Overview
New England Adventure
for 6th graders
Please join us for a week of biking, swimming, hiking and rafting in a small, spirited group (no more than 12 students or fewer than 2 leaders) as we explore the best of Martha’s Vineyard and the Berkshires on our New England Adventure!
We'll start in Williamstown, Massachusetts, with a short orientation and some practice rides before we travel by van to Cape Cod. We'll ferry to Martha’s Vineyard where we’ll explore the island by bicycle. The Vineyard has an excellent system of bike paths that link up nicely with quiet backroads. We’ll ride from bustling Vineyard Haven to classic Edgartown, stopping for a snack along the way and enjoying a picnic lunch at Edgartown’s harbor. We’ll make our way by bicycle to South Beach and enjoy an afternoon of swimming and games. At the end of our time on the Vineyard, we’ll ferry to Woods Hole, load up our van and head west to the Berkshires.
In the Berkshires we’ll base ourselves in Williamstown, a quintessential New England college town with a white-steepled church, a block-long Main Street and fields and farms all around. Williamstown and the surrounding Berkshire Hills are ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities. We’ll hike up Mount Greylock, the highest point in the state, and enjoy the four state view from the top. We’ll raft the fun and exciting Deerfield River for an afternoon on the water. In the evenings, we’ll play games, build a campfire and make s’mores.
At trip’s end, we’ll celebrate all that we have accomplished and seen on our New England Adventure--the perfect introduction to Overland and a life experience with value and resonance that extends far beyond the boundaries of a single summer.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Bicycle & swim on Martha’s Vineyard
- Explore the Berkshires
- Hike Mount Greylock
- Raft the Deerfield River
GRADE
For students who will finish grade 6 in June 2008. This summer we will have 9 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 1 on a scale of 1-10, where 1 is easiest. While this is an introductory trip designed for some of our youngest 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 Williamstown, Massachusetts
2008 DATES & FEES
1 Week
Sunday, June 22 to Saturday, June 28
Sunday, June 29 to Saturday, July 5
Sunday, July 6 to Saturday, July 12
Sunday, July 13 to Saturday, July 19
Sunday, July 20 to Saturday, July 26
Sunday, July 27 to Saturday, August 2
$1395 (airfare not included)
APPLY TODAY
Most groups fill in January & February. To download an application, click here.
“AWESOME! Hank came back more confident and with a smile on his face as he told every Overland story." Liza Barrett, Williamstown, Massachusetts
Itinerary
At The Start Of The Trip
New England Adventure begins in Williamstown, Massachusetts. For those who fly, we'll pick you up at the Albany International Airport in Albany, New York. For those who are dropped off, we'll meet on the Williams College campus
Our First Day Together
On our first afternoon together, we'll focus on getting to know each other through playing fun games and taking a beautiful afternoon hike. Our group will include two leaders—always a male and a female—and up to 12 students (never more). Our small group makes for close friendships and fun as we enjoy our week together.
Martha's Vineyard
The next morning, we'll head to Cape Cod by van and then ferry to the island of Martha's Vineyard. Our bike rides on Martha's Vineyard will take us to classic seaports, charming towns and long stretches of white sand—perfect for an afternoon of swimming and games. The terrain is generally rolling as we ride quiet roads and bike paths. We’ll also explore bustling Vineyard Haven and classic Edgartown.
Exploring the Berkshires
At the end of our time on the Vineyard, we’ll ferry to Woods Hole, load up our van and head west to the Berkshires. We'll challenge ourselves with a hike up Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts (3,491 feet) and then reward our efforts with a day on the Deerfield River. The Deerfield is perfect for us, with a fun mixture of rapids and flat water in a spectacular valley. Depending on the water level, we’ll raft or paddle inflatable kayaks; either way we’ll be in the safe hands of our rafting guides and enjoy a fun day on the river.
Trip End
On our last night together, we’ll celebrate our week of fun and discovery. All in all, the perfect introduction to Overland!
Supervision & Safety
On an
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?
Traveling with Overland is fun as we seek to explore as a group, largely under our own power, in a safe, supportive and wholesome environment. There is always lots of activity! We do everything together as a group; we make all of our meals together, we hike together, we bike together, we swim together and we explore together. With two caring leaders in charge, this makes for a great experience for everyone.
Our days start with a simple breakfast as a group (cereal, milk, juice, fruit and bagels) before we clean up and head out for the day's activities. We’ll usually have a picnic lunch (sandwiches, chips, fruit and cookies) while out hiking, rafting or biking. By mid-afternoon we generally return to our campsite or hostel for some down time to read and relax. We’ll almost always head back out in the late afternoon for a short bike ride, a walk or a swim before returning to our accommodations to prepare dinner. Dinners are simple meals—like tacos or burritos, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti or hamburgers and hot dogs—accompanied by a green salad or fruit. Group members (with the leaders’ supervision) plan, shop for and prepare all of the meals. After dinner the group will take a walk in town or on the beach, play a game or build a campfire. As the sun goes down, we come together one last time to enjoy dessert together and discuss the day’s highs and lows. This last gathering of the day—called Dessert Circle—is an important Overland tradition and is the perfect way to unwind and reflect after a busy day.
How We Put Our Groups Together
We have a number of important criteria for every group:
Size: Every
Gender: Groups are coed; the male/female ratio is always carefully balanced (6:6, 7:5 or 8:4).
“Peter returned home quietly confident and with a new enthusiasm for the outdoors.” Kent Hedman, Bratenahl, Ohio
Trip Details
Getting To & From The Trip
New England Adventure starts in Williamstown, Massachusetts. For students who drive to the start of the trip (Williamstown is 3 hours north of New York City and 3 hours west of Boston), we’ll meet on the Williams College campus. Students who fly to the trip start should fly into the Albany, New York airport where Overland staff will be on hand to meet you, help you collect your baggage and transport you by 15-passenger van the 42 miles to Williamstown.
At the end of the trip students can either fly home from Albany or be picked up in Williamstown. Overland staff will be on hand to assist all students with flights or pick-ups.
Equipment
Equipment needs are minimal: a day pack, sleeping bag, bike helmet and suitable clothing packed in a duffel. Overland will provide a bicycle for all New England Adventure students. 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’s leaders bring out the best in everyone.” Vicky Dehnert, Austin, Texas
