Outdoor Adventures for Children, Teens & Families in New Hampshire
Our professional guide-instructors believe we can help build a better future by exposing kids (and kids-at-heart!) to more fresh air, challenge-by-choice, and sunshine--with safety, fun, and learning in mind. We get right down to the business of helping families defeat nature-deficit disorder. During our ongoing programs, children and teens grow with confidence outdoors and learn wise use of natural resources through nature exploration, storytelling, crafts, games, songs, outdoor recreation, and developing backcountry skills.
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These outdoor learning opportunities allow young people to connect with nature by using all of their senses, developing awareness and stimulating creativity which power the imagination. Time spent outdoors also reduces attention deficit, lowers stress, and improves immunity. Being comfortable living in the outdoor world increases the chances of leading a healthy lifestyle and becoming self-reliant.
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"Nature-deficit disorder is not a medical condition; |
Please read the important information at the top of our Calendar page regarding our events, and when you are ready, visit our Booking Info page to familiarize yourself with our trip policies and reservation procedures.
Explorers
Ages 0-8 with adult caregiver
Description
Explore, play, and learn in the forest...get moving in the fresh air to experience trees and plants, soil, decaying matter, birds, mammals, animal tracks & signs, amphibians, rocks, water, snow, ice, natural systems, cycles, and more. Free play plus directed activities. |
Tuition
$10 per family. The focus of the program is on the children, but we encourage adults to participate as well, with lots of questions! Max. Enrollment: 12 children |
Schedule & Locations
Weekly, year-round on most Wednesdays, 10-11:30am (1.5 hours), in temps above 20ºF & good driving conditions. Dates also subject to cancellation due to guide unavailability. Locations vary, ask for directions. |
Bring
Backpack, snacks, water, spare clothes and shoes for the car, and wear layers of synthetic or wool clothing for the season (no cotton in winter) and proper footwear. Depending on location, baby/toddler carriers and strollers/joggers may be used. |
Reservations Required: Reserve your space and get directions by Monday prior to event.
Lead Guide: Lucie Villeneuve (603) 528-0136
Lead Guide: Lucie Villeneuve (603) 528-0136
Adventurers
Ages 8-11 with (or without) adult caregiver
Description
Adventure into New Hampshire's wild places while having fun exploring nature, developing useful backcountry skills, and learning various outdoor recreation (individual) sports. We incorporate 10 minutes/day of "alone in nature time" with a journal/sketch pad. Note: Scout badges may be earned in the areas of camping, canoeing, fire skills, camp cooking, and navigation skills such as map, compass, basic GPS, geocaching, as well as others upon request. FAQ: Siblings of a different age? A: We'll try to accommodate. |
Tuition
$40 per family, plus any recreation equipment rentals needed. The focus of the program is on the youth, but we encourage adults to participate, at no extra charge (except rentals needed). Max. Enrollment: 10 |
Schedule
Monthly, year-round on Saturdays, 9am – 3pm (6 hours). Locations vary each session. See tentative listings below. |
Bring
Backpack, lunch, snacks, reusable water bottle filled, proper footwear, spare clothes and shoes, sun/bug protection, and wear layers of synthetic or wool clothing for the season (no cotton). Additional items may be needed (rentals available), see adventure listings below. |
Reservations: Reserve your space and get directions by Monday prior to event.
Guides: Lucie Villeneuve and/or Jeff Barrie
Guides: Lucie Villeneuve and/or Jeff Barrie
2016 Adventures Schedule (Ages 8-11)
January 9, 2016 Cross Country Skiing & Archery (Biathlon) near Squam Lake Location: Holderness, New Hampshire Description: Today's adventure features a cross country ski lesson and target archery lessons and tour (biathlon!) at an historic farm and forest. Includes looking for animal tracks and signs, winter survival tips, and backcountry skills lessons. Gear/Equipment needed: X-C skis/boots/poles (rental pkg. $15), insulated/waterproof boots. February 6, 2016 Geocaching & Orienteering on Snowshoes near North Conway Location: Albany, New Hampshire Description: Learn how to use a map & compass on an orienteering course to discover nature in winter and local history. Also learn how to use a basic GPS on a geocaching treasure hunt. Includes looking for animal tracks and signs, winter survival tips, and backcountry skills lessons, such as purifying water and building a snow shelter. Gear/Equipment needed: Snowshoes (rental $14), insulated/waterproof boots. March 5, 2016 Snowshoeing Squam Mountains Location: Holderness, New Hampshire Description: Today's adventure features a hike in the Squam Mountains and activities at an historic farm and forest. Includes looking for animal tracks and signs, winter survival tips, and backcountry skills lessons such as fire building, map & compass, and making a snow shelter. Gear/Equipment Needed: Snowshoes (rental $14), insulated/waterproof boots. April 2, 2016 Early Spring Hiking Green Hills Location: North Conway, New Hampshire Description: Hike in the Green Hills Preserve area and look for animal tracks and signs in mud or snow. Learn survival tips and backcountry skills. Gear/Equipment Needed: Insulated/waterproof boots, snow spikes/yak trax if you have them in the case of snow/ice on trails. May 7, 2016 Spring Hiking Franconia Notch Location: Lincoln, New Hampshire Hike in Franconia State Park and look for animal tracks and signs, water falls, and geological features. Learn survival tips and low-impact backcountry skills. Gear/Equipment Needed: Insulated/waterproof boots or hiking boots. Snow spikes/yak trax if you have them (there may be ice/snow on trails). June 25, 2016
Biking North Conway's Green Hills Area Location: North Conway, New Hampshire Description: Today's adventure features mountain biking and walking around the Green Hills in North Conway/Redstone area. Includes looking for animal tracks and signs (birds, amphibians, beaver, deer), survival tips, and backcountry skills lessons such as map reading, basic bicycle inspection and repair in the field, and emergency debris shelter building. Gear/Equipment Needed: Mountain Bike (rental $30), sneakers. July 2, 2016 Canoeing Chocorua Lake & Nature Hike Location: Chocorua in Tamworth, New Hampshire Prerequisite: Participants must know how to swim. Description: Includes a canoe lesson (safety and equipment orientation, paddle strokes, navigation, rescue techniques, communication); nature walk; animal tracking and signs; birdwatching and other wildlife observation; the legend of Mount Chocorua, survival tips; and backcountry skills lessons such as map reading and emergency tarp shelter building. Gear/Equipment Needed: Canoe/Paddle/PFD (rental $20 per person), towel, swim suit, water shoes (full-strap sandals preferred). August 6, 2016 Kayaking the Androscoggin River Location: Dummer, New Hampshire Prerequisite: Participants must know how to swim. Description: Today's adventure features a kayak lesson (safety and equipment orientation, paddle strokes, navigation, rescue techniques, communication); animal tracking and signs; birdwatching and other wildlife observation; survival tips; a treasure hunt to discover the natural and cultural history of the Northern Forest, and backcountry skills lessons such as map reading and emergency shelter building. Gear/Equipment Needed: Kayak/Paddle/PFD (rental $35 per person), towel, swim suit, water shoes (full-strap sandals preferred). September 3, 2016 Animal Tracking and Target Archery Location: TBA, New Hampshire Join us for a target archery lesson (range rules, safety and equipment orientation, finding eye dominance, correct body position, practice, and games); animal tracking and signs (deer, moose, turkey, eastern coyote, snowshoe hare, and bear). Gear/Equipment Needed: Can wear sneakers. October 1, 2016 Autumn Hiking & Outdoor Photography Crawford Notch Location: Hart's Location, New Hampshire Description: Enjoy a scenic hike with new friends and an on-the-trail outdoor photography lesson (landscapes, waterfalls, adventure portraits, and nature close-ups). Also learn survival tips and backcountry skills. Gear/Equipment needed: Waterproof hiking boots. Camera of any kind (phone/disposable/film/digital) with extra batteries/film/memory, in a waterproof container/bag. November 2016 No event scheduled December 3, 2016 Winter Hiking Hemenway State Forest Location: Tamworth, NH Description: A winter hike to a fire tower with a view of the Lakes Region, Sandwich Mountain Range, and a part of Maine. Also walk an interpretive trail, look for animal tracks and signs, and learn winter survival tips, and backcountry skills such as building an emergency debris shelter and finding/preparing water to drink. Gear/Equipment Needed: Insulated/waterproof boots or hiking boots. Snow spikes/yak trax if you have them (there may be ice/snow on trails). |
Navigators
Ages 12-19
Description
Navigate your way into New Hampshire's wild places while having fun exploring nature, learning useful backcountry and survival sills, and improving various outdoor recreational sports skills. Emphasis is on developing awareness and responsibility by assessing conditions and helping to make group decisions regarding weather, trail surfaces/water levels, impact, sustainability, environmental hazards, pace, and physical abilities. We incorporate at least 20 minutes a day of "alone in nature time" with a journal/sketch pad. If you're a scout, let us know how we can help you attain merit badges. |
24-hour Programs
Schedule: Monthly, year-round on Saturdays, 9am – Sunday 9am unless otherwise noted. Tuition: $140 pp, plus any rentals needed. Includes overnight, 3 meals, tours, instruction. The focus of the program is on the youth, but we encourage adults to participate, at no extra cost for tuition, and it's $95 per adult for overnight & meals, plus any rentals needed. Max. Enrollment: 10 |
NEW! 3-Day Expeditions
(Details coming soon.) Wilderness travel, plus survival skills, backcountry camping, ecology, and bushcraft. Various locations. Schedule (starts at 6pm): - Snowshoeing 2/12; 3/9 - Backpacking 5/25; 8/4 - Canoeing 7/5; 8/1 - Mountain Biking 5/22; 9/4 Tuition: $450 pp, all inclusive. Includes camping, 9 meals, guided expeditions, equipment rentals, and educational activities. Max. Enrolment: 8 |
6-Day Adventure Camps
Schedule (2 sessions): 6/26 - Errol, NH 8/14 - Errol, NH Tuition: $1,165 pp, all inclusive. Includes camping, 15 meals, guided day trips, equipment rentals, and educational activities. Max. Enrollment: 10 See listing below for details. |
Bring
Backpack, reusable water bottles filled, proper footwear, layers of synthetic or wool clothing for the season (no cotton), spare clothes and shoes, headlamp, toothbrush, etc. A full pack list will be provided. Additional items may be needed (rentals available), see listings. |
Reservations: Reserve your space and get directions by Monday prior to event.
Guides: Lucie Villeneuve & Jeff Barrie
Guides: Lucie Villeneuve & Jeff Barrie
2016 Navigators Schedule (Ages 12-19)
January 23-24, 2016 (24-hour program) Cross Country Skiing Squam Mountains + Nature Study, Backcountry & Survival Skills Location: Squam Mountains, Holderness, New Hampshire Includes: Cross country ski lesson/tour (including diagonal stride technique, gliding, stopping, and navigating corners, uphills, and downhills); animal tracking and signs; map & compass; fire building; finding and preparing water for cooking and drinking; making a hot drink--tea from native leaves; knife safety and use; outdoor cooking/baking; shelter building using natural materials; target archery practice; nature journal/sketchpad. Gear/Equipment Needed: Cross country skis/boots/poles (rental $15). Sleeping bag (good down to -40 degrees F) & insulated sleeping pad required for overnighting in either natural shelter or tents (rental $35). Note: A heated bunk room is available if conditions warrant its use. February 20-21, 2016 (24-hour program) Snowshoeing Squam Mountains + Nature Study, Backcountry & Survival Skills Location: Squam Mountains, Holderness, New Hampshire Includes: Snowshoeing tips and tour; animal tracking and signs; map & compass; local geology; fire building; finding and preparing water for cooking and drinking; making a hot drink--tea from native leaves; knife safety and use; outdoor cooking/baking; shelter building using natural materials; target archery practice; and nature journal/sketchpad. Gear/Equipment Needed: Snowshoes (rental $14). Sleeping bag (good down to -40 degrees F) & insulated sleeping pad required for overnighting in either natural shelter or tents (rental $35). Note: A heated bunk room is available if conditions warrant its use. March 19-20, 2016 (24-hour program) Cross Country Skiing Squam Mountains + Nature Study, Backcountry & Survival Skills Location: Squam Mountains, Holderness, New Hampshire Includes: Cross country ski lesson/tour (including diagonal stride technique, gliding, stopping, and navigating corners, uphills, and downhills); animal tracking and signs; map & compass; fire building; finding and preparing water for cooking and drinking; knife safety and use; outdoor cooking/baking; making a hot drink--tea from native leaves; shelter building using natural materials; target archery practice; nature journal/sketchpad. Gear/Equipment Needed: Cross country skis/boots/poles (rental $15). Sleeping bag (good down to -40 degrees F) & insulated sleeping pad required for overnighting in either natural shelter or tents (rental $35). Note: A heated bunk room is available if conditions warrant its use. April 16-17, 2016 (24-hour program) Introduction to Backpacking: Hiking, Camping, and Survival Lessons Location: Dummer, New Hampshire Overnight: Camping, or other lodging Description: Want to learn how to go camping in the wilderness? Could you handle an emergency and survive in the outdoors? With low-impact trekking and camping practices in mind, participants will plan and prepare an overnight hiking trip--from route-finding to the grocery list. Prepare a survival kit to take with you. Learn how to read a topographic map and use a map and compass together for route planning. Discover the best way to pack your backpack. As part of the group, take turns at different roles during the hike, such as the leader who makes decisions with consideration of group pace and various other conditions. Learn about the 10 essentials of survival, as well as environmental hazards, common injuries, illnesses--including how to recognize and treat hypothermia. Hear tips on how to stay healthy and found. Practice building a fire, learn how to use a camp stove, and cook a hearty meal. Learn about knife safety, purifying water, and setting up a tent. Gear/Equipment Needed: Hiking boots. Large backpack (rental $35). Sleeping bag (good down to -20 degrees F) & insulated sleeping pad (rental $35). May 7-8, 2016 (24-hour program) Spring Hiking + Nature Study, Backcountry & Survival Skills Location: TBA, New Hampshire Includes: Hiking with tips for staying healthy and found; animal tracking and signs; map & compass; fire building; finding and preparing water for cooking and drinking; knife safety and use; outdoor cooking/baking; making a hot drink--tea from native leaves; shelter building using natural materials; set up a tent; target archery practice; and nature journal/sketchpad. Gear/Equipment Needed: Sleeping bag (good down to -20 degrees F) & insulated sleeping pad required for overnighting in either natural shelter or tents (rental $35). June 11-12, 2016 (24-hour program)
Backpacking the Cohos Trail + Nature Study, Backcountry & Survival Skills Location: Cohos Trail, Dixville Notch, New Hampshire Note: This trip ends at 11am on Sunday. Includes: Hiking on moderate terrain with tips for staying healthy and found; animal tracking and signs; map & compass; setting up camp at an Adirondack-style shelter; finding and preparing water for cooking and drinking; low-impact hiking/camping topics; cooking with a camp stove; setting up a tent; finding wild edibles; making a hot drink--tea from native leaves; and nature journal/sketchpad. Gear/Equipment Needed: Large backpack (rental $25). Sleeping bag (good down to 20 degrees F) & insulated sleeping pad required for overnighting in either shelter or tents (rental $35). June 18-19, 2016 (24-hour program) Introduction to Singletrack Mountain Biking in the Lakes Region Location: Franklin, New Hampshire Description: On beginner to intermediate trails, gain confidence by spending the day learning about technical mountain biking and practicing on the tight, twisting, jumping, turning, dipping, tree-lined trails called singletrack. Topics covered include bicycle inspection and repair, body position on various terrain, gear shifting and timing, pace, and staying healthy & found (i.e. environmental hazards, nutrition, map reading). Your guide-instructors will facilitate progressive technical practice with individualized tips to improve efficiency. Gear/Equipment Needed: Mountain Bike/Helmet (rental $30), gloves, knee/shin pads, elbow pads. June 26-July 1, 2016; August 14-19, 2016 (two separate sessions) SUMMER CAMP: 6-Day/5-Night Multi-Sport Adventure Camp for Navigators Ages 12-19 Location: Errol, New Hampshire Tuition: $1,165 pp, all inclusive. Includes camping, 15 meals, guided day trips, equipment rentals, outdoor educational activities, and transportation from North Conway to Errol, New Hampshire, and back. Max. Enrollment: 10 Starts: Meet in North Conway at 1PM on Sunday. Ends: Back in North Conway at 4PM Friday. Description: Travel with your wilderness leaders and new friends into New Hampshire's Great North Woods at a riverside campsite and navigate through the Northern Forest with adventure-packed experiences. Safety, fun and learning is what it's all about! Hike the boreal forest. Mountain bike a gentle gravel road along a clear mountain stream. Kayak calm currents and/or exhilarating whitewater (challenge by choice). Look for moose during an evening "moose tour." Stargaze with a telescope. Try your hand at fly fishing and target archery. Have fun orienteering and geocaching. Survival and backcountry skills lessons are included, such as map & compass, animal tracking, purifying water, starting a fire, outdoor cooking, obvious wild edibles, and building an emergency shelter from natural materials. Includes: Transportation to camp and shuttle to activities, guided adventures and instruction, local nature and history interpretation, wildlife spotting opportunities, use of recreation equipment, and 15 meals starting with supper when you arrive on the first night and ending with lunch on the last day. Campsite Features/Amenities: Rustic tent site in field at edge of scenic and natural river (Mollidgewock State Campground), swimming, outdoor cooking over fire pit & camp stoves, pit toilets, water spigots, recycling, no electricity, no showers onsite (we'll make a trip on the last day to showers located at Umbagog State Campground). Gear/Equipment Needed: Backpack for day trips, sleeping bag (good down to 40 degrees F or lower) required for overnights in either lean-to, primitive shelter, or tent, reusable water bottle, layers of synthetic or wool clothing for the season (no cotton), rain jacket & pants, waterproof hiking boots, sneakers, water shoes (preferably full-strap sandals), head lamp, bandana, toiletries (toothbrush and other personal items), sun protection (hat/clothing/sunscreen), and insect repellent. Note: For safety and practical purposes, please leave all jewelry and electronics at home. Disposable waterproof cameras will be distributed to participants. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs will not be tolerated and we do not serve caffeinated drinks and candy. Important: This is an active, fun, educational trip right alongside your guide-instructors. Everyone is expected to pitch in for a smooth flow of activities, including hauling gear and equipment and assisting with meals and clean-up. You will play hard, eat well, and sleep soundly! July 23-24, 2016 (24-hour program) Whitewater Canoe Camping on Androscoggin River + Nature Study, Backcountry Skills Location: Errol, New Hampshire Includes: Canoe lesson and tour (safety and equipment orientation, paddle strokes, navigation, rescue techniques, communication); animal tracking and signs; birdwatching (and reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish); chart & compass; setting up camp at a tentsite; low-impact hiking/camping topics; cooking with a camp stove; finding wild edibles; making a hot drink--tea from native leaves; and nature journal/sketchpad. Prerequisite: Participants must know how to swim. Gear/Equipment Needed: Canoe/Paddles/PFD/Drybags ($20 rental per person). Sleeping bag (good down to 40 degrees F) & insulated sleeping pad required for overnighting in either shelter or tents ($35 rental per person). August 20-21, 2016 (24-hour program) Kayak Camping on the Androscoggin + Nature Study, Backcountry & Survival Skills Location: Androscoggin River, Errol, New Hampshire Includes: Flatwater and/or whitewater kayak lesson (safety and equipment orientation, paddle strokes, navigation, rescue techniques, communication); animal tracking and signs; birdwatching (and reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish); map & compass; setting up camp at a riverside campsite; low-impact camping topics; how to start a fire; cooking with a camp stove and/or over an open fire; finding wild edibles; making a hot drink--tea from native leaves; and nature journal/sketchpad. Prerequisite: Participants must know how to swim. Gear/Equipment Needed: Sit-on-top solo Kayak with thigh straps/Paddle/PFD/Drybags ($35 rental). Sleeping bag (good down to 40 degrees F) & insulated sleeping pad required for overnighting in tents ($35 rental). September 10-11, 2016 (24-hour program) Fall Biking & Hiking Franconia Notch + Nature Study, Backcountry & Survival Skills Location: Franconia Notch, Lincoln, New Hampshire Includes: Basic mountain bike instruction on designated paved multi-use path (equipment and safety orientation, body position, gear changing, communication, basic bike inspection and maintenance); hiking with tips for staying healthy and found; Franconia Notch natural history and geology; water systems of the White Mountains; watercolor painting; setting up camp at a trailside campground; low-impact camping topics; how to start a fire; cooking with a camp stove and/or over an open fire; finding wild edibles; making a hot drink--tea from native leaves; and nature journal/sketchpad. Gear/Equipment Needed: Properly fitted and tuned mountain bike ($30 rental). Sleeping bag (good down to 20 degrees F) & insulated sleeping pad required for overnighting in tents ($35 rental). October 8-9, 2015 (24-hour program) Autumn Hiking Squam Mountains, Geocaching, Outdoor Photography Location: Holderness, New Hampshire Includes: Hiking with tips for staying healthy and found; geocaching; outdoor/nature photography opportunities and tips; fire building; finding and preparing water for cooking and drinking; knife safety and use; outdoor cooking/baking; making a hot drink--tea from native leaves; shelter building using natural materials; target archery practice; and nature journal/sketchpad. Gear/Equipment Needed: Sleeping bag (good down to -20 degrees F) & insulated sleeping pad required for overnighting in either natural shelter or tents ($35 rental). Note: A heated bunk room is available if conditions warrant its use. November 2016 No event scheduled December 10-11, 2016 (24-hour program) Winter Hiking & Orienteering Squam Mountains + Nature Study, Backcountry & Survival Skills Location: Squam Mountains, Holderness, New Hampshire Includes: Winter hiking with tips for staying healthy and found; animal tracking and signs; orienteering with map & compass, fire building; finding and preparing water for cooking and drinking; knife safety and use; outdoor cooking/baking; making a hot drink--tea from native leaves; shelter building using natural materials; target archery practice; and nature journal/sketchpad. Gear/Equipment Needed: Sleeping bag (good down to -40 degrees F) & insulated sleeping pad required for overnighting in either natural shelter or tents ($35 rental). Note: A heated bunk room is available if conditions warrant its use. |
Custom Youth Group ESCAPES
If you know a youth group looking for an outdoor adventure / wilderness trip / custom experience, send them to our Groups page.
Custom Family ESCAPES
You might also be interested in our family-oriented privately guided adventures found elsewhere on our site:
DAY TRIPS/TOURS/LESSONS
MULTI-DAY ADVENTURES
CUSTOM ADVENTURES
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