Adventure Camp

Let the Adventure Begin!

Whether your camper is just starting to explore the great outdoors or has years of experience learning in nature, hiking, or camping - we are ready for their adventure! This summer, we are excited to get to know your camper and show them the wild world around them. We will be sure to teach your camper how to be in the outdoors safely, and how to learn from, and appreciate its wonder!

Below you will find various resources and guides to help you prepare for your camper's session. Please be in touch if you have any questions.

Adventure Tracks

Adventure 101

8-11 Years

Adventure 101 is a two-week introduction to Hale Adventure Camp. It teaches campers basic skills and how to be safe in the outdoors and educates them about local plants and wildlife.

Basecamp

9-11 Years

Basecamp builds on Adventure 101 by introducing a single overnight experience. During the first week, a trip to Mt. Wachusett invites hikers to hike a monadnock and refuel with lunch at the summit. Then, during the second week, they camp overnight at Hale—and practice cooking over an open fire, setting up and breaking down tents, and safely recreating outdoors after dark.

Frontcountry

11-13 Years

Frontcountry builds on Basecamp with two camping opportunities—one at Hale, the other in the Berkshires or the White Mountains. This two-week program includes an overnight during the first week of each session and a multi-day trip during the second week. The overnight at Hale refreshes skills and builds camaraderie. The 3-day/2-night trip to the Berkshires, White Mountains, and other mountain ranges, tests their skills. Services and facilities are readily accessible during all Frontcountry trips.

Backcountry

12-13 Years

Backcountry appeals to experienced graduates of Frontcountry who have big appetites for adventure. This two-week program includes an overnight during the first week and a multi-day trip during the second week. The second trip is a true backpacking experience: no services, no facilities. Our expert guides help campers traverse 7–13 miles of trails that ascend various 4,000-footers throughout New Hampshire’s White Mountains. When campers aren’t hiking, they can also climb on our challenge course throughout their time at Hale, and compete in the Outdoor Skills Gauntlet at the end of each session.

Wilderness Guide in Training

Weeks 1 & 2

During the first two weeks, participants learn what it means to be a leader in the outdoors. You’ll explore workplace policies, organizational structures and routines, and practice skills needed to support youth in outdoor settings. There’s fun in store, too—you’ll engage in camp activities and attend an off-campus event.

Weeks 3 & 4

After exploring opportunities at Hale and with guidance from program supervisors, you’ll choose a “trail” to continue learning. You’ll shadow staff members for longer periods of time, begin assisting with activities and instruction, and ultimately take responsibility by leading a portion of the day for a group.

The culmination of this experience is a 5-day backpacking trip in the White Mountains. You’ll confidently navigate New Hampshire’s famous 4,000-footers with your cohort of fellow Wilderness First Aid-certified guides as you prepare meals in the backcountry and camp trailside.

Schedule at a Glance

Below is a sample of what a day at camp could look like! Activities and timing change daily depending on groups and program level.

Welcome to Hale! Campers are dropped off, ready for another day of learning in nature.
Morning Circle/Roles of the Day and Announcements
- Campers move into their morning circle. Our instructors review the daily schedule and answer any questions.
- Campers transition into interactive group games with instructors, we well as a review of the values contract.
Hike to Storrow Pond and Fishing
- The adventure for the day begins with a hike out to Storrow Pond, located on our grounds. Campers drop a line and fish in the pond, guided by our instructors.
Leave No Trace Lesson
Lunch
- Always one of the campers’ favorite activities—lunchtime! Campers refuel and catch up with friends before jumping back into instruction.
A Dip In The Pond
- Campers hit the beach to swim and refresh. Nothing beats the summer sun more than cooling off in the pond.
Boating
- Campers hop on our provided boats (with lifejackets, of course) and learn how to navigate the waters.
Camp Clean Up
- Once campers return on-site, it’s time to clean up and tuck supplies away. This helps keep campers organized and feeling responsible for their things.
Board Buses
- The end of the day is already here! Campers board buses and return home to rest before returning for another day in the outdoors at Adventure Camp.

Overnights and Trips

Session 1

- July 1: Frontcountry/Backcountry: Lafayette Campground
- July 2: Basecamp Day Trip to: Blue Hills Reservation

Session 2

- July 16: Frontcountry: Sugarloaf Campground
- July 16: Backcountry: Zealand Trailhead
- July 17: Basecamp Day Trip to: Blue Hills Reservation

Session 3

- July 30: Frontcountry: Dry River Campground
- July 30: Backcountry: AMC Highland Center
- July 31: Basecamp Day Trip to: Blue Hills Reservation

Overnight and Trip Details:

Week One of Your Session Overnights:

Frontcountry and Backcountry will be overnight on-site at Hale (Thursday-Friday).

Campers will take the bus as usual on Thursday morning that week. Campers will stay the night and take the bus home at the regular time on Friday afternoon.
Campers should bring a water bottle, lunch (for Thursday), and the usual camp supplies, as well as overnight needs (check out the packing list). Thursday’s dinner and Friday’s breakfast and lunch will be provided by Hale. Those meals will be planned and prepared by staff and campers and dietary restrictions and allergies are taken into consideration!

Week Two of your Session Trips and Overnights:

Basecamp: Day trip to Blue Hills in Milton, MA followed by a 1-night overnight stay at Hale!
- Session 1: Wednesday-Thursday (No camp on Friday 7/4)
- Session 2 & 3: Thursday - Friday

Frontcountry and Backcountry: 3 days, 2 nights off property
- Session 1: Tuesday - Thursday (No camp on Friday 7/4)
- Session 2 and 3: Wednesday - Friday

Important Trip Notes

Campers will arrive at their normal time on Wednesday morning. Please ensure they have a water bottle and lunch for Wednesday. Staff and campers will provide, plan, and prepare all remaining meals while on their excursions. Campers and staff head off on their trip on Wednesday morning. Off-campus trips return to Hale on Friday morning. All campers are sent home on their buses Friday afternoon.

Overnights offer fantastic opportunities to build relationships, learn skills, and explore. We hope every camper can attend since multi-day experiences are an exciting and important element of Adventure Camp.

The overnight Packing List is on this site. Please remember to send one lunch, a water bottle, and normal camp supplies, as well as items on the List.

Important notes to consider:
Please bring:
1. Medication: We must know all of your camper’s needs, allergies, medications, inhalers, etc. Even if they normally would not take medication at camp, they may need it overnight. Any medications we might need to administer must come to camp in their labeled medication bottle along with an authorization form.
2. It gets cold in the evenings in New England. Bring warm layers!
3. Sleeping bag
4. Flashlight
5. Book, playing cards, etc.

Please do not bring:

Cell phones, smart watches, gaming devices - cell phones are taken away from campers for overnight experiences of any length. Over the summers, phones have caused more issues than have helped. We want our campers to engage in the moment fully, have experiences with their peers, and bring their full attention to the trip. This helps our campers disconnect to connect!
Candy and sugary drinks

Circumstances such as homesickness can and do occur. Camp staff members on overnights will help campers learn to cope with homesickness, and we hope you will partner with us to ensure your camper completes their overnight experiences. You are always welcome to call the camp office and get updates or have us pass a message on to your camper, but the expectation is that they will not have direct contact with you during overnights. We appreciate you setting this expectation with your camper before the trip begins. If, for any reason, your camper does need to be excused and picked up from their overnight, you will be notified before 5 PM as we do not contact parents after this time. All staff members have the Adventure Camp Director's personal phone number, so he may be reached when needed.

If, for any reason, your camper is unable to attend an overnight, please email adventurecamp@hale.education.

My Camper will not be participating in overnights:

If your camper is not going to participate in overnight experiences, your camper must use the bus to go home at the end of the camp day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ratio of counselors to campers in Adventure Camp?

Every group maintains a ratio of 1:6. There are always 2 counselors for each group to ensure camper safety.

Does my camper need hiking boots?

We highly encourage campers to attend camp with sturdy sneakers, and hiking boots are an even better option! The trails at Hale can be quite technical, especially getting to the various peaks. Hiking boots allow for better grip on surfaces and additional ankle support when navigating rocky terrain.

When are overnights?

Overnights are only during two-week sessions of Adventure Camp (Basecamp, Frontcountry, and Backcountry). During the first week, there is a one-night overnight on Thursday for Front and Backcountry. During the second week, there is the three-day, two-night overnight, Wednesday-Friday for Front and Backcountry, and a one-night overnight for Basecamp, Thursday-Friday.

What equipment does my camper need?

Please check out our packing lists!

Does my camper need to attend the overnight?

We highly encourage our campers to push their comfort zones and stay with us for the overnight experiences! These opportunities allow campers to gain more outdoor skills, build confidence, and walk away with memories that last a lifetime!

Where do campers stay on overnights?

All campers stay at Hale for the one-night overnights. The different groups camp at various sites around Hale with their camp staff. During the extended overnights in the second week, Basecamp stays at Hale; Frontcountry and Backcountry rotate through campgrounds and camping locations. We will share these with families each session!

What if my camper takes medications at night or in the morning?

If your camper is staying with us overnight, we will need a Medication Authorization Form for any and all medications taken at night or in the morning. This includes melatonin, allergy meds, inhalers, epi-pens, etc.

What are the sleeping arrangements for campers?

Hale provides various tent options for campers. The majority of Basecamp tents are 4-person tents, while Frontcountry and Backcountry have a mix of 2– and 3-person tents.

Do counselors stay awake at night on overnights and trips?

Our counselors need their sleep to supervise and maintain the group’s safety. Counselors set rules for when all campers need to be in their tents and trying to get to sleep. Staff will sleep but are available throughout the night for our campers, as needed.

What happens if my camper is NOT able to attend overnights or will not be attending?

Campers must be picked up at the usual pick-up times, or go home on the bus.

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