Greeting from Flying Cloud:
The chorus of songbirds re-established themselves as the loudest voices at camp this week as most of the Flying Clouders were away for trips! Smiles and colorful stories belied tired appearances upon their return, and while everyone was excited to get back to camp, the trips were certainly be a highlight of many camper’s summers.
Here is a quick snapshot of the great adventures we just experienced on trips:
White Mountain Hiking – The White Mountains of New Hampshire offer steep climbs and breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views that stretch for miles and miles. Campers mastered navigation via use of a map and compass. They braved ascents that thru hikers called “the hardest on the AT” because of the sheer natural beauty, leaving campers with a rich sense of accomplishment.
Breadloaf Hiking – Vermont’s own Breadloaf Wilderness Area rewards hard work and determination with dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and rewarding views. Campers on this trip showed a strength of perseverance matched only by the splendor of the environment they traversed.
Raquette River Canoe – Campers and staff alike were able to unwind on this river west of the Green Mountains and turn their attention to the water as they filled the days with floating, fishing, and (safely) cliff jumping. This is a perfect area for birdwatching and enjoying the scenery.
Survival Skills – A base-camping trip set in Vermont, campers were able to explore the meaning of simple living as they gathered food from the land, slept in shelters that they built themselves, and furthered their relationship with the natural world by the necessity of relying upon it.
Flagstaff Hike & Canoe – A trip that spans Maine’s Flagstaff Lake and Bigelow Mountain Range, our campers canoed, traded gear with SAM camp, and hiked over the course of a week. This is our longest trip and a capstone experience for our oldest campers to put their abilities to the test, and to be rewarded with an unparalleled wilderness experience.
May you find yourself in the woods, perhaps with us in just a few days! Until next time,
Charlie W.
