AMC's Teen Wilderness Adventures: 7-Day Six-in-One Youth Adventure (Age 12-14)

This fun adventure combines the ruggedness and reward of hiking and backpacking, the relaxing pace of canoeing, the thrill of rock climbing, and the excitement of rafting, and the challenge of a high ropes course. The trip will begin with a day hike in Pinkham Notch, where participants will get to know one another. For Ages 12-14 General Itinerary: Day 1 ~ Participants will meet each other and the AMC instructors on the first morning at the Pinkham Notch Visitor's Center. We will spend the morning getting to know each other, covering logistics and expectations, and checking our personal gear. After lunch we will head out on a hike to a nearby backcountry shelter where we will set up camp. For the next two nights Day 2-3~ On the second day, we will hike and explore surrounding areas such as Tuckerman's Ravine, Mount Washington, or Boot spur with light day packs. On the third afternoon we will hike back to the trailhead and then head to a nearby forest service campground to set up our base camp for the remainder of the trip. Day 4~ The next day will be spent climbing with guides from the Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School on Square Ledge in Pinkham Notch and other nearby climbing areas. We'll learn about climbing ropes, harnesses, knots, how to belay, rock climbing techniques, and rock site safety practices. In the evening, we'll head back to our campsite to eat, relax, and have fun. EMS will provide all rock climbing equipment needed (including a helmet to be worn at all times). If you own rock climbing shoes and a harness you may bring them. Day 5 ~ We'll explore the Androscoggin River in canoes. Upon arrival at our put-in, we will review basic canoe strokes and techniques, group safety issues, how to pack a canoe properly, basic water navigation skills and open water rescue skills. After the review, we will explore the shoreline and islands, in search of wildlife while refining our paddling skills. We'll even enjoy a swim if the weather is nice, and head back to our campsite at for the night. Day 6 ~ We will head north to the Androscoggin or Magalloway River where we will learn the basics of whitewater rafting as we work with guides from the Enriched Learning Center. We will spend the morning paddling the rapids and then experience the challenge and thrill of a high ropes course in the afternoon before heading back to our campground. Day 7 ~ After one last day hike in the morning, we will breakdown camp and head back to Pinkham Notch visitor center where we will conclude our trip.