Camping, Canoeing, Climbing, and more!

Greetings from Windsor Mountain Student Travel,

We just had a great check in call with the group and everyone is doing well. They were able to do some grocery shopping and laundry today and are headed to Recompense Shore camp sites. They are going to have a good dinner tonight and head to bed early in preparation for a big day of sea kayaking tomorrow!

Stick has been taking a lot of amazing pictures and was able to send some in. They have been added to the slide show in the right-hand column. Remember, you can click on a picture to see a larger version of all the photos.

Cara and Stick took the time to write some individual student blurbs, they are posted below. Enjoy!

Melanie approaches all activities—from canoeing and swimming in icy cold rivers and lakes, to bouldering and rock climbing, to group cooking and cleaning—without fear or hesitation. She has discovered that climbing down mountains is easier than climbing up them!

Allie showed great determination while climbing Mt. Monadanock, and was very supportive of everyone in the group. She thoroughly enjoyed canoeing and was very helpful making outdoor pizza with Melanie and Milo. Though she was very nervous about rappelling down the 50-foot drop at Square Ledge, she found her courage, stepped up her game, stepped off the ledge, and completed the challenge with a huge smile on her face!

Milo was incredibly enthusiastic during the rock-climbing phase of the program—he wins the group bouldering award! Milo was not only psyched to tackle the boulders himself, but he was also thoroughly invested in making sure the rest of the group enjoyed as much success on the boulders as he did.

Antoine is an outstanding group member—his physical presence and willingness to jump right in and help with all group tasks has been invaluable. He helped the leaders set up a tarpaulin in the middle of a rainstorm at Dolly Copp Campground in The White Mountains, carried the (very heavy) group water container on the rock-climbing days, and best of all—his English is improving every day!

Maddie won the group canoeing competition on Lake Mooselookmeguntic—just by having fun! She happily takes on the role of supporting her new friends in the group, whether that means encouraging them to finish strong on the ling hike up Mt. Monadanock, coaching them on the finer points of bouldering, or just being there with a smile and a pat on the back when it counts the most!

Clement had a fantastic time leading the group up Mt. Monadanock. He set a comfortable pace up the mountain that the whole group was happy with. He has been a star in the kitchen and cooked an amazing chicken stir-fry. Clement has been enthusiastic about participating in group activities and has been learning a variety of new skills, including paddling, outdoor cooking, pitching tents, and rock climbing.

Sage took the role as the group’s navigator when we drove from Windswept to Errol, New Hampshire. It was a lengthy drive and Sage kept us on course the whole way. He was focused and very helpful! Sage already had some knowledge of canoeing and he did a great job demonstrating correct J-stroke technique to the group.

Daniel and Mateo cooked a traditional Columbian meal of empanadas – which were delicious! The group is still asking for more! Daniel consistently brings laughter and fun to the group. One example was when he made the group compete for third helpings of dinner by making them catch the flying empanadas in the air. Aside from cooking, Daniel also brings so much enthusiasm to the group. From waking up to evening meeting, he is a full participant with a great attitude!

Mateo was the leader of the group while canoeing from Toothaker Island to Student Island. He took the initiative to keep all of the canoes together, keep us paddling at the same pace, and even found a great spot for us to have lunch. Mateo is an enthusiastic group member with a particular penchant for exploring watering holes. We are so happy to have him venturing through New England with us!

A Great Start to a Great Adventure!

New England Adventure Families and Friends,

One day is in the books! After a smooth meet & greet at our base camp here in Windsor, NH, Stick, Cara, and the entire NEA crew packed up the van and headed off to the first group campsite of the trip--a lovely hilltop location known as "Windswept". Last night was the group's first chance to really get to know one another through fun initiative games, getting-to-know-you activities, and practical tasks such as tent set-up, and everyone's favorite--outdoor cooking!

Today group orientation will continue with a fun hike up Mount Monadanock, and an afternoon swim here at Windsor Mountain. Tonight the group will have their second shot at outdoor cooking--we can't wait to hear what they make--and tomorrow, they will hit the road to begin the canoeing phase of the program on Lake Mooselookmeguntic in Maine.

Two weeks of fun and adventure are ahead!

Leader Pictures

Greetings from Windsor Mountain Student Travel!

Angus, Neesa, Cara and Stick are busy preparing for the great adventures that are going to begin in just a few weeks!

We have posted pictures of the trip leaders below so your child can know who to look for when they arrive at Windsor Mountain.

We hope everyone is getting excited for the trip!