TOP to Offer Outdoor Opportunities this Summer
May 12, 2019
The Thetford Outdoor Program (TOP) is offering three amazing outdoor opportunities this summer.
Trail Crew, June 17 – 21
The summer Trail Crew maintains and builds trails on Thetford Academy’s 295 acres of woodlands and surrounding forests. A paid work opportunity and a great experience for students to add to their resume, Trail Crew is open to TA students who will be in the 9th– 12th grades in 2019-20.
Planned projects for this summer include improving existing trails, developing a potential mountain biking trail, installing signs at trail junctions, building bog bridges through wet areas of the trails, and taking a fun hike up Mimi’s trail and a trip to Treasure Island on the last day of the week.
Compensation includes credit for 30 hours of community service and $25 per workday for a total of $100 for the week. To participate, students must apply for the program.
Connecticut River Canoe Expedition, June 23 – 29
Open to all TA students, the Connecticut River trip will begin at the Wells River and end at the White River. The first day of the program will be at TA to prepare for the trip and practice skills. Once the trip gets underway on June 24, the group will be camping at primitive campsites, developing leadership skills, and interacting with the beautiful scenery along this amazing paddling trail.
There is a $250 fee for this trip to cover the cost of equipment, food, and staffing. Need-based scholarships are available. Two adult leaders with extensive wilderness camping experience will guide the trip, along with a student intern.
Group equipment including tents, canoes, paddles, life jackets, and food will be provided. Personal equipment can be provided upon request.
Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip, July 8 – 12
Open to all TA students, the Appalachian Trail adventure will start in Lyme and end near North Woodstock, NH. The first day of the program will be at TA to prepare for the trip and practice skills. Once the trip gets underway on July 9, the group will be camping at primitive campsites, developing leadership skills, and interacting with the beautiful scenery along this historic hiking trail.
There is a $150 fee for this trip to cover the cost of equipment, food, and staffing. Need-based scholarships are available. Two adult leaders with extensive wilderness camping experience will guide the trip.
Group equipment and food will be provided. Personal equipment can be provided upon request.
Application forms and permission slips for each of these activities may be picked up at the front office, on the TOP bulletin board, or from Scott Ellis. Completed forms may be submitted to the front office or directly to Scott Ellis. For more information about the trips or to receive digital forms please email [email protected].
Finally, the Upper Valley Trails Alliance is offering a High School Trail Corps this summer for Upper Valley students. Information and an application may be found at www.uvtrails.org.
—Scott Ellis, Thetford Outdoor Program (TOP) Coordinator