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 spring and open to all TA students in grades 7-12.

TOP Summer Leadership opportunities have included canoeing on the Connecticut River and the wilds of Quebec, backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, rock climbing in the Adirondacks, and, right here on campus, a student trail crew that works each year to help develop and maintain Thetford Academy’s extensive trail systems.

Trail Crew

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, Upper Valley Land Trust property, and on TA’s vast, 295-acre forested campus.

Students build bog bridges, install signs, maintain, improve, and develop current trails–including TA’s new mountain bike trail. The crew meets Monday- Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with four days of work and one day team activity or hike. Students are compensated $100 for the week.

Connecticut River Canoe Trip

TOP hosts two week-long canoe trips on the Connecticut River each year. Students start on campus, getting prepared and practicing skills. From there, the group travels to Wells River, VT to begin a four-day paddling adventure to White River Junction. Along the way, students will camp at primitive campsites, develop leadership skills, and learn about natural world along the paddling trail.

Group equipment including tents, dry bags, canoes, paddles, life jackets and food are included and personal equipment can be loaned upon request. A complete packing list is provided to all participants and equipment checked prior to departure.

There is a $350 fee for this program to cover food, permits, staffing and equipment costs.

Appalachian Trail Backpacking

Students will explore the Appalachian Trail on this four-day backpacking trip. Starting on campus with a day of trip preparation and skill building, students will learn how to hike safely in a wilderness setting. The trip will start on the Appalachian Trail in Lyme, NH and end in North Woodstock NH. Along the way, students will camp at primitive campsites, develop leadership skills, and learn about the forest ecosystem.

Group equipment including backpacks and food are included and personal equipment can be loaned 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.

Upcoming Events

September 2021

Friday September 17

11:05 am – 11:55 am: Power Hour - Clubs & Activities

Recurs weekly

Saturday September 18

11:00 am – 1:00 pm: V Girls Soccer AWAY
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm: V Boys Soccer AWAY

Sunday September 19

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Fall Welcome Barbecue for International Students

Monday September 20

11:05 am – 11:55 am: Power Hour - Advisory & Lunch

Recurs weekly

Tuesday September 21

11:05 am – 11:55 am: Power Hour - Advisory & Lunch

Recurs weekly
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm: V Girls Soccer HOME

Wednesday September 22

11:05 am – 11:55 am: Power Hour - Assembly

Recurs weekly
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm: V Boys Soccer HOME

Thursday September 23

11:05 am – 11:55 am: Power Hour - Office Hours

Recurs weekly
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm: V Girls Soccer AWAY

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 carried perspectives to a rich and flexible school culture.