Registration Open for TOP Summer Leadership Adventures
January 26, 2026
TA’s Thetford Outdoor Program is excited for another summer of immersive outdoor leadership adventures in 2026! Registration opened Monday, January 26, with a slate of exciting outdoor experiences, including multi-day backpacking and canoeing trips, as well as on-campus programs like trail crew and garden camp.
TOP Summer Leadership programs are open to all TA students in grades 7-12, and to students from our sending schools across the Upper Valley. Students who have participated in past TOP Summer Leadership programs are encouraged to apply for TOP Summer internships (grades 9-12).
Space is limited in our summer programs and we encourage interested families to register now to secure your student’s spot. Scholarships available.
CONNECTICUT RIVER CANOE TRIP June 15-19, 2026.
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. There is a $450 fee for this program to cover food, permits, staffing, and equipment costs.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL BACKPACKING June 22-26, 2026.
Students explore the Appalachian Trail on a week long backpacking trip. The first day of the program will be at TA to prepare for the trip and practice skills. June 23-26th, 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 this amazing trail. There is a $450 fee for this program to cover food, permits, staffing, and equipment costs.
GARDEN CAMP July 13-17, 2026.
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 and cooking 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 2026, we will be hiring interns for trail crew, the CT River canoe trip, the Backpacking trip, garden apprentice and garden camp. Students who are currently in 9th-12th grade are eligible to apply.