The Adventure Trips Return!!!

07/25/2013

The Adventure Trips have returned!!!

They have journeyed far, laughed together, toiled in the sun and dirt together, and grew together. The young men and women of the Teen Adventure Trips program have triumphantly returned with stories and memories to last them a lifetime. Although we are glad to receive them back at camp, it is with heavy hearts that they left their adventures, and with even greater heartache to leave Frost Valley. It has been an honor to support our Adventurers and their leaders during the last two weeks. Some, in indefatigable adventure spirit, will stay for another session, though most will return to their homes. Those that will return to their families and friends outside of camp will carry with them a sense of pride and accomplishment that will not fade or be trumped.

The Maine Trail Builders have completed their 35 hours of community service work with the Acadia National Park Service on Mount Desert Island in Maine. Working for days with the tools of the trade (pickaxes, Pulaski’s, drills and screws, etc.), these adventurers have completed work on the trail systems throughout Acadia National Park that will last for decades. On their return journey, this group awoke at 3ish in the morning to see the sunrise from the peak of Cadillac mountain before beginning their drive back.

The Adirondack Ramblers finished their gauntlet of adventure activities, from rafting to canoeing to hiking to rock climbing. They excelled in all activities, and even took in for the night another group that had to abandon their hike because of a sprained knee. They went above and beyond, and had an amazing time in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains.

Boots and Boats, the most backcountry trip of them all, completed their journey through the true wilderness of the Adirondacks with flying colors. After backpacking for 5 days, they embarked on a 6-day canoeing trip through the serenely winding Raquette River. By the last day of their trip, it was reported that this group could pack up ALL of their gear in the morning in under 8 minutes. A stellar group, to say the least.

The Maine Coast trip fell in love with the northern coast of Maine. After rock climbing and exploring Acadia National Park on mountain bikes, the group embarked on a 4-night kayak trip to go island-hopping north of Bar Harbor. The second-to-last day, fog and wind descended on the group, cutting short this epic journey. However they were not deterred by this and hopped right back in the water the next morning. The sun burned off the fog, and a beautiful day of paddling ensued. On their return journey, this group awoke at 3ish in the morning to see the sunrise from the peak of Cadillac mountain before beginning their drive back.

The Catskills Climb and Hike conquered the Catskills and the Shawangunks in their two weeks on the trail. These campers completed every climb that their guides set for them with smiles on their faces. They then proceeded to traverse across the Catskills on their backpacking portion. Dirty, sweaty, and proud, they emerged from the woods not unscathed, but stronger for it.

Until next year, folks! There are many more life-changing experiences to be had in the future. We will see you all again soon!

Beyond the last horizons’ rim,

Beyond adventure’s final quest,

Somewhere the rise, serene and dim:

The happy, happy hills of rest.

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.