And They’re Back!

08/07/2013

The Adventure Village Mini-Trips have returned!! With smiles as big as their sense of accomplishment, our young men and women have arrived back at Frost Valley after four days of true adventure. Blessed with some of the best weather we’ve had this summer the campers got their hands dirty in the wild backcountry, down rushing rivers, and on imposing rock faces. Though tired, wet, dirty, sweaty, and sore, these hardships they endured on-trail were insignificant trifles to the campers of Advill — nothing nature threw their way would dampen the pride they gained and the revelry they experienced.

The Adirondack Backpacking trip – entirely young men – bonded amongst the steep and forbidding mountains at the heart of the Adirondacks. But nothing would stand in their way, and they completed their daily hikes quickly and efficiently, arriving at camp early every day. More miles may be in order next time!

The Catskills hike enjoyed bushwhacking through the mountains, arriving at Frost Valley’s Farm Camp their second day on-trail. They connected with our brothers and sisters on the other side of Wildcat mountain, spending the day with the animals of the farm and picking fresh food straight from the garden. Moving on, they travelled up a creek, over a mountain, up a scenic fire-tower, and finally, a day later, arrived at a large wooden pavilion with a commanding and majestic view of the Catskills.

The Canoeing group on the East Branch of the Delaware River flew far and fast along the waterway, accidentally shooting past their second-night campsite! Pitching their tents near the take-out, this group enjoyed a leisurely next morning playing by the river and joking about how quickly they had reached their goal. Still, the previous day’s miles added up, and they were tired from their journey nonetheless.

The Climbing trip enjoyed a plethora of climbs, shooting up the rock faces of the Shawangunks with eagerness. Everybody was able to challenge themselves, as climbs of all difficulties were made available to the young climbers. With sun and mild temperatures, the weather was perfect for giving the cliffs everything they could! On the last day, their forearms were quite sore, though not sore enough to prevent them from holding big ice-cream cones!

The Adirondack Canoeing trip enjoyed pond-hopping (pond in name, though these bodies of water are easily lake-sized) in the Rollins Pond area of the Adirondacks. Enjoying amazing views and experiencing the deep wilderness of the ‘Dacks, this group learned how to portage canoes over land to find the even more remote ponds beyond. For 4 days this group explored, experiencing the wild environment of the north woods.

Now back safe and sound, the young men and women of Adventure Village have lived fully, learned about themselves and their peers, and discovered the beauty and majesty of life in the woods. The memories and experiences of these trips will be carried with our campers for many, many years to come. Now, back in the village, they will pass the night in deep and pleasant sleep.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Zach eigenbrodt

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Zach couldn't keep himself out of the woods when growing up. He started working at a Northern Wisconsin YMCA Camp as a wilderness trip leader while in college and fell in love with getting kids into nature. The smiles on kids faces after returning from a once in a life time wilderness experience is why he is here today. Zach brought his talents to Frost Valley YMCA, in 2014, when he started as the Trips Coordinator and soon was promoted to Adventure Director. Zach loves all forms of Wilderness exploration, though some would say his heart lies most with canoeing.