TOP Summer Programs – UPDATED
April 20, 2020
PLEASE READ: UPDATE ON TOP Summer Programs, April 16, 2020.
TOP summer programs fill up fast – enroll today to ensure your child can be a part of the adventure!
Trail Crew, June 15-19
Students must first apply and interview for a position with the TOP Trail Crew. Participants will be hired based on their previous experience, application, and interview.
Trail crew meets on campus Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Planned projects include: improving and maintaining trails in the Thetford Hill State Forest, neighboring Upper Valley Land Trust property, and TA land; developing and improving TA’s new mountain bike trail; installing signs at trail junctions; installing bog bridges through wet areas of trail; a fun hike up Mimi’s trail and a trip to Treasure Island on the ast day of the week.
Trail Crew applications are due no later than May 29th.
Compensation includes 30 hrs of community service and $25/day, $100 for the week.
Connecticut River Canoe Trip, June 22-27
The Thetford Outdoor Program is hosting a one-week canoeing trip on the Connecticut River. The first day of the program will be held on campus to prepare students for the trip and practice skills. From June 23 – June 27 participants will be on the Connecticut River, beginning the trip in Wells River and ending in White River Junction.
Along the way the group will be camping at primitive campsites, developing leadership skills, and interacting with the beautiful scenery along the paddling trail. There will be two leaders with extensive wilderness camping experience and a student intern guiding the trip.
Group equipment including tents, dry bags, canoes, paddles, and life jackets. All food will be provided. Personal equipment can be provided upon request. A complete packing list will be shared with all participants and equipment will be checked prior to departure.
There is a $350 fee for this program to cover food, permits, staffing, and equipment costs.
Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip, June 29-July 3
The Thetford Outdoor Program is hosting a one-week backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail. The first day of the program will be held on campus to help students prepare for the trip and practice skills. From June 30 – July 3 participants will be on the Appalachian Trail starting in Lyme and ending in North Woodstock, NH.
Along the way the group will be camping at primitive campsites, developing leadership skills, and interacting with the beautiful scenery along the trail. There will be a leader with extensive wilderness camping experience and a student intern guiding the trip.
Group equipment including backpacks and food will be provided. Personal equipment can be provided upon request. A complete packing list will be provided to all participants and the equipment checked prior to departure.
There is a $300 fee for this program to cover food, staffing and equipment costs.
Adirondacks Rock Climbing Trip, July 13-17
The Thetford Outdoor Program will host a one-week rock climbing trip in the Adirondack mountains. The first day of the program the group will climb at a local site in South Royalton VT. July 14-17 the group will travel to Keen Valley in the Adirondack State Park.
The group will base camp each day in Keen Valley and travel to climbing sites near by. Participants will be top rope climbing, belaying, building leadership skills and finding appropriate challenges for their climbing skills. The trip leader is trained in American Mt Guides top rope climbing instruction and wilderness first aid. There will also be an assistant instructor and potential intern.
Group equipment including climbing harnesses, climbing shoes, helmets, climbing gear and food will be provided. Personal camping equipment can be provided upon request. A complete packing list will be provided to all participants and the equipment will be checked prior to departure.
There is a $300 fee for this program to cover food, staffing and equipment costs.
Quebec Canoe Expedition, Aug 3-13
To participate in this advanced trip students must have participated in a previous TOP summer program trip and/or have demonstrated advanced wilderness camping experience.
For this adventure, the group will travel to La Verendrye Park in Quebec, Canada. All participants must have a passport or an enhanced driver’s license. Members of the group will paddle long distances, portage between waterways or around rapids, run up to class II rapids, camp at remote primitive campsites, and experience a true remote wilderness adventure. The trip leader will carry a SPOT satellite communication device and is trained in wilderness first aid.
Group equipment including tents, dry bags, canoes, paddles, life jackets, and food will be provided. Personal equipment can be provided upon request. A complete packing list will be provided to all participants and the equipment will be checked prior to departure.
There is a $725 fee for this program to cover food, permits, staffing and equipment costs.
Scholarships and Fees
Need-based scholarships are available for all trips. Any student that is eligible for free or reduced school lunch may receive a full TOP summer scholarship. If a family is not currently receiving free or reduced lunch, they must either complete the application for free school meals or provide a letter explaining financial circumstances that qualify them for a TOP summer scholarship. All efforts have been made to make all TOP summer programs financially feasible for TA students and families.
Families that have the financial means to contribute funds above the program fee can help support scholarships for those in need.
A $50 deposit is required for each paid program application.
Full tuition for all programs must be paid by June 12th.
For more information about the programs, equipment or fees please contact Scott Ellis, Thetford Outdoor Program Coordinator at [email protected].