Teton Adventure

for 6th graders

Please join us for two weeks of hiking, canoeing and rafting with a small, spirited group (no more than 12 students or fewer than 2 leaders) as we explore Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks and the Snake River in Wyoming on Teton Adventure!

At the start of our trip, we'll explore spectacular Grand Teton National Park on a series of introductory hikes.  We'll hike with small packs, which hold just our supplies for the day, taking breaks to enjoy the big views of the jagged Tetons above and beautiful blue lakes below.  We'll also spend two days with instructors from the Teton Science School learning about the plants and animals specific to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone ecosystems.  Next, we'll head to Yellowstone National Park where we'll explore Old Faithful and the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs.  From Old Faithful, we'll make our way to the northwest corner of Yellowstone for hiking and wildlife viewing.  We should see plenty of bison and elk, and, if we're lucky, we might see bald eagles.  On our way back to the Tetons, we'll stop of at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River for lunch and a beautiful hike.  After hiking, it will be time to hit the water.  We'll begin with a morning float trip on the Snake River, break for lunch on the river and then raft exciting Class II whitewater -- perfect for beginners. 

We'll head into Jackson for our final dinner together where we'll celebrate all that we have accomplished and seen on our Teton Adventure--a life experience with value and resonance that extends far beyond the boundaries of a single summer.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike in Yellowstone National Park
• Visit Old Faithful geyser
• Hike in Grand Teton National Park
• Raft the Snake River

GRADE

For students who will finish grade 6 in June 2008.  This summer we will have 5 groups. Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability.

CHALLENGE LEVEL

This is an introductory trip. The selected activities, their duration and intensity are designed for adventurous 6th graders. The challenge level is a 2 on a scale of 1-10, where 1 is easiest. While this is an introductory trip designed for some of our younger students, it is essential that parents make a good choice for their child. Every Overland program requires independence, age-appropriate maturity and good fitness.

START & END LOCATION

Starts and ends in Jackson, Wyoming

2008 DATES & FEES

2 Weeks

Sunday, June 22 to Friday, July 4
Sunday, July 6 to Friday, July 18
Sunday, July 20 to Friday, August 1

$2695 (airfare not included)

APPLY TODAY

Most groups fill in January & February. To download an application, click here.

 

"The perfect combination of fun, challenge, support, teamwork, adventure and spirit!" Anne Hardy, Westport, Connecticut

Itinerary

At The Start Of The Trip

We will meet at the Jackson, Wyoming Airport and then van north to our campground in Grand Teton National Park.

Grand Teton National Park

We'll spend our first few days exploring Grand Teton National Park. Each morning, we'll head out on a day hike, carrying just snacks, lunch and some extra layers, to explore the beauty of Grand Teton. We'll have a chance to hike next to shimmering lakes and to spectacular view points all in the shadows of the mighty Tetons. Our day hikes will progress in terms of their challenge level as our fitness improves and we adjust to the altitude.

Teton Science School

During our first week, we will spend two days with instructors from the Teton Science School. On our first day with our TSS instructors we will head out on a hike in Grand Teton National Park where we will learn about the plants and animals specific to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone ecosystems. A day later, we'll head out on the mellow flat water of String Lake in Grand Teton. Our group will master basic paddle strokes and learn about water environments in the Rocky Mountain West. We'll put our new knowledge to use during the second week of our trip as we explore the trails and lakes of Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone National Park

Next, we'll head north to Yellowstone where our first stop will be Old Faithful, one of our country's most famous natural landmarks. Our first day will be spent exploring the geysers of Yellowstone, on a series of short hikes. Heading northwest into the park, we'll spend the next three days on more challenging hikes, visiting a lake, a beautiful waterfall, admiring the wildlife and climbing to the top of a 9,500 foot peak. Our last day in the park will take us to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. We'll have a chance to view the canyon's Lower Falls, a 305 foot waterfall, one of Yellowstone's most spectacular sights.

Rafting the Snake River

We'll head back to Jackson at the end of our two weeks and spend our last day rafting the Snake River. Our experienced guides will take us through eight miles of flat water before we stop for a mid-morning brunch. After we eat, we'll head back out on the river for our final eight miles of Class II whitewater, an exciting and fitting end to our two weeks in Wyoming.

Trip End in Jackson

Our final night will be spent in Jackson where we'll have a chance to look back on all of our accomplishments during our two weeks exploring Yellowstone and the Tetons.

 

"The leaders were engaged, enthusiastic, competent and welcoming." Helen Wells, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Supervision & Safety

Overland’s two leaders, a man and a woman, provide 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week supervision of the highest standard. Our students feel safe and secure in our talented and conscientious leaders’ hands.

On an Overland trip the group stays together all day: biking and hiking together, playing games together, swimming together, and enjoying our evenings together as we prepare dinner and dessert and talk about the day’s adventures. We get up early (usually between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m.), have full, active days, and head to bed soon after dark (between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m.).

We set high expectations for each student’s behavior—we expect respect and consideration for others, a positive attitude, and an eagerness to help make the trip a success in every way possible.

In every decision we make, safety comes first. We plan our trips carefully choosing hiking trails and bike routes that make sense for the age and abilities of each group. We hike and ride with care, with a leader at the front and a leader at the rear—and we take frequent rest stops. When biking, we only ride during the day; we always wear helmets, and we attach an orange safety flag to every bike. Since our first trips in 1985 our safety record has been superlative.

For nearly 25 years our caring and competent leaders, our 24/7 supervision, our high expectations, and our commonsense approach to safety have made Overland the number one choice for summer trips.

Overland Leaders

In a world where strong leadership skills make the difference between the average and the exceptional, Overland recruits and trains only the best to be our leaders. Not only do these remarkable people capably lead our groups, they also offer our students the kind of role modeling for which Overland has long been recognized. Bright, charismatic and accomplished, our leaders ensure the safety and well-being of every Overland student, and then they provide much, much more, inspiring our students to reach for their potential in every way. 

You won’t find a more dynamic and talented group of people than Overland’s leaders. Most Overland leaders have played varsity sports and many have captained their teams; they have served as student government officers, volunteered as peer counselors and directed campus organizations. They are high achievers who come to Overland with a lifetime of leadership experience—but just as importantly, they are warm, wonderful people who are eager to work with Overland’s students.

Overland’s leaders prepare carefully for the summer. We know of no other program that requires certification in First Aid, CPR and lifesaving—every Overland leader has all of these plus our own 10-day training program that focuses on safety, supervision and leadership. All of our efforts prepare Overland’s caring and committed leaders to create safe, supportive and valuable programs where each of our students can flourish.

Meet some of our spectacular returning leaders.

What's it Like?

Teton Adventure is the perfect trip for an adventurous 6th grader. This trip has been designed to create a great progression so that our students can be successful yet challenged, in a supportive and comfortable environment.

A typical day starts out around 7am with breakfast and time spent packing our day packs with lunch, snacks and some warm clothes. We'll head out on the trail, stopping for lunch at our destination for the day and then returning to camp in the mid afternoon. At this point, we'll have time to relax, play group games or go for a swim. After dinner, we'll spend some time together as a group, reminiscing about our day and winding down for the evening before heading to our tents for the night.

At trip's end, we'll head to Jackson, have a chance to explore town and perhaps attend a rodeo, before our final day, which will take us to the Snake River for a day of rafting.

How We Put Our Groups Together

We have a number of important criteria for every group:

Size: Every Overland group is limited to 12 students.
Gender: Groups are coed; the male/female ratio is always carefully balanced (6:6, 7:5 or 8:4).
Friends: We allow two pairs of friends in a group (we never allow three or more friends to travel together). With a maximum of two pairs of friends there will always be space available for at least eight students to come on their own without a friend. Furthermore, if we enroll two pairs of friends in a group and both pairs are of one gender, we generally try to: (1) enroll three or four more students of that gender in that group, or (2) close the group to additional students of that gender.

"Overland gives a child situations to grow and develop that even the best of parents can’t provide.” Judy Scofield Miller, Brooklyn, New York

Trip Details

Getting To & From The Trip

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from Jackson, Wyoming. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the airport to provide supervision and assistance at trip start and end.

Preparing & Important Equipment

Equipment needs are minimal: a day pack, sleeping bag and suitable clothing packed in a duffel. Overland will provide any required specialized equipment. Please see the Preparing & Packing page for a complete clothing and equipment list.

Additional Costs

Transportation to and from program start and end locations, spending money and personal gear are not included in the program fee. Overland provides group gear including tents and stoves; students provide all personal equipment (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack).

"The activities were well planned and executed beautifully. My daughter raved about her leaders and how energetic, responsible and fun they were - great role models for a 6th grader!" Judy Rosenthal, Huntsville, Alabama

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