TOP Campout at TA Yurt: Jan. 25-26
January 09, 2019
The Thetford Outdoor Program is hosting a campout for 7th to 9th graders at Thetford Academy’s yurt in the Thetford Hill State Park on Friday, Jan. 25, to Saturday, Jan, 26. The group will meet after school (at 3 p.m.) on Friday in Scott Ellis’s classroom and then hike up to the yurt for the night. The group will return to campus for pickup at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Students should be prepared to be outside. They should wear layers of non-cotton clothing and winter boots, and bring extra warm layers, a backpack, water bottle, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and personal items. Dinner, breakfast, and snacks will be provided at no cost. Camping supplies can be provided upon request for students who do not have them.
The yurt is heated by a wood stove, so everyone will stay nice and warm throughout the night. The group will explore and play games outside, so students should bring their best winter clothing. It is about a 20-minute hike to the yurt. All equipment and belongings will be carried or pulled up in a sled, so it is important for students to bring only what they need. Extra belongings may be stored in the classroom.
In the event of bad weather, the trip may be cancelled. The decision to cancel will be made by 12 noon the day before the trip and all participants will be contacted in this situation.
To sign up, 7th to 9th grade students may fill out this permission form or see Scott Ellis or Rose Dedam for a hard copy of the form.
Parents with children who have specific dietary or medical concerns should contact Scott Ellis in advance.
In addition to the yurt campout, in the upcoming months the following overnight and day trips will be offered:
- Winter hike, Feb 2
- Strafford Cross country ski, March 2
- Backpacking trip, April 27-28
- Canoe lake Fairlee, May 18
The mission of the Thetford Outdoor Program is to ignite academic curiosity and foster environmental stewardship through outdoor exploration, recreation, and project-based, experiential learning.