AGES: 6th-8th

DATES: August 5 - August 9, 2024, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

LOCATION: Rock Point, Burlington

PRICE: $550

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Our culminating summer experience is for older kids (6th-8th grade). While our other camps are centered in Burlington and rooted in one geographic place, our Adventurers program gets kids out into the vast Vermont wilderness. We alternate our trip between hiking the Long Trail and paddling the Winooski River. Inspired by the adventures of the great naturalists of the 19th century, we will spend three days (9am-3:30pm) at Bent Birch Base Camp at Rock Point in Burlington introducing basic camping skills (setting up camp, cooking over a fire, orienteering, natural navigation, wilderness first aid, wild edibles, paddling, and more). Using our newly acquired skills, the group will head out on a 3-day, 2-night wilderness trip hiking the Long Trail. No previous camping or backpacking experience necessary.

SCHEDULE:

  • Monday-Tuesday (9am-3:30pm): At Rock Point in Burlington
  • Wednesday (9am): Arrive at Rock Point with backpacks packed and ready to go, leave for the Long Trail
  • Friday (afternoon): Return to Rock Point around 2-3pm (will call parents as we leave the trailhead)

Two Groups:

There will be two groups hiking the long trail simultaneously and in opposite directions! The groups will be loosely divided by an open minded gender split. There will be a “Girls+” cohort as well as a “boys+” group. Families can sign up their kiddo for whichever group best works for them. Why divide by gender? Well, backpacking can be a new edge for a lot of kids, and over the years we’ve found that we get more kids feeling more confident when they can sign up with peers of the same or similar gender. There will still be plenty of time for the groups to mingle together in our two days of preparations and planning!

 

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Activities include:

  • 3-day/2-night backpacking trip on the Long Trail!
  • Natural Navigation
  • Fire-by-friction
  • Leave No Trace camping techniques

Activities

  • Primitive/Tarp shelters
  • Wilderness Survival
  • Cooking with camp stoves
  • Water purification

Parent Testimonials

“Crow’s Path invites kids to learn about the world around them, teaches kids respectful ways of moving through that world, encourages kids to be their true selves, and prepares kids to be engaged and thoughtful ecological citizens. I am a parent who has had the great fortune of traveling through the portal on many occasions for both camp and Field School. While out on the land, I have seen eyes grow wider with wonder and hearts grow lighter as children share their gratitude for that which they hold most dear. My son returns home from Crow’s Path each day covered with dirt, pockets filled with pine cones, mind filled with stories, and eyes twinkling with joyful wonder. To me, these are the signs of the best possible kind of learning.”

Christine, mother of Field School participant
“When family and friends and neighbors ask about Crow’s Path and what goes on there, they usually want to know what concrete skills are being learned. And, of course, there are indeed things of that sort (wonderful things!) that we can tell them: pitching a tent and building a fire; identifying trees and animal tracks. But these things aren’t why we choose to send our daughter out into the woods one day per week, instead of to “regular” school. It is, rather, the more nebulous things about Crow’s Path – things like community and confidence and contemplation, for which there never seems to be enough time elsewhere – for which we are so grateful.”
Brian, father of Field School participant
“Crow’s Path programs have been invaluable to our 2 elementary school aged daughters. Field school is a welcome mid-week break and compliment to more traditional education in the classroom. The forest, field and lake offer a perfect setting to spend a day reflecting, playing and connecting with nature. This time allows them the space and freedom to be themselves, follow their senses and move at their own pace for a day, among a group of nurturing and supportive adults and children that value each other as peers. This experience empowers our children, cultivates leadership skills, teaches a love and respect for nature and allows for a unique bonding time in a beautiful setting. I wish all children had the opportunity to participate in a program like this.”
Elise, mother of Field School participants

“Crow’s Path has encouraged my daughter’s love of the natural world and given her a place to be herself and explore, while being active, curious, creative, silly and happy. Being a part of this group has given her a close knit and supportive community of friends and mentors. She wouldn’t miss a day- not even when the rain pours or the wind chill dips!”

Liz, mother of Field School participant

“We’ve been part of the Crows Path family since our oldest son started in 2010.  As a family that believes strongly in the importance of immersing young people in nature, we are deeply grateful that Crows Path has provided a way for our boys to do that once a week.  Additionally, knowing that their time in the woods is spent with loving, trained nature mentors who allow the children to explore their curiosities and interests is a priceless gift.”

Mark, Father of Field School participant

“Our daughter has been with Crows Path since second grade, and has such a strong sense of connection to Rock Point, the animals and plants there, the mentors, and to imaginative play that engages with place.  It isn’t always obvious that this is developing; kids keep some of this private in their hearts.  But as I listen to her non-stop explanation of every stage of the overnight, watch her plan ahead for becoming a Middle School Apprentice, and hear here decide what programs she loves and which aren’t her preference, I see the impact — in her growing sense of what she loves, and how she wants to be herself.”

Susan, mother of middle school apprentice

Crows Path consistently creates and holds a container that fuels learning, adventure and creativity. My kids have benefited from the rich sense of cooperative learning, shared purpose, reflection and play that fills their days at Field School. Being part of a purpose driven community that reminds us how to (re)connect to self, wild and each other has been key in my family’s joy and growth.

Trish, mother of Field School participants