Questers 2011
In 2011, Questers will have a choice of two backcountry trips: The "Adirondack Adventure" in Upstate New York and the "Long Trail End to Ender" from Massachusetts to Canada.
No previous outdoor skills are needed, just an interest and a willingness to learn and become an integral part of a team.
LONG TRAIL: END TO ENDER (48 day session)
Many hikers who've been enjoying the beauty and adventure of
Vermont's Long Trail may have wondered what it
would be like to complete the historic 100-year-old path; how it must feel to
meander along the crest of the Green Mountains from Massachusetts
to Canada.
Hikers on shorter trips may have sensed the excitement of End to Enders
along the trail who have stopped to share their countless stories.
Now it's your turn, so take the chance! This trip is geared toward success
through learning and practicing extended-trip principles like route and menu
planning, pacing, and appropriate packing. The course will be co-led by Mary
Murphy, an experienced Appalachian Trail Through Hiker and a Questers leader
for three summers. Her experience and awareness of group dynamics will help
Questers as they learn the requisite skills of self care, diet and how to
handle the challenges of the 273-mile journey. As with any Questers course, the
trip leaders will support participants and orient them to the specific
backpacking techniques, while coaching them on how to be self reliant and make
decisions collaboratively. Questers on this trip will experience the F&W
values of simple living, spirituality, exploration of self (both with individual
challenges and time for reflection), and the importance of community.
Participants will have ample time to journal, contemplate and truly internalize
this experience.
ADIRONDACK ADVENTURE (July-24 days, August-22 days)
The Adirondack State Park region of Upstate New York is a perfect place for Questers who seek an outdoor adventure that includes canoeing, hiking and rock climbing. Participants will explore about 100 miles of this region and acquire a huge amount of skills in these key areas of outdoor adventure.
Canoe - With amazing camping in an area teeming with wildlife, this section of the trip is sure to provide breathtaking and unforgettable beauty. Questers will take the time to work on their paddling, open-water navigation and portaging skills while gaining an understanding of the particulars of packing for water-based expeditions.
Hike - Questers will strap on their backpacks and travel the scenic Northville Placid Trail into the High Peaks region. They will take in the continuous, amazing views and feel the unforgettable rush of summiting peak after peak, including Mt. Marcy, which at 5,343 feet is the highest point in the Empire State. Questers will traverse over 50 miles of this beautiful and rewarding trail during the seven-day section of the adventure.
Climbing - Many of our participants will learn more in this section than in any other. The technical and sometimes intimidating aspects of rock climbing will be introduced with careful orientation. The novice climbers will leave with confidence and the experienced climbers will encounter new challenges that catapult their skills to a new level. While working together to find and conquer routes up the rock face, Questers will also have the opportunity to set their own goals and find their own climbing style.
We encourage campers of all skill levels with a desire to learn to take part in this opportunity, which will occur in both the July and August camp sessions of 2011!
