Designed for dedicated backpackers, the Summit to Summit program maximizes trail time for total wilderness immersion. Summit to Summit campers will hit the trail on the day the buses arrive and spend all 15 days of the session out exploring some of the most spectacular country in the region.
TreesThe hike will be planned and campers prepped before the session starts, so participants will be able to spend twice the amount of time on the trail compared to the standard Base Camp program. The Summit to Summit experience minimizes contact with base camp and the built environment, for an unadulterated, pristine wilderness experience. The extended time on the trail means that participants will see more of the spectacular mountain lakes, rugged peaks, tumbling streams, and bejeweled meadows that the Trinity Alps, Russian, and Marble Wildernesses have to offer.
The setting and extended time together will also provide a unique opportunity for community building and friendship. Sharing a backcountry challenge builds strong bonds that last well beyond the summer. The group will learn to live cooperatively, working together in harmony with each other and nature. Practicing No Trace wilderness ethics together will provide further opportunity to learn about nature and community.
SummitPre-summer planning will also give parents an opportunity to get to know their kids’ counselors and get familiar with the experience they’ll be having when they hit the trail. Returning campers will also get a chance to re-kindle bonds with friends and counselors from previous summers.
The nature of each hike will vary depending on the counselors and campers involved. However, the program will always provide ample time for activities such as: off-trail cross country hiking, orientation skill building, survival skill building, fishing, swimming, star-gazing, solos, music and, of course, a layover day here and there.
Campers interested in this program should be in good physical condition with significant previous backpacking experience. These trips require repeated strenuous outdoor physical activity, hiking distances from 5-10 miles a day on average, carrying a multi-day backpack.
Summit to Summit trips have an enrollment maximum of 8 and minimum of 5 campers.
Deals
We make it a priority to make our programs accessible to low-income children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Scholarships are available, contact for more information.
