YMCA Camp Coniston’s Adventure Camp Program

Travel, Fun and Adventure

YMCA Camp Coniston’s Adventure Camp offers participants the opportunity to have exciting adventures in spectacular locations. The combination of camaraderie and activities makes this a program that campers will remember for a lifetime. Week-long trips in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Canada focus on hiking, white water rafting, and biking in beautiful settings. Our dedicated and enthusiastic leaders are experienced and undergo a week of training prior to camp. Our trips are scheduled to maximize your opportunity to pair one or more adventure programs with a resident camp session.

2008 Adventure Camp Programs and Dates

All programs are one-week trips and are open to campers aged 12 to 15.

All programs $650.
 

Coastal Navigator ~ July 6 - July 11

This adventure is for all those who love the sea. The trip explores the coast of Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard by foot, bike, and boat. Your week begins with a brief orientation at Camp Coniston before the group departs for the shores of Cape Cod where you will hike amongst the deserted dunes of Wellfleet's Great Island, and take in breathtaking sunsets over Cape Cod Bay. From the Cape, it’s on to Martha s Vineyard for two days of biking and kayaking around the island and a day of sailing instruction aboard a 34 foot privately owned vessel. If you enjoy spending time on the water and under the sun, this trip is for you!

Click here for our special Coastal Navigator day-by-day page!

Green Mountain Explorer ~ July 13 - July 18

The Green Mountain Explorer is perfect for anyone seeking adventure in the beautiful terrain of Vermont and Massachusetts. Similar to our classic Northern New England trip, this program features several activities with fun as the ultimate goal. Following an orientation at Camp Coniston, the group will journey to the Green Mountains of Vermont where they will camp in Underhill State Park. Following an ascent of Mount Mansfield, Vermont s highest peak, and an afternoon of mountain biking, the group will head to Burlington for a night out,and camping on the shores of Lake Champlain. Before returning to camp the group will travel to western Massachusetts for a day of whitewater rafting.

Lobster Safari ~ July 20 - July 25

New for 2005, the Lobster Safari will explore the untouched down east of Maine. After campers get to know one another through low-ropes courses and team building activities, the group will depart for the coast of Maine. As they explore the stunning landscape of Acadia National Park they will hike amongst the rocky coastline, do a community service project for the park, and explore some the most spectacular beaches on the East Coast by foot and in sea kayaks. To top off the adventure, the group will experience the life and work of a Maine Lobsterman on board a true lobster boat.

Maine Mountain Madness ~ July 27 - August 1

This new trip is perfect for anyone interested in seeing some of the most beautiful scenery in the East and looking for a challenge! After a brief orientation at Camp Coniston, your group will depart for Baxter State Park where beautiful lakes and mountain vistas await. Time will be spent rafting the moose laden Penobscot River, mountain biking the woods of Maine, and hiking the end of the Appalachian Trail over the impressive peaks of Doubletop Mountain and Mount Katahdin.

Northern New England Explorer ~ August 3 - August 8

A Coniston classic, this one-week trip travels throughout New Hampshire and Maine, exploring some of northern New England’s most spectacular country.The week begins with a short orientation at Camp Coniston. During this time, the group will get to know one another and prepare for their upcoming adventures. From camp, the group will travel to the White Mountains where they will spend a day hiking and swimming at Franconia Falls, and mountain biking in the Northern Presidential Range before continuing on to Maine for whitewater rafting.

Click here for the Adventure Camp What to Bring Packing List

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Returning Campers! Make the Most of Coniston Next Summer!

You can pair up to a month of residential camp with one, two, or three weeks of Adventure Camp. Depending upon your residential session you can enjoy one or more trips through Canada, Maine, Vermont, or New Hampshire. Enjoy the fun of Coniston all summer! Your camper may stay over between trips or sessions for a small fee.

Director’s Message

At the last minute, a camper canceled for a two-week white water adventure trip in 1979. In order to fill the spot the camp director asked all the staff if anyone knew a child who might be interested. A young boy I knew attended the trip and his life was forever changed.

This camper, who was not particularly athletic, excelled at the white water challenges. To me, it was proof that camp programs offer more than just fun activities for the summer. The camper’s entire life changed. In just a few years, the camper became a counselor; in a tripping program of course.

How did his life change? It had to do with friends. The type of friends you hear little about. They were the type of friends who demand good grades, good behavior, and high expectations. Not the type of friends who exert negative peer pressure.

Later, that young man continued in trip camping. The experiences of working with youth and seeing the world through travel and adventure, gave him the background to know that he could manage anything. The experiences enabled him follow the path he loves.

I am sure by now you realize that boy is me.

While I can’t promise your teen’s life will forever change, I know the possibilities and believe in them. I hope you will consider one of our trips for your teen.

The emphasis for Coniston’s trips is fun & camaraderie. Adventures and experiences are part of our package too. See what we have to offer and give us a call if you have any questions.

Site last updated

December 03, 2007