Our Trips Program

Trips are a highlight of each Camp session. Newfound and Owatonna are perfectly located to take full advantage of the Maine coast, surrounding rivers and lakes, the Appalachian Trail, and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Campers choose three-day/two-night trips that feature backpacking, sea-kayaking, rock climbing, sailing, biking, canoeing, and hiking. Every camper, youngest to oldest, goes out on a trip. Our youngest campers camp out in the woods on our own property and take nearby day hikes or explore the rocky Maine coastline. Our CITs participate on a 5-day full wilderness adventure. Without a doubt, trips inspire tremendous spiritual growth in campers and counselors, alike. Camp trips enable each camper to be challenged, to work in a group for the group, to be adventurous outside of one's comfort zone, and to experience our natural world. Campers learn to plan meals, assist with packing the food as well as personal belongings, carry a day pack of gear, and participate in the clean-up at the end of the trip. Campers help prepare the camp site, pitch tents, build a fire, cook and clean up without leaving any "trace" behind them.

Trip leaders are well-trained, certified members of our staff. Each tripper is accompanied by at least one cabin counselor, retaining the camper : staff ratio of 5:1. The trip leaders teach basic camping skills, including compass navigation, how to pack and carry a backpack, portage a canoe, build and tend a fire, and cook over a camp stove. They also teach low-impact camping techniques, which build an appreciation and respect for our natural surroundings.If nothing else, campers who start out a bit intimidated by the idea of camping outdoors are easily convinced of the merits of hot chocolate or s'mores around a campfire!