AMC's Teen Wilderness Adventures: 7-Day Backpacking & Canoeing Wilderness Explorer (Ages 12-14)

Explore the rugged terrain of New Hampshire's White Mountains, hiking three to eight miles each day from one campsite to the next, carrying everything we need to be comfortable and safe on our backs. Then travel to the scenic Rangeley Lakes in western Maine, where you'll learn canoe strokes, water rescue, and navigation skills while exploring two to eight miles of scenic flat water each day.

General Itinerary:

Day1: After an introductory meeting with instructors, group and parents, gear is checked and issued. After Lunch the group heads to the trailhead and begins their hike to the first campsite where they learn about camp set up, cooking on a camp stove, and sleeping comfortably in the backcountry.

Day 2-3 The group works together to break down camp. Goes over their route for the day, and hit the trail for their next camp site stopping for lunch and breaks along the trail. The group continues refining their outdoor skills, and developing friendships and enjoying the scenic views along the way. After arriving in camp, the group may play a game, or participate in team initiatives, or have some down time to reflect on their experience in the outdoors.

Day 4: The group will hike to the trail head where they will be transported to the Rangeley Lakes in western Maine, where they will set off on 5 days of expedition canoeing. They will learn how to pack their equipment into dry-bags and their boats, learn paddle strokes and set off towards their first backcountry lakeside camp.

Day 5-6 The group will continue to travel by boat from one campsite to the next, with the potential for a short portage along the way and plentiful opportunities to view wildlife, swim, and view colorful sunsets.

Day 7: The group will canoe to their take-out where they will be picked up and transported back to Pinkham Notch. They will have lunch, de-issue borrowed equipment and debrief their trip before being picked up in the afternoon