Backpacking is an exhilarating experience as you are fully self sufficient and carrying all you need to survive on you back. With this joy comes the work of carrying up to 30% of you body weight over uneven terrain and substantial elevation gains. Because of the physicality of backpacking we encourage pre trip exercise to fully enjoy your experience. We also recommend having a good pair of hiking boots which you have broken in prior to the trip. Look for support, comfort and water proofing in your boots. We backpack in many beautiful locations from the internationally know Appalachian Trail to the White Mountains in New Hampshire and would love to have you join us on the trail.

Day hiking provides the opportunity to get to some beautiful area and views under the power of your feet. Participants will be carrying a pack weighing 10-15 lbs over a variety of ground. Some trails are smooth cinder trails while other trails are uneven rocks with lots of elevation gains. Is not important to have hiking boots for most day hikes, but you should have a sturdy and comfortable pair of sneakers. Even though you are not carrying much weight when day hiking we encourage pre trip exercise so you can more fully enjoy your experience.

Canoeing/Kayaking gives you the opportunity to enjoy the water and your surroundings. The participants in canoeing will wear Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) anytime they are near the water. All canoeing/kayaking groups will receive instruction on canoeing, paddle strokes, reading a river and proper swimming position if they should get wet. We canoe/kayak on relatively flat water with the highest level of rapids the group may encounter being Class II however most of the water is Class A or Class I. While canoeing/kayaking is not a physically demanding as backpacking it does require stamina in the upper body. Be ready for your arms and back to be a little sore after your first day.

Caving is a very unique experience where you get to explore an area most people don’t venture into. We cave with a guiding agency with lots of experience in being underground. Safety equipment will be provided for all participants. We do recommend bringing a long sleeve shirt, pants, shoes and garden-style gloves which you don’t care if they get muddy. Knee pads are also not a bad idea. You will be very muddy at the end of the day and do not want to be wearing expensive clothing. Be prepared for the fun of squeezing through tunnels, exploring passages, and of course getting good and muddy.

Rock climbing is a great way to face your fear of heights and enjoy challenging yourself. We rock climb through guiding agencies which provide all safety equipment, set up, and belay all the climbs for us. The guiding companies have many years of experience and meet our ACA certifications. The difficulty of the climbs will depend on the experience of the group. We encourage you to bring comfortable flexible clothing and a good pair of sneakers for on the rock. Be prepared to challenge yourself and enjoy some great views.

Mountain Biking is another way to explore God’s beautiful creation. We provide bikes and helmets for all participants. We will also give some instruction and practice some skills before we hit the trails. We encourage comfortable clothing and at least sturdy sneakers for the participants. We will be biking mostly on wide “jeep” or ”rails to trails” paths, but we do encounter some “single track” terrain and will be going up and downhill so be prepared to work. Biking experience isn’t required, but doesn’t hurt.

Rafting is an adrenaline pumping experience as you encounter the power and fun of the raging river. We raft with a guiding company which has very well trained and experienced guides who lead us through some of the best whitewater on the east. All safety equipment will be provided. Be prepared to get wet and enjoy rafting up to Class V water. Rafting can happen on cooler days so please be prepared with fleece tops and windbreaker pants should the weather warrant. Rafting is a very enjoyable and exhilarating experience we look forward to seeing you on the river.