Over 30 years ago, the first Frost Valley summer campers tackled the highest Catskills peak, Slide Mountain. Since then, teenagers of all backgrounds and abilities have joined together in the camp’s Adventure Trips program to make friends, challenge themselves and learn what it’s like to depend on themselves and each other. Today, the program has grown to include a blend of wilderness and volunteer service trips, cultural exploration and alternative spring breaks for teens.
This year’s offerings include travel opportunities for teens in New Orleans, LA, Maine and the Adirondacks combined with Habitat for Humanity service projects; and a special exploration of adventure and culture in Japan.
In partnership with other local non-profit organizations, these trips offer young adults summer opportunities to build strong relationships, personal skills and lifelong friends. In addition, service hours gained on trips may be applied toward high school community service requirements.
There is plenty of time to explore the unique local culture and outdoor assets of each trip location. Sixteen-year-olds can also participate as leaders in training.
Habitat dates for New Orleans are July 27 to August 6 (for teens age 16 and up) and in the Adirondacks, August 9 to 21 (for teens age 14 and up).
Wilderness adventures incorporate outdoor activities from backpacking, canoeing and kayaking to caving, rock climbing and surfing for adventurers ages 12-17. Destinations include the Adirondacks, Ontario, Maine, West Virginia and, of course, the classic Catskill High Peaks, where the program first began.
Trips head out directly from Frost Valley, located 2.5 hours from metropolitan New York/NJ. Financial assistance is available.
For information, call 845-985-2291, Ext. 265, email adventure@frostvalley.org or visit www.frostvalley.org. Frost Valley YMCA camp and conference center is located at 2000 Frost Valley Road, seven miles from Claryville and 13 miles from Route 28 at Big Indian.
