What You Will Do
At Vermont Adventure Camps you will do more than just go on daily adventures. Our camp is a unique and challenging program that enables teens to reach new heights in individual and group development. Individuals work as in teams throughout their camp experience. Campers will complete challenging activities and focus on valuable life skills. Most of which can be applied to everyday situations. The non-competitive, non-judgmental environment fosters feelings of synergy and creative problem solving to expand communication, trust and leadership goals. The activities are designed to build respect and confidence, while allowing campers to be actively involved in the learning process by thinking, feeling and doing. Our staff will work with your teen with the time they spend at camp and try to meet there individual needs and goals. The program operates on the philosophy of "challenge by choice" where each individual determines the level of involvement best suited to him or her while still contributing to the team process. 
Kayaking Slow Moving Rivers
Southern Vermont has many great areas to tour by kayak. Kayaks are prefect vehicles to spot wildlife or have an awesome afternoon. We also teach basic flat-water kayak paddling techniques, as well as correct ways to enter and exit your boat. We run paddling trips on the Ompompanoosuc River, CT River, White River, and many more. Enjoy the wildlife and tranquility. We can take you on many rivers and lakes.
White Water Kayaking Instruction
We will fit you into a kayak and then we will head out to the White River or Sumner Falls. Both places are perfect for beginner kayakers. We will teach you how to paddle you kayak in small rapids and teach you all of the different techniques that you will need to know. If you want to break into the sport or just get out for the day to do something different this will surely be a thrill.
Multi Day River Trips
Kayak through the rural Vermont countryside with fine views of the Green Mountains. You are most likely to see many covered bridges, and wildlife on the paddle down the river. You will paddle until lunch time and then have a leisurely lunch on the banks of the river. There may be some portages to get around dams, etc. After lunch, we will continue to paddle the river. Once we reach a good camping spot, we will take out of the river and set up camp. We will teach you how to properly set up camp beside a river making the least amount of impact. We will enjoy a wonderful dinner that everyone will pitch in to help make. After dinner, depending on the location, there could be an optional night hike. You will be sure to get a good night's sleep with the sounds of the river and nature in the background. The next morning you will wake up, eat and pack for another day on the river. If we happen to pass any towns that you are interested in, we can stop so you can walk around and visit the town.
Hiking
If your outdoor interests are piqued by the prospect of hiking a diverse trail system over varied terrain, encountering panoramic vistas, breathing fresh mountain air, splashing in brisk alpine streams, and resting in forests abundant with wildlife, then you have found your outdoor paradise in the mountains and woodlands of Vermont. Yes, Vermont is a wonderful place to hike and explore. Vermont offers miles of woodland walks, hikes and trails in every region of the state.
Overnight Backpacking Treks
Backpacking for anyone, we will guide you on a trek through the Vermont woods. You can come with your own pack or use one of ours. We will go over what people have brought and make sure everyone has what they will need as well as leave behind things that are not need. On this adventure, you will hike through the woods of Vermont on the long trail and the summit trails just off from the long trail, experience the canopy of songs from wild birds in the big woods. It is always a great time to hike in the Vermont woods. The air is crisp and views are breathtaking. The essentials of backpacking will be taught. From hydration, setting up camp, leave no trace, pace setting, food preparation, and much more.
Rock Climbing Instruction
Our rock climbing is for beginner and intermediate climbers. This is the first step in learning how to rock climb. You are never too young or too old to start climbing. This course teaches participants the fundamental skills needed to participate in top rope climbing. Students will learn how to tie into the climbing rope, how to belay another climber on top rope, how to properly anchor themselves while belaying, and basic climbing technique. Climbing safety will constantly be stressed during this course. The next step in improving your climbing skills and technical knowledge is to learn how to set anchors. Students may watch the guide build top rope anchors using natural protection: ie, trees, boulders, and natural features of the rock. Students will also learn to rappel using a back-up method.
Rappelling
Abseiling, rappelling in American English, is the controlled descent down a rope; climbers use this technique when a cliff or slope is too steep and/or dangerous to descend without protection. Abseiling can be dangerous, and presents risks, this is why our experienced guides will teach you what you need to know for a safe day out on the rock. You can choose to rappel 20 feet to 100 feet. You will have fun no matter what.
Gorgineering
Welcome to the northeast’s version of canionerring. VAC will take you down a gorge from the top to the bottom. You will rappel into the gorge where you will be hooked up onto safety lines that we attach on the rocks in the river. From here you will stay on rope as you maneuver down the river. The currents are strong and we will show you how to safely maneuver over rocks and through holes. We ask all participants to wear sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. If it is cold we will provide you will wet suits.
Mountain Biking Back Roads and Trails
Tours are for all ability levels, beginner to expert. We also offer mountain bike skill clinics. Each tour can be customized to fit your desires and to give you a great experience while you are with us. Riding skills, bike handling, exposure to various terrain surfaces, trail etiquette, and environmental impacts are all issues and topics you will learn. Our tours are geared to any ability level, beginner to experienced riders alike. We offer mountain bike rides from quiet Vermont country dirt roads to classic New England Trail. The Connecticut River Valley.
Caving
Explore one of the areas spectacular caves with us leading the way. This trip is not for people that are claustrophobic. You will go deep into the ground exploring the underworld. You will have to go through some very small holes to get to large underground rooms. We will take you to underground streams and waterfalls. You will see some spectacular rock formations. You will go over the Waterfall, go to the Lake, go to the Scenic over look, and go down the Funnel.
Surfing Instruction
Whether you are brand spankin' new to surfing, just a little curious about getting out on a board you will find all the information and instruction needed to get up on a wave, up and riding...and ripping (note: ripping is good). We will need to leave early for Hampton Beach where you will be trying out surfing and spending the day at the beach. This is a great time and you may even learn to catch a big wave.
White Water Rafting
The class II and III rapids on our trip are ideal for beginner and intermediate rafters, and the unspoiled valley creates the perfect setting for wilderness adventure. Our 6-mile trip begins at Fife Brook Dam. Rapids such as Microwave, Freight Train, and Pinball allow crews to hone their skills in preparation for the raging Whitewater of Zoar Gap. We will have lunch on the river.
Tubing
Tubing will put you and your friends at camp in our specially designed river tubes for fun ride down the wild and scenic White River. Traveling over multiple sets of rapids, you'll experience a thrill as you splash through the white water.
