Resting up!

The Adirondack crew is back on dry land after their kayaking fun! And these seasoned paddlers have earned a well deserved travel/rest day!

The group traveled to Eagle Point Campground today and is resting up for one of the most exciting adventures of the trip: CAVING!

Spirits are high and the group is performing as a cohesive unit as they enjoy some down time and cherish their fleeting time together!

Valcour!

The Adirondack crew started their kayaking journey on Wednesday and they couldn't be paddling in a more majestic spot!

After breaking into small groups and outfitting themselves with pfd's, spray skirts, paddles and boats, they headed out onto Lake Champlain for a morning of learning sweep strokes, boat stability, and a rousing game of sponge tag... in which the counselors were seriously soaked!

After lunch, the group learned a little about packing their dry sacks and loading up their kayaks for island camping, then forged the way to Valcour Island! The afternoon was full of crossing boat channels, hugging the coastline and surfing some waves created by the winds.

The campsite on Valcour island is an amazing spot and the group is having a blast enjoying their waterfront accommodations!

Day two of kayaking had the group circumnavigating Valcour! A full day with stops into Smuggler's Cove, races out to Garden Island and Bay swimming! Everyone's strokes are getting stronger and more natural and the breathtaking views of Vermont on one side and the Adirondack Mountains on the other make for pleasant days in the sun.

Today the group was headed to Crab Island to explore and practice T Rescues along the way! Stay tuned for more water-filled adventures and pics soon!

Out of the Woods!

... and looking great!

The team divided into two groups on Thursday and started trekking on opposite sides of GIANT mountain... one of the Adirondacks' highest and most exciting climbs.

Group A: Shannon, Alex, Sam, Adam, Maddie and Lazlo, lead by the fearless duo of Jordan and Abby, started in at Roaring Brook and enjoyed the scenic waterfalls. Continuing on, they day hiked the Giant Basin and mighty Mt. Nubble! The group made an ambitious decision to see the top of Giant Mountain at SUNRISE! After the group pow-wow, they jumped into their sleeping bags so the 1am hike start wouldn't feel too extreme! After a rewarding hike and watching the glorious sunrise... the group took a well deserve nap and headed down to Giant Lean-to.

Group B: Reece, Alyssa, Zach, David, Lloyd, Camille and Nick! Led by the hilarious Drew and Anna, the gang started at the opposite end of Giant and hiked straight into the Lean-to. The next day, their long and strenuous climb up and over Giant forged the group together as a tight-knit community, with the memories of trial conversations and sing-a-longs still resounding. After settling at Roaring Brook Falls, they enjoyed several hidden swimming holes and rallied to Day Hike Noonmark Mountain! One of the best views of the entire Adirondack State Park!

The group reunited with stories and skits around the fire, and with their backcountry adventure complete they head to Macomb Reservation this afternoon and will head out on Lake Champlain tomorrow to learn the ins and outs of sea kayaking!

Sunshine Summits!

While the rocks (and the students!) continued to dry out on Monday, the ADK crew headed out on the trail! Their first Adirondack hike was beautiful Cascade Mountain!

And since the gang couldn't get enough, yesterday found them on the top of Hurricane Mountain! One of NY's most amazing views complete with abandoned water tower!

Trail games and conversations are abounding and group bonding is in full force!

Today the group is trying their hand at climbing and headed back to camp to learn how to pack those expedition packs and review the backcountry maps!

Soggy start for ADK!

After a van ride full of games, laughs and bonding... the ADK gang rolled into Lincoln Pond Campground last night with high spirits. A beautiful spot with a fantastic view of the pond its named after!

The first night in their cozy tents didn't turn out to be as restful as expected.  Because of some epic lightening and thunder... we gathered the kids in the vans mid slumber as per mountain storm protocol. An exciting first night to say the least!

The rain made for some slippery rocks this morning, so the crew headed to an indoor climbing gym in Lake Placid to hone some new climbing skills, and with the sun peeking out this afternoon, they're headed off for a day hike of Cascade Mountain!