A Multisport
Exploration of Acadia National Park
“Welcome to Maine, The Way Life Should Be!” Those
words will greet you as you travel to Acadia National Park on
Mount Desert Island off of the Maine Coast. Two trained expedition
leaders will lead a maximum of 10 participants, ages 14-17,
on this adventure. Acadia consists of 41,000 protected acres
of granite cliffs, sand and cobblestone beaches and stately
forests. Once in Maine, Acadia will be our home for the next
five nights as we explore mountains, beaches, coves and trails
throughout the park.
Your expedition begins at the W. Alton Jones Campus where you
will spend Sunday night at the Teen Expeditions Poor Farm Base
Camp. During this time, you will have an orientation to
the rules, enjoy a cookout, play games and do activities that
will help you get to know your trip-mates. You will
learn more about the details of your trip and get all the
equipment and food ready to go. After an all-group
campfire, you will head off for a good night's sleep.
On Monday morning we will drive to Acadia National Park by
passenger van, about a 7-hour drive, where we will spend
the rest of the week. In rural areas of Maine such as this,
cell phone signals are not always available for the leaders'
cell phones. We will establish
a base camp at a campground in or near the National Park.
From there we will head out each day exploring some of the
most beautiful places on Mount Desert Island. You and your
team will rock climb and rappel with professional guides on some of the cliffs that
make the island famous. From the top you will enjoy the world renowned sweeping views
of coastal Maine. Then we will change our perspective
and take to the sea. Your expedition will include a guided
tour around part of the island by sea kayak. Exhilarate in
the same vistas that have greeted mariners for thousands of
years. Enjoy exciting day hikes up steep mountains with beautiful
views as the reward for your hard work and cool off in the
chilly Atlantic waters off of Sand Beach or at pristine Echo
Lake.
At the end of each day, when we return to the base camp, everyone
will share in the responsibilities of getting water, cooking
supper, and cleaning up afterwards. While camping out in Acadia,
the group will learn and practice concentrated impact camping
techniques. This involves camping in such a manner that will
preserve the beauty of the National Park. This is achieved by
carrying out trash, using biodegradable soap, respecting natural
inhabitants, and properly disposing of human waste. An emphasis
is placed on being as sensitive as possible to the natural areas
that we visit.
Participants of the Maine Coast Adventure Expedition should
be in reasonably good physical condition that will enable
them to hike and kayak sometimes more than six hours
(with adequate rest stops). If you are unsure of your physical
condition, do some exercising before the trip. Bike riding,
jogging, swimming, push-ups, sit-ups, and lots of brisk walking
are some good ways to get muscles in shape and build endurance.
All participants are expected to cooperate with fellow group
members and leaders and abide by all safety rules. In preparing
for the expedition, you may want to spend some time thinking
about why you have chosen this trip and what you hope to learn
from your Maine Coast Adventure.
Experience is not a requirement, but a positive attitude
and a willingness to have fun while learning are!
|
|
|
|
