Your Long Trail journey is just up the path! The Green Mountains have just recently come into their Spring colors, the hermit thrush
returned from its winter home in Costa Rica, and the bears able to stretch out and bask in the sun; us Vermonters too!
The excitement of the summer is in the air here at F&W as well. Like you, we recognize the significance of this opportunity and relish in the unknown of adventure. The immense growth and connections that you’ll make on the trail this summer will be forged by the beauty that others point out, the support you can offer, and the sharing of both struggle and joy. The strength shown in making the decision to choose the life of a thru-hiker makes you a part of a very small and unique group. I’m so glad and impressed you’ve chosen to take these first steps on your own, and look forward to being a part of your journey!
Feeling ready?
You are capable, and here are a few ways to prepare:
Move your body – Nothing too crazy, just be sure to be getting your heart rate up by running hard when you have the chance and walking to and from as many places as you can. If you have any aches or pains be sure to let someone know.
One step at a time – You’ve already taken one of the more difficult steps by choosing to do this! Now set small goals. What is a skill you want to master, a bird you want to see, a meal you want to cook? Think of how you want to document your trip if at all. Importantly, everyone gets nervous before a good long hike. Be OK with naming what you’re nervous about.
Be comfortable with your gear – Utilizing gear for max potential is a skill. So, we’ll be learning along the way, To prepare, you can exercise your comfort with things like stuffing your sleeping bag, packing your pack then wear it on a few a day-hikes even walks around the neighborhood. Be sure to play with straps so you know what they all do. Walk a fair bit in any footwear you plan to bring and waterproof if necessary. Go through your gear list and know what you have and why you have it.
What gear list? The F&W packing list is the baseline for Questers as well. The exceptions are:
Bring at least 6 pairs of wool/synthetic socks
3-4 sports bras
Don’t Bring Bedding (just sleeping pad and bag)
Questers will be at the F&W campus just 12 of the 48 days they are with us. They will be able to do laundry each week, replacing dirty with clean clothes from their “resupply bag”. Each Quester will take just what they need for the 4-6 days between resupplies and then grab replacement batteries, stationery, toiletries etc. during the resupply along with mail and of course some fresh food!
At this point, we have 14 Long Trailers! This means there will be two groups, just a few days apart and both hiking the northern route.
This summer, the 108th of Vermont’s Long Trail, promises to be a great one!
Justice and Inclusivity
In addition to typical camp activities, at camp, we teach about the idea of justice and inclusivity, as well as the value of difference. Our staff is trained to facilitate meaningful, age-appropriate conversations on social justice.
When campers are aware of ideas bigger than themselves, they become invested in creating emotionally safe spaces. Through creating opportunities to experience and create a just community we hope to counter any harmful and pervasive behaviors with one of compassion, understanding, and affirmation.
Teaching empathy is central. To be more involved, start with this helpful list of articles.
Our Latest News
More info about the upcoming summer, including staff that are returning. Please bookmark our blog to stay in touch all summer long.
Read our Blog >>
What to Expect on Opening Day
Upon your arrival between 1 and 4, you can expect to be greeted by Questers staff at Saltash Mountain Camp (click here for
directions) at which point we’ll bring you to our lodge. A SAM Camp/Quester Nurse will process your health forms and after a quick check-in Questers will be able to drop their gear and meet the other group members.
This check-in will include a lice check. To assist us in a lice-free summer please check your camper regularly in the weeks before camp and treat if necessary. If lice or nits are found we will take steps to be treated before entering the cabin area.
Parents, take the opportunity to get to know your staff. They are really wonderful and are looking for as much info as you feel comfortable sharing so can they facilitate a comfortable transition. I’m happy to pass along any sort of emailed supplement you wish to provide for them. Questers arriving on the NYC bus will experience a very similar welcome and we’ll be sure to let you know that they have arrived safely.
Updates and Communications From Camp
This summer we’ll be immersing ourselves in the forests of New England, destined for connections with nature and each other. Though these stories of what we’re up to and the development of our community are told best by campers through their personal narratives at the end of the summer, I’ll be in touch through the Questers Blog, though not with as much regularity based on the trips schedule. As we receive images from the trail we’ll be posting them as well.
You are always welcome to call and check in with me throughout the summer. I’d also ask for understanding that I want to spend time with your camper, so allow me a bit of time to respond to non-emergencies.
I’ll be making lots of phone calls over the next weeks looking to connect with you before camp. I’d love to talk with you, so feel free to email me with the best times and numbers to catch you.
Can’t wait!