Each summer, Camp Takodah offers a series of adventure trips aimed at helping campers discover themselves. We expose them to safe, but challenging environments away from home. Under the umbrella of our expertly trained and experienced Camp Takodah staff we work to build self-confidence, stretch outside our typical comfort zones and learn to support and care for each other as one adventure team. They offer something new for the older camper, or make a great addition to a traditional camp session.
Adventure camp activities vary widely by trip, but all share a focus around developing skills relevant to ‘Wilderness Travel’. All of our Adventure Camps will teach you how comfortable you can be camping outdoors. Campers will leave knowing how to select and set up a good camp, make a fire, or will even be required to help us cook delicious camp meals and snacks. We teach trip specific skills such as kayaking, rock climbing, rafting, canoeing and backpacking. All trips are Co-Ed and are recommended for ages 12 and up.
Here are the trips that we have on offer for 2012:
Acadia Adventure Quest:
June 26 – July 6 (11 days) $1200
This trip is the Maine Event! We travel to Acadia National Park to hike and climb the granite peaks, bike the shoreline, and take a sea kayaking trip for some island camping. This seashore exploration will prove to be an incredible and exciting jump-start to any summer.
White Mountain Rock & Zip
July 8th – July 14th (7 days) $895
This popular adventure to the White Mountain National Forest will encourage you to rock climb on granite cliffs, ramble your way up local mountains, and swim in freshwater lakes, streams, and waterfalls. Conclude the adventure by soaring over the treetops on a 1,500-foot long zipline tour. This is an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Berkshire Bonanaza
July 22 – July 28th (7 days) $895
On this one-week bonanza sampler our trip leaders will give you a taste of it all: ropes course, rock climbing, mountain exploration, and whitewater rafting. We will base camp in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains, allowing time each day for adventurous activities and the development of essential outdoor skills .
Wet and Wild Surf
July 28 – August 3rd (7 days) $895
If you are drawn to sandy beaches, the Cape Cod National Seashore is for you. We’ll take you on three surf lessons with professional instructors and have you riding the waves with a smile. We’ll give our surfing muscles a break to explore the shore by foot or by sea kayak. We will swim in freshwater lakes, catch a sunset, and navigate the beaches and dunes in search of scenic views and ocean life.
Pioneer Paddlers Adventure Camp
August 5 – August 17 (13 days) $1200
This two-week session culminates with a five day trip. We’ll enjoy some traditional camp activities and Takodah’s “Friendly to All” way of life, learning outdoor skills and preparing for the trip for the first week. Then we’ll head out for a five-day canoeing and rafting adventure, exploring some of southern New England’s best rivers and lakes.
Adventure Camp Staff and Safety
Takodah Adventure Camp staff are caring and dedicated leaders who have your child’s safety and well being is their foremost concern. All of our Adventure Camp staff have participated in extensive staff training at Takodah and are well versed in the areas of adventure programming which they lead.
Each trip has a male and/or female staff that is 21 or older, a certified lifeguard, and a Wilderness First Responder. Takodah Adventure Camp staff are trained outdoor leaders with a track record of excellence working with youth. They are wonderful role models for our campers, stressing the YMCA’s core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.
They work hard to make certain that every child’s experience will be an adventure to remember. On some trips, Takodah staff work with Guides provided by local outfitters, who know the rivers and rock faces we use intimately. Know that when we use outfitters for technical or site-based support, we rely on Takodah staff for our supervision and leadership.
Adventure Camp Mission & Philosophy
We seek to foster and develop the positive growth of character within a safe and accepting community, strengthened by tradition and history, driven by the needs of youth.
Our Objectives: (how we fulfill our mission)
- To stimulate positive interpersonal friendships
- To foster individual growth and self discipline
- To encourage independence and self confidence in a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere
- To teach new skills and challenge by choice
- To cultivate leadership potential
- To sharpen an appreciation of the natural environment
- To nurture friendships and memories that will last a lifetime
Our Philosophy
All campers will be challenged to live accordingly to our “Friendly to All” motto. Adventure campers at Takodah live, work and play in a group. the team context in the outdoors gives us community to feel part of and peers to support as we encourage one another on the path to personal growth through ‘Challenge by Choice’
Challenge By Choice.
During the summer there will be several opportunities for your child to feel challenged through outdoor activity. ‘Challenge by Choice’ is a philosophy that adventure camp adopts which encourages campers to achieve their goals while providing them with a safe environment where they can go beyond their normal comfort level. It asks that in joining adventure camp, your child is prepared to challenge his or herself and participate fully in the experience, while recognizing that each activity or goal may pose a different level and type of challenge for each group member. It provides a supportive and caring atmosphere in which your child can stretch and grow, free of peer group pressure. At Camp Takodah ‘Challenge By Choice’ promotes an experience where all campers contribute to each other’s choices and self esteem development.
We are happy to be available on the phone to discuss any questions about our trips. Please contact our Outdoor Education Director Peter Simmonds at our main office (603) 352-0447 or email peter@cheshireymca.org.
