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TOP Summer Leadership Program

Home > Academics  > Thetford Outdoor Program > TOP Summer Leadership Program

Each summer, the Thetford Outdoor Program offers several opportunities for Thetford Academy students to have immersive outdoor leadership experiences and adventures. TOP Summer Leadership programs are announced each winter and open to all TA students in grades 7-12, and to students from our sending schools in the Upper Valley.

TOP Summer Leadership opportunities include canoeing on the Connecticut River, rock climbing in the Adirondacks, Garden Camp, GLOW Outdoor Adventures (for students who identify as girls, young ladies, or women always or sometimes), and right here on campus, a student Trail Crew that works each year to help develop and maintain Thetford Academy’s extensive trail systems.

Each summer, TOP also hires student interns to help support our summer programs. This is a great opportunity for students who have participated in past TOP summer programs to advance their leadership skills and build valuable work experience.

Registration for summer 2024 is now closed.

Advanced Canoe Trip to La Verendrye Park, Quebec, CA

July 23 – August 4, 2025

TA is excited to offer the Advanced Canoe Trip to La Verendrye Park in Quebec, Canada again this summer. This is an expedition to a truly wild and remote wilderness and an experience of a lifetime.

Paddling around 16 kilometers each day and be portaging (carrying the canoes and equipment) multiple times each day, this is a physically demanding trip. It is critical that all participants are in good physical shape, well prepared and aware of what the trip will entail. The group will meet a handful of times before departing to prepare and train for this experience. TA will provide all the meals and group equipment. Participants may need to purchase some personal clothing and equipment.

Due to the advanced nature of this trip, students must have experience on past TOP summer trips or equal experience on other trips and complete an online application.

Full tuition for this trip is $1,250.

More info:
La Verendrye Park’s Website
Video of last year’s trip

Applications for this expedition are now open.

Spots are limited and we will accept qualified applications on a first come first serve basis. If a student’s application is accepted, registration materials including payment information will be sent to you.

All efforts are made to keep the cost as low as possible. Thetford Academy offers need-based financial aid to students who wish to attend. Participants are also encouraged to run a fundraiser to help cover tuition costs.

 

Trail Crew

Dates TBA

This week-long work experience engages students in all aspects of trail maintenance and development. Students will work building and improving trail networks in the Thetford Hill State Forest, and on TA’s vast, 295-acre forested campus. The crew meets Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with four days of work and one-day team activity and hike. Students must be entering 9th grade and complete an application and interview to be accepted into the trail crew.

Students are compensated $100 for the week.

Connecticut River Canoe Trip

Dates TBA

Students will spend a week paddling a local section of the Connecticut River. Along the way, they will camp at primitive campsites, develop paddling and leadership skills, and learn about the natural world.

GLOW (GIRLS, LADIES, OR WHOEVER) Outdoor Adventure

Dates TBA

GLOW (Girls, Ladies, or Whomever) is an exciting outdoor adventure that serves as an affinity space for all students who identify as female and/or non-binary. Participants will go canoe camping, rock climbing, hiking, and more. This is an opportunity to develop leadership skills and confidence in the outdoors while having fun in a safe and inclusive environment.

There is a $400 fee for this program to cover food, staffing, and equipment costs. Scholarships available. 

Rock Climbing in the Adirondacks

Dates TBA

Students will travel to Keene Valley in the Adirondacks and base camp at a local site. Each day the group will travel to different climbing sites and participate in top rope climbing. Along the way students will develop leadership skills, rock climbing and belaying techniques and learn about the unique geology of the Adirondacks. 

There is a $450 fee for this program to cover food, staffing, and equipment costs.

Garden Camp

Dates TBA

Enjoy the great outdoors by way of TA’s school garden and the agricultural resources of the greater Upper Valley. Students will spend time working and learning in the garden at TA, with afternoon garden-inspired crafts, activities, and local field trips.

There is a $250 fee for this program to cover materials and staffing costs. 

TOP Summer Internships

Each summer, TOP hires student interns to help support our summer programs. This is a great opportunity for students who have participated in past TOP summer programs to advance their leadership skills and build valuable work experience. In 2024, we will be hiring interns for trail crew, the Connecticut River canoe trip, the rock climbing trip, the GLOW adventure, and garden camp. Students who are currently in 9th-12th grade are eligible to apply.

Recent TA News
Upcoming Events

November 2024

Thursday November 21

8:40 am – 11:05 am
Crucible dress rehearsal performance

Friday November 22

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
'The Crucible' performance

Saturday November 23

All Day
Craft Fair - TA Alumni Association
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
'The Crucible' performance
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
'The Crucible' performance

Sunday November 24

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
'The Crucible' performance

Tuesday November 26

11:00 am – 12:00 pm
All-School Thanksgiving Meal

Wednesday November 27 – Friday November 29

No School ~ Thanksgiving Holiday

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