Join us for a great 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.
One-week trips in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts focus on hiking, white water rafting, and biking in beautiful settings. Our dedicated and enthusiastic leaders are experienced and undergo additional training prior to camp.
Our trips are scheduled to maximize your opportunity to pair one or more adventure programs with a resident camp session.
Trips fill fast, so apply early!
Adventure Camp Application Form & Parent Handbook
Program Information
Trip Specs:
Age: 12-15
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Trips begin and end at Camp Coniston
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Campers sleep in tents and are primarily responsible for cooking their own meals.
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Campers should be in good physical shape for all trips.
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Recommended spending money: $25.00
Staff: Our staff are selected for a variety of reasons, including their desire to work with youth, past experience, outdoor and leadership skills, and overall enthusiasm.
Each leader is 21 years of age or older and is certified in CPR and First Aid. At least one leader will be a certified lifeguard, and will hold a Wilderness First Aid certificate. One male and one female and a 3rd staff member will guide each trip, ensuring a staff to camper ratio of 1:3.
Campers: Campers must be willing to challenge themselves and learn new things while living in a communal environment. Most importantly, campers should have an open mind, be enthusiastic, and be ready for the time of their life! Basic swimming ability is required.
Outfitters: On each trip offered, we team up with at least one professional/certified outfitter for outdoor activities. All outfitters are highly regarded in their respective fields and have years of experience leading youth trips.
Experience: YMCA Camp Coniston has been leading outdoor trips for over 50 years in the White Mountains and Monadnock Region of New Hampshire. We bring to the field a wealth of knowledge and passion for outdoor education.
Safety: On all trips, safety is the foremost concern. Activities are “challenge by choice” and designed to be age appropriate.
Program Dates and Descriptions
Summer 2012
Lobster Safari ~ July 1 - July 6
Novice or Expert, this adventure is for everyone! Your safari starts with a brief orientation and team building activities at YMCA Camp Coniston. Then you are off to Pinkham Notch, NH where you will experience the thrill of mountain biking in the majestic White Mountains. The excitement continues as you travel to Acadia National Park where you will hike and rock climb along the rocky coastline. The group then explores some of the most spectacular beaches on the East Coast by foot and in sea kayaks. To top off the adventure, you will set sail on a working lobster boat and experience the work and lifestyle of a Maine Lobsterman firsthand!
Northern New England Explorer ~ July 8 - July 13
A Coniston classic, this one-week trip travels throughout New Hampshire and Maine, exploring some of northern New England’s most spectacular country. After an orientation at Camp Coniston the group travels to the White Mountains where they will spend a day hiking and swimming in Franconia Falls. Your fun continues as you experience the thrill of nature while zipping from tree to tree down Barron Mountain. The trip comes to an exhilarating end with a whitewater rafting trip down the Kennebec River. It’s New England like you’ve never experienced it before, so don’t miss your chance!
Maine Voyager ~ July 15 - July 20
This trip is perfect for anyone interested in exploring some of the most beautiful scenery in the East. Discover the many wonders of Maine by boat, bike, and foot. After a brief orientation at Camp Coniston, this group departs for the Maine border where your quest begins with mountain biking. Enjoy beautiful lakes and mountain vistas as the group travels to Baxter State Park. The adventure continues as you conquer the highest peak in Maine, Mt. Katahdin. Cool off as you kayak and white water raft down the Kennebec River Gorge. Every day provides a fun new adventure. Come check it out on Maine Voyager!
Green Mountain Explorer ~ July 22 - July 27
The Green Mountain Explorer is perfect for anyone seeking adventure in the beautiful terrain of Vermont and New Hampshire. Following an orientation at Camp Coniston, you will journey to the Green Mountains of Vermont where you will camp in Gifford Woods State Park. You will experience the thrill of rock climbing and mountain biking through Vermont’s exquisite countryside. The week continues with beautiful scenery and exciting discoveries as you kayak or canoe down the peaceful rivers of Vermont, followed by a hike up Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The week comes to an exhilarating end when campers zip from tree to tree down Barron Mountain under the supervision of the Alpine Adventure professionals.
Coastal Navigator ~ July 29 - August 3
This adventure is for all those who love the seashore. Come explore the coast of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard by foot, bike, and boat! This week begins with a brief orientation at Camp Coniston, and then you’re off for the shores of Cape Cod where you will hike Jeremy Point and explore the deserted sand dunes of Wellfleet’s Great Island. From the Cape, it’s on to Martha’s Vineyard for biking and kayaking. Your week concludes with a day of sailing instruction provided by Island Sailing School, aboard a 34-foot privately owned vessel. If you enjoy spending time on the water and under the sun, this trip is for you!
Quebec Quest ~ August 5 - August 10
Grab your passport and come with us on the maiden voyage of Quebec Quest. This new adventure allows campers to travel outside of the United States. Travel north to Quebec for a week of water adventure and discovery. Campers will start at Camp or get picked up on the way in Sutton, Quebec, Canada, and continue north for a week of camping, hiking, paddling, and exploring along the St. Lawrence River. Don't miss your opportunity to see Old Town Quebec through the eyes of Camp Coniston!
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 to 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.
