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2026 Dates
2026 Dates
Session 1: June 22-July 2
Session 1: June 22-July 2
Session 2: July 6-July 17
Session 2: July 6-July 17
Session 3: July 20- July 31
Session 3: July 20- July 31
Session 4: August 3- August 14
Session 4: August 3- August 14
Session 5: August 17- August 21
Session 5: August 17- August 21
MTB at Hale Swag!
MTB at Hale Swag!
Check out our online store and get your swag: https://www.storessimple.com/straightstitch/mtbathale
Ready to Send Summer 2026
Ready to Send Summer 2026
Our crew is ready for a fantastic summer of improving MTB skills, getting our hands dirty, working in our skills park, and so much more! Below are resources and guides to help you prepare for your camper’s session. Please be in touch with us if you have any questions.
Important Reminders Before Coming to Camp:
Remove kickstands and attachments from handlebars (we're happy to do this at camp and return them at the end of the session).
Campers must come to camp with a properly fitted helmet with a working chinstrap.
Campers must also be equipped with elbow and knee protective equipment.
Meet the Team!
Meet the Team!
Chris Nichols
Camp Director
Camp Units
Camp Units
MTB 101
Intermediate
Advanced
MTB Coach-In-Training
Bike Drop Off
Bike Drop Off
Bike Drop Off
Bike Drop Off
There are 2 options for bike drop-off.
ONE: On the first day of a session, you are permitted to bring the bike with your camper and drop it off that morning. Drop-off and pick-up will be at Noanet Landing.
Please plan to arrive at Noanet Landing at 8:45 AM for drop-off. Our staff meet in the mornings and greet campers off our buses first!
TWO: If you can’t drive in and your camper is on the bus, you can drop it off the weekend before. We will have a bike rack near the Noanet Bathrooms that you can lock your bike to. We ask that you:
Email cnichols@hale.education that you are locking the bike there
Include a photo of the bike
Include the code to unlock the bike lock.
We will not be able to accept bikes before the weekend before due to storage restrictions.
Noanet Landing Bathroom
Noanet Landing is 1 mile up our main road. You’ll find the Noanet Landing parking lot on your left. Park there, and you will walk the bike across the road, where you will see the Noanet bathroom building. There will be a bike rack across the path from the building.
End of Session Pick-Up
When picking up bikes and campers on the final day of the session, please plan to arrive between 3–3:30 PM. We will not accept pick-ups from 3:30-3:45 PM, as that is the primary loading time for the buses at Noanet Landing. If you can not make it from 3-3:30 PM, please arrive between 3:45–4 PM.
A cherished MTB Camp tradition (with a cherry on top!)
A cherished MTB Camp tradition (with a cherry on top!)
On the second Thursday of each session, all of our campers and their counselors trail ride from base camp at the ABC/XYZ cabins to the town center of Dover to get ice cream and celebrate a great session.
Groups head out on the trails right after 9:30 AM
All groups return by 2:30 PM
Campers will have lunch in the Center of Dover on the town green. It is also ideal to have a small backpack that they can comfortably ride with to carry these items.
The ice cream is on Hale, so there's no need to worry about campers carrying money!
ALL CAMPERS WILL NEED TO HAVE A SIGNED PERMISSION SLIP TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ICE CREAM RIDE AT CAMP. Permission slips will be made available in your online accounts.
Packing a Healthy Lunch
Packing a Healthy Lunch
How to Pack a Healthy, Camp-Ready Lunch
All our camps are packed with adventure, and that means campers need fuel! A well-packed lunch helps kids stay energized, hydrated, and happy through long, hot days outside. Below are tips tailored to each of our camp types.
Hot Weather Hacks for Every Camper
Use insulated lunch bags and two cold packs
Avoid mayo or dairy-heavy items unless you’re sure they’ll stay cold
Frozen fruit or yogurt? Great mid-day cool-down
Label everything — especially water bottles and lunch gear!
These campers ride technical trails, work hard, and often eat in the field — they need sustained fuel and hydration.
Top Priorities: Calorie-dense, protein-rich, and packable foods that won’t spoil in the heat.
Sample Lunch Idea:
Hearty sandwich (whole grain bread with protein like turkey, cheese, hummus)
Banana or dried fruit (think dates or apricots)
Trail mix (nut-free) or granola bar
Crackers or energy bites
Full water bottle + optional electrolyte tab or drink
Frozen yogurt tube or cheese stick (if using an ice pack)
Pro Tip: Send a second snack if your rider tends to get extra hungry after their ride!
MTB Advanced Overnight Trip!
MTB Advanced Overnight Trip!
Taking Skills on the Road!
Taking Skills on the Road!
Each session, our Advanced unit will hit the road with camp staff for an adventure.
This trip will be 2 days and 1 night, and campers will get to experience 2 different mountain bike destinations and enjoy a night of camping in between.
Day 1: Keene Bike Park and Trails and Overnight Camping at Granite Gorge
Day 2: Downhill Lift Access at Granite Gorge
This trip allows campers to step out of their comfort zones, create unique memories, and spend quality time in the outdoors with friends.
Leadership Development
Leadership Development
MTB Coach-in-Training
MTB Coach-in-Training
Our Coach-in-Training program teaches enthusiastic young riders to coach, counsel, and mentor others. The 4-week experience builds soft and hard skills on and off bikes, blending technical learning with social-emotional development—a signature feature of Hale MTB Camp.
Learn and Explore
Learn and Explore
During the first two weeks, participants learn what it means to be an MTB coach and counselor. They’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 go on an off-campus ride.
Apprentice and Lead
Apprentice and Lead
After learning how Hale MTB Camp works and being coached by program leaders, they'll be ready to send with confidence. They'll shadow staff members for longer periods, begin assisting with activities and instruction, and take on responsibility by leading rides and directly coaching campers in skill development.
Leader for the Day
Leader for the Day
During their last week, MTB CITs run the show for a day. They’ll be responsible for planning morning meetings, coordinating rides, and facilitating group drills. As the “go-to” coach, they'll put all of their leadership skills to the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bike does my camper need?
All campers should attend camp with a mountain bike in good working order! Bikes should be fit to the camper size and a bike shop is the ideal place to go if you need more help with that.
How can I drop off my camper's bike?
Bikes can be dropped off the weekend before the start of a session or the first day! Scroll up for details!
Does MTB camp participate in other camp activities?
Yes! Campers have access to traditional camp activities throughout their session at Hale. Popular activities that are favorites at MTB Camp are swimming (daily!), boating, and time on the challenge course.
Does MTB camp swim? If so, do they have access to lessons?
Our MTB campers have a beach block every day! MTB Campers will be swimming at Hale's North Beach this summer and will be supervised by lifeguards. They will have a swim instructor available for those who would like to participate in lessons.
How much riding do campers do during the day?
Our advanced group does more riding than our beginner group. Campers can expect to be on their bikes for 2-3 hours of the day at camp.
What happens on really hot, sunny days?
On hot days, we will take advantage of covered trails, swimming at the pond, and other activities that keep us cool! Staff will limit the length of rides and time in the sun. We implement a water protocol with reminders every 15 minutes to ensure campers stay hydrated.
What happens on rainy days?
This is when we get creative! If it is just light rain, we will ride. When the rain takes over, we use the time for team-building activities, bike-repair education, videos on different MTB disciplines, card tournaments, arts and crafts projects, and more!
Where can I buy safety equipment or gear for MTB camp?
Local bike shops are always a great place to start. A few that we partner with across our mountain bike programs are Landry's or Steve the Bike Guy. Other great resources can be Public Lands, REI, and, for online shopping fans, Amazon! If you have specific questions, don't hesitate to ask! Email Chris at cnichols@hale.education
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