Farm & Wilderness Blog

Hitting the Trail! First Lodge & Big Lodge Trips - Farm & Wilderness

Written by Kory Mathis | July 02, 2011

After breakfast this morning, First Lodge and Big Lodge campers are heading our for trips to practice skills – from Trail Maintenance and outdoor cooking to Rock Climbing and canoeing. Length and location of trips vary, with plenty of excitement and team building adventures.

“We’re going to be climbing on real rocks, with anchors built by Rocks & Ropes instructors,” said Dara, Rocks & Ropes Head.

“At the top of the rock, you can see the most beautiful lake – Lake Dunmore!” said M.C., a First Lodge counselor leading a trip to Silver Lake.

Some of the Big Lodge campers are going to be hiking part of the Long Trail. “Yesterday we had Trips Training. The campers learned how to use the stove, how to leave no trace in the woods, and how to be a respectful hiker…because we’ll probably be meeting other hikers along the way,” said Steph, a Big Lodge counselor.

Beyond the hiking and climbing, “the girls are really excited about trail food and group games…it’s going to be a good mix of fun and challenge,” she added.

A few days after the First Lodge and Big Lodge campers return, Dara is leading the Senior Lodgers on an Adirondack’s trip.

In addition to climbing, she will lead them in reflection activities and group initiatives, and teach them “there’s more to cooking on trips than your typical ‘trail food’…it’s going to be a backwood’s baking class!” she said excitedly. Dara will lead them in making a variety of tasty meals, “from calzones and pizza, with real rising bread, to cinnamon buns made with brown sugar and raisins, scones, and biscuits for breakfast.”

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Indian Brook trips coordinator, Althea Brown (ibtripscoordinatorREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@gmail.com).