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 for summer 2025 include Advanced Canoe trip to Quebec, Vermont Adventure, Garden Camp, GLOW Canoe Trip (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 TOP Summer Leadership programs for the 2025 season is officially open. Spaces are limited and we will accept registrations on a first come, first serve basis. If you have questions please email [email protected].

Advanced Canoe Trip to La Verendrye Park, Quebec, CA

July 23 – August 4, 2025

This is an advanced trip for students who have participated in past TOP summer Leadership programs. The group will travel to La Verendrye park in Quebec Canada and paddle over 150 km through remote wilderness areas. Students must apply to join this trip.

Full tuition for this trip is $1,250.

The trip is currently full and has a waitlist.

GLOW Canoe Trip

June 16 – 20, 2025

GLOW (Girls, Ladies, or Whoever) is for all students who identify as girls, young ladies, or women always or sometimes. 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, explore the role of gender in the outdoors and learn about the natural world.

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

Vermont Adventure

June 23-27, 2025

This trip is designed specifically for students who are new to TOP summer leadership programs as an introductory outdoor leadership program. The group will base their experience at the TA yurt. Over five days, students will hike on the Appalachian Trail, rock climb in South Royalton, work on a service project and then travel to the Connecticut River for a canoe camping overnight. On this trip, students will develop leadership skills, and learn about the natural world while exploring the forest, cliff and river ecosystems.

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

Garden Camp

July 14 – 18, 2025

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.

Trail Crew

June 16 – 20, 2025

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.

Apply Today!

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 2025, we will be hiring interns for trail crew, the GLOW Connecticut River canoe trip, the Vermont Adventure trip, and garden camp. Students who are currently in 9th-12th grade are eligible to apply.

Apply Today!

Scholarship Fund

Give the gift of an outdoor adventure. Your contribution to the TOP Summer Leadership scholarship fund allows families with limited financial means to participate in our summer programs.

Donate Today!

Upcoming Events

February 2025

Thursday February 6

4:00 pm – 6:30 pm: Postponed — MS Girls/Boys Basketball vs First Branch (4:00/5:15)
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Postponed — Girls JV/V Basketball @ Spaulding (5:30/7:00)

Friday February 7

All Day: Founders' Day - Prep Day
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Founders' Night

Saturday February 8

All Day: HS Debate Tournament @ CVU; MS Debate Championship @ CVU
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Boys JV/V Basketball vs Lyndon (10:00/11:30)

Monday February 10

All Day: Founders' Day
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm: College Process for Juniors, Part II - Admissions Panel (VIRTUAL))

Tuesday February 11

5:00 pm – 7:30 pm: MS Girls/Boys Basketball @ Hartford (5/6:15)
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Girls V Basketball @ Randolph (6:00)
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Girls JV Basketball @ St Johnsbury

Wednesday February 12

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Boys JV/V Basketball vs Lamoille (5:30/7:00)

our VALUES

Excellence

We set high expectations. We challenge all members of the school community to reach their highest potential.

Commitment

We value initiative, courage and dedication. We take personal responsibility for the goals we set and work hard to achieve them.

Cooperation

We work and learn together. We see teachers as coaches, students as team members, families as partners, and learning as practice and action.

Caring

We provide individuals with personalized support and guidance. We care about each other and the larger community.

Diversity

We respect differences among people. We welcome the contribution of varied perspectives to a rich and flexible school culture.