We are so excited, this year we have a new, improved version of our fourteenth annual Mt. Mansfield Backpack Adventure! This amazing trip is always a summer highlight. Campers will have tons of fun as we circumnavigate Vermont's highest peak on a fully supported backpacking adventure, from our base camp at beautiful Underhill State Park.

   This trip is very fun and rewarding, and challenging but achieveable. Overnight gear will be transported to the campsite so campers only need to carry their own food and water for the day in a day pack.

    Our first day ascent is typically via the Hazelton Trail, we cross the summit ridge by the Nose, and descend to Underhill on Halfway House trail. The second day is a blast, we get to explore the back side of Mansfield, including all the best trails like Rock Garden and Wampahoofus. On the third day, we're homeward bound via Sunset Ridge and Long Trail North. The feeling of accomplishment is incredible at the end of the trip, when kids look back on all we did.

   In the evenings, we will have time for games, cards, and s'mores by the campfire. We will be camping in lean-tos on this trip, no tents needed, but campers are required to provide some of their own camping gear (see list below). Previous hiking experience is highly encouraged.

    New this year, we are offering this trip as an option of one night or two nights. The one night option is available to campers who are registered for day camp for the week, and will be Tuesday morning to Wednesday afternoon. The Two Night option is open to any campers, with or without day camp registration.

   Brand new for this summer, our newest innovation is sure to be an instant classic! This trip combines all of our favorite Rugged activities into one amazing trip: the Elmore Trifecta!

   On day one, we'll summit Mt. Elmore and check out the famous fire tower at the top. Then it's back down to camp at Elmore State Park where we'll stay in comfortable lean-tos and enjoy all the beautiful park amenities.

   Day two offers a choice of biking adventures, either a gravel jaunt on the Lamoille Rail Trail, or an advanced mountain bike mission out of Michy's bag of tricks. Get ready to test your limits on this one!

   The third and final day will be everyone's favorite, featuring swimming, stand up paddle boarding, and tubing on Lake Elmore. Best day ever!

   As with our other trips may bring tents but they are not required. In addition to the packing list below, campers need to bring their own mountain bike and helmet.

Elmore Trifecta: July 21 - 23, 2026

Logistics for All Overnights

- Campers must be at least 8 years old.

  Maximum age for overnights is 13.

- Drop-off and pick-up at Mt. Mansfield

Academy, Academic Campus (65 Academy

Way, Stowe)

- Drop-off at 9 AM on Tuesday morning

- Pick-up at 4 PM on Thursday afternoon

- All food is included, but campers may bring

their own snacks if they are so inclined.

- Trip participants may add day camp for

Monday and Friday for an additional $200.

Packing List for All Overnights

-   Camelbak type day pack to carry water/snacks.   Must fit comfortably and have room for food. Required for all trips, including backpack trip.

-   Sleeping bag.

-   Sleeping pad.

-   Pillow. For backpacking trip, bring only lightweight inflatables. Standard bedroom pillows are fine for other trips.

-   Shoes. Sneakers are generally ok. Waterproof boots are great for the backpack trip. Shoes must fit well and be well broken in.

-   Day time clothes. T-shirt and shorts are usually fine.

-   Warm clothes for nights. Long underwear and fleece. Nights can be very cold!

-   Comfortable camp shoes for nights. Flip-flops, Crocs, or similar.

-   Clean socks and underwear for each day.

-   Bathing suit and towel (not needed for backpack).

-   Small plastic plate or bowl and a sturdy fork.

-   Flashlight or headlamp.

-   Sunscreen and Bug Spray.

-   Toiletries (travel-size).

-   Rain gear.

-   Hats (winter and summer). Again, nights are cold!

-   Book/Journal. Optional.

-   PLEASE NO ELECTRONICS, INCLUDING PHONES AND SMART WATCHES!

Waterbury Reservoir Adventure: August 4 - 6, 2026

    Back again for a third amazing year, we are so excited to continue the tradition of the Waterbury Reservoir Adventure! This trip is three days paddling, exploring, and tubing at Waterbury Reservoir, with camping at gorgeous Little River State Park, right in the heart of all the action.

   The first and second days will consist of paddling around the reservoir in our canoes. We'll make stops at famous landmarks like Elephant Rock, and spend lots of time jumping, swimming, and fishing, the Rez has it all!

    The final day will be action packed with everyone's favorite: tubing! This is always a highlight of the trip, and most camper's best memory.

    Campers are required to provide some of their own camping gear (see packing list below). We will be camping in lean-tos on this trip, campers may bring tents if they'd like, but tents are not required. Paddling experience is helpful, but not required.

Mt. Mansfield Backpack Adventure: July 14 - 16, 2026

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   We offer several different overnight wilderness trips featuring action-packed days, and peaceful nights camping at Vermont State Parks. All our trips build confidence, instill lasting memories, and forge lifelong friendships. Each overnight is built around a different group of activities, and all are great first experiences away from home. Designed for ages 8 - 13.

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