From the mountains to the ocean

Campers peaked mountains, kayaked on the Atlantic Ocean, slid down rock slides, and challenged themselves on a trail running trip...all in week one of Camp!

Newfound and Owatonna’s youngest campers went on a day trip to Step Falls, a beautiful spot nestled in the woods after a half mile hike. They slid down natural rock slides into shallow spring-fed pools and enjoyed the warmth of the early summer sun. Newfound girls had two opportunities to climb Mt. Pleasant: either by running up it or by hiking it! And Owatonna’s Braves division climbed it also, ascending by a different route. Each group enjoyed challenging themselves and the beautiful views from the summit.

Newfound’s CITs climbed New Hampshire's Mt. Chocorua and Owatonna’s Chiefs tackled Old Speck Mountain—a 6.6 mile hike with a fire tower at the top to make the views even more impressive. And to round out the week of day trips, many of Owatonna’s Warriors kayaked in Portland’s harbor out to Fort Gorges, where they explored a Civil War-era fort that is only accessible by boat. The headwind on the way out to Hog Island Ledge gave them a bit of a test, but the sun was shining and exploring the bunkers was an excellent reward at the end of their paddle.

Many more trips are planned for the rest of the session, and our trippers can’t wait to continue to explore the mountains, lakes, rivers, and ocean with our campers.