Teen Adventure Trips
Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Northeast’s most beautiful areas! Teen Adventure Trips for campers ages 14–17 focus on developing a love of the outdoors, but each trip takes a unique approach. A wide variety of trip options accommodate many interests and levels of outdoor experience.
Trips begin with a half-day of team building and orientation. Groups then travel to amazing locations throughout the Northeast. Along the way, campers participate in outdoor adventures, learn the basics of Leave No Trace camping and trekking, and meet with conservation professionals to participate in environmental study or service.
Groups are small and co-ed, with two leaders and 6–10 teens. Participants practice hands-on skills in conservation and outdoor living and develop knowledge of the region's natural history.
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Wildwood Camp's Teen Adventure Trip "New England's High Peaks", Cadillac Mountain, Maine -
Backpacking the Wild Whites, a Wildwood Teen Adventure Trip -
Wildwood Teen Trek -
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"My 14-year-old son described his Teen Adventure Trip as one of the best weeks of his entire life...and cannot wait to go on another trip next year."
Service Projects
During some trips, campers will participate in an environmental service project focused on a habitat explored during their trip. Campers gain knowledge needed to identify environmental issues, as well as skills needed to correct them. We are happy to document volunteer service hours as requested.
Past service projects have included:
- Trail clean-up
- Removing invasive plants
- Preparing enclosures for rescued wildlife
- Seining fish for an ongoing scientific study
Program Details
Sleeping Arrangements
Camper families will receive detailed itineraries and a packing list by email several weeks before their trips. Typically, first and last nights are spent at Wildwood Camp in Rindge, NH, but In 2024, while Wildwood's overnight camp is closed, all Teen Adventure Trips will be operated out of Mass Audubon's Blue Hills Nature Camp in Milton, MA; drop-off and pick-up will take place there at the beginning and end of each trip.
Campers can expect to stay at state or national parks, public and private campgrounds, and Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries.
One-week trips stay at the same campsite for one or more nights and go on day hikes and field trips from the campsite. Some one-week trips include a backpacking or paddling overnight, and this will be listed on the itinerary. Longer trips may include campers traveling under their own power, hiking or paddling from one campsite to the next.
Campers share tents with other same-gender campers. Most campsite locations have toilet facilities; when they do not, campers will have the opportunity to learn to dig and use a “cat hole” as recommended by Leave No Trace wilderness ethics.
Shower facilities are available before the group leaves Wildwood and immediately after the trip returns to Wildwood, and they may be available during some trips.
Meals & Snacks
Campers enjoy nourishing food cooked on a camp stove or over a campfire. Campers participate fully in preparation, cooking, and clean up.
- Breakfast may include hot or cold cereal, bagels and cream cheese, egg burritos, pancakes, fruit, juice, or hot cocoa.
- Lunch is generally prepared and packed in the morning and may include items like sandwiches, pita pockets, cheese and crackers, fruit, or vegetables and hummus.
- Dinner is generally a hot meal and may include soup, pasta, tacos, burritos, baked potatoes, or pizza.
Special Diets & Food Allergies
Vegetarians/vegans can be accommodated. Please thoroughly explain any special food needs on the camp health form and contact the program director at least four weeks prior to your camper’s trip to discuss food needs.
Transportation & Luggage
Campers will be transported in passenger vans, driven by qualified staff members that are 20 years of age or older. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Campers may not bring personal vehicles to camp or use them for transportation during trips.
Luggage space is limited. Each camper is asked to bring no more than one soft-sided carry-on sized bag and a sleeping bag in a stuff sack. Campers may also bring small bags or backpacks to hold on their laps or put at their feet while traveling.
NOTE: In 2024, while Wildwood's overnight camp is closed, all Teen Adventure Trips will be operated out of Mass Audubon's Blue Hills Nature Camp in Milton, MA; drop-off and pick-up will take place there at the beginning and end of each trip.
Health Care
Trip leaders have Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and other appropriate certifications. Campers will be screened by the camp nurse before leaving on a trip; the camp nurse will brief the trip leaders regarding campers’ medical needs.
Any medications must be given to trip leaders at check-in and will be kept and administered by the trip leaders. Campers may carry their own asthma inhalers or epinephrine auto-injectors when the prescriber’s permission is given on the Record of Physical Exam and Health Care Provider Recommendations.
The program director or camp nurse will contact a parent/guardian if a camper requires emergency health care. If a camper needs to leave the trip early for medical reasons, staff will assist the camper’s parent/guardian in arranging transportation.
Upcoming Teen Adventure Trips
Note: all Teen Adventure Trips in 2024 will begin and end at Mass Audubon's Blue Hills Nature Camp in Milton, MA.
One-week Trips in 2024
These treks are appropriate for teens with all levels of outdoor experience and good physical fitness.
Explore the Appalachian Trail
June 30–July 5
This trip is fully enrolled for 2024. Please contact us or call the office at 603-899-5589 to be added to the waitlist.
Set off on one of the world’s most famous footpaths as we explore the Taconic range during this beginner backpacking trip. Trek over rugged mountains that dominate the skyline of western Massachusetts and absorb stunning views of the Housatonic Valley, the Berkshires, and the Catskills. Take advantage of the endless opportunities for personal growth and meaningful time in nature with friends.
This itinerary includes four days and three nights of backpacking. Participants can expect to carry an internal frame pack weighing 35–45 pounds while traveling up to eight miles per day.
Bike & Beach: Southern New England
July 7–12
Explore the stunning beaches of southern New England on this trip to Connecticut and Rhode Island. Each day we’ll visit the beaches of state parks and nature refuges as we travel the southern New England coastline by bike and boat. From sailing aboard a schooner on Long Island Sound to a bike tour of the natural areas of Westport, this trip is sure to deliver great summer memories.
This itinerary includes cycling; participants should already be comfortable on a bicycle.
Backpacking the Wild Whites
July 14–19
Hike across beautiful ridgelines and valleys in the White Mountains’ Pemigewasset Wilderness. On this challenging backpacking trip, we’ll summit several of New Hampshire’s famed 4,000-foot peaks and take in some of the best views New England has to offer.
This itinerary includes 30 miles of backpacking over approximately four days, hiking up to 10 miles per day. This challenging backpacking trip is appropriate for those with prior backpacking experience or beginners with significant camping and hiking experience and good physical fitness. It is important to have proper hiking boots that have already been broken in.
Bike & Beach: Cape Cod
July 14–19
Visit some of New England’s premier coastal destinations on this trip to Cape Cod. We’ll kayak in Barnstable Bay, explore the beaches and dunes of the Cape, and meet up with Mass Audubon naturalists to participate in hands-on conservation science. Next, we’ll travel to Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to discover its marshes, beaches, and woodlands. The trip will conclude with a bike ride through the famous Province Lands Trails on the Cape Cod National Seashore and a relaxing afternoon at the beach.
This itinerary includes cycling; participants should already be comfortable on a bicycle.
Acadia Adventure
July 21–26
This trip is fully enrolled for 2024. Please contact us or call the office at 603-899-5589 to be added to the waitlist.
Breathe in the excitement of Maine’s Acadia National Park and enjoy spectacular coastal views. We’ll hike along the granite slopes of Cadillac Mountain and bike Bar Harbor’s famous carriage roads. Watch for whales, seals, eagles, and other wildlife while kayaking along coves and rocky shores. Spend the afternoon at one of the park’s scenic beaches and share stories of your adventures around a cozy campfire.
This itinerary includes cycling; participants should be comfortable on a bicycle.
Rockin' the Whites
July 21–26
Have the time of your life on this rock climbing and hiking adventure in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. We’ll spend the week learning the ropes with professional climbing guides and explore some world-class climbing destinations in and around the White Mountain National Forest. Between climbs we'll explore the natural and human history of Franconia Notch, and enjoy stunning scenery as we hike and camp in Franconia Notch.
This intermediate-level climbing trek includes hiking up to 5 miles per day on trails that may have steep grades and mild exposure; terrain will be rocky and uneven. We will be climbing vertical rock faces. No experience is necessary, but participants should be in good physical condition and ready to face any fear of heights.
Maine Coast Kayaking
July 28–August 2
Venture out to sea to explore the scenic coves and bays of the Maine coast with professional sea kayaking guides. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including seals, puffins, and maybe even a whale as we paddle to our island campsite. Learn the basics of kayaking and Leave No Trace camping as we travel the high seas and scenic beaches. Wrap up each day with a relaxing evening around the campfire with friends for an unforgettable adventure.
Paddling Vermont's Waterways
August 4–9
Explore the glacier-carved lowlands of the Vermont Piedmont afloat and afoot on this beginner canoe trek. We’ll begin with an afternoon of professional paddling instruction before loading up our kayaks for a two-day float downriver to develop our Leave No Trace wilderness ethic and build outdoor skills. Once we’ve experienced the river valley by boat, we’ll strike out on foot to explore some of the ridges and peaks that surround it.
Ten-day Trips in 2024
This in-depth adventure is designed for campers looking for a more advanced wilderness trekking program. It requires a high level of physical fitness and are recommended for teens entering grades 10–12 with previous adventure-trip experience.
Vermont's Long Trail
July 28–August 6
Gear up for ten days of adventure along the ridge of Vermont’s Green Mountains on this inspiring trek. The Long Trail is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the country and traverses some of Vermont’s highest peaks, offering breathtaking vistas along the way. Guided by experienced trek leaders, the journey begins just north of Killington Peak and finishes at Mad Tom's Notch just north of Bromley Mountain. While crossing through remote areas, teens will have the opportunity to learn and practice Leave No Trace camping skills and fortify their confidence to thrive in the backcountry. Join us for ten great days exploring the natural wonders of Vermont’s famous footpath through the wilderness and make friendships that will last a lifetime.
This itinerary includes hiking over 40 miles of backcountry terrain with an internal-frame backpack weighing up to 40 pounds while travelling up to 10 miles per day. It is important to have proper hiking boots that have already been broken in.