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 include canoeing on the Connecticut River, backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, Garden Camp, GLOW (for students who identify as girls, young ladies, or women always or sometimes) outdoor adventures, and, right here on campus, a student trail crew that works each year to help develop and maintain Thetford Academy’s extensive trail systems. For Summer 2023, we are excited to announce our newest program, Vermont Adventure.

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 2023 season is officially closed at this time. If you have questions or want to see if a last minute spot is available please email [email protected].

Trail Crew

June 12 – 16, 2023

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. 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

June 18-23, 2023

Students will spend a week paddling a section of the Upper Connecticut River. Along the way, students will camp at primitive campsites, develop paddling and leadership skills, and learn about the natural world.

There is a $400 fee for this program to cover food, permits, staffing, and equipment costs.

GLOW (GIRLS, LADIES, OR WHOEVER) Outdoor Adventure

June 26 – June 30, 2023

This trip is for all students who identify as girls, young ladies, or women always or sometimes. With a basecamp at TA’s yurt, students will take day trips to explore local trails, rock climb, and complete a service project. The trip will end with an overnight canoe camp on the Connecticut. Students will develop leadership skills, explore the role of gender in the outdoors, and learn about the natural world.

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

AT Backpacking

July 10-14, 2023

Hike 30 miles along the Appalachian Trail over three major mountains. Students will learn backpacking best-practices while having fun, building skills, and exploring mountain ecology.

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

Vermont Adventure

July 17-21, 2023

This multi-experience adventure introduces students to all VT has to offer. Students will go rock-climbing, hiking, and canoeing, and learn about trail building and maintenance in a safe and supportive environment.

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

Garden Camp

July 24-28, 2023

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.

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 2023, we will be hiring an intern for trail crew, the Connecticut River canoe trip, the AT backpacking trip, the GLOW adventure, Vermont adventure, and garden camp. Students who are currently in 9th-12th grade are eligible to apply.

Upcoming Events

October 2023

Monday October 2

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm: VB Golf @ CC of Barre
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: MS Soccer vs Lyme

Tuesday October 3

All Day: V Boys Golf @ Qualifiers
8:30 am – 10:00 am: TA @ Crossroads High School Fair
11:30 am – 12:00 pm: College Visit - Savannah College of Art & Design
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Girls Varsity Soccer vs Stowe
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: JV Boys Soccer @ Hartford

Wednesday October 4

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Boys Varsity Soccer vs Stowe

Thursday October 5

11:30 am – 12:00 pm: College Visit - Suffolk University
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: JV Boys Soccer @ Oxbow
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: MS Soccer @ Hartland

Friday October 6

All Day: Faculty Inservice Day
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Girls Varsity Soccer vs Lamoille

Saturday October 7

All Day: XC @ Woods Trail! (gr 6-12)

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.