help with your application.
Need to schedule office hours with the Summer Team? Create a Calendly appointment here!
Summer Experience Support Resources
