New England Explorer

2 weeks

open to grades 7-8

Overview

For two weeks, we’ll hike, backpack and sea kayak the best of New England, exploring the beautiful Berkshires, the legendary Green Mountains, the rugged White Mountains and the scenic coast of Maine.

On our day hikes, we'll aim for the highest points in Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire, seeking out dramatic views of the fields and farms below. Our time together begins with a day hike in Williamstown as we get to know one another and explore the Berkshires. We'll spend a night under the stars before hiking to the summit of Mount Greylock, for a picnic lunch the following day. Heading north to the Green Mountains of Vermont, we'll hike to the summit of Mount Mansfield on the renowned Long Trail. We'll then don our packs for a three-day backcountry hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, camping at secluded mountain lakes and enjoying panoramic views. For our final hike, we'll challenge ourselves with a climb to the top of Mount Washington, the highest peak in New England.

After our hikes, we’ll head to the coast of Maine for two days of sea kayaking. Paddling is the ideal way to explore this area, offering a close look at the bays and islands of America’s most famous coast. At trip’s end, we’ll return to Williamstown to celebrate our adventures, our accomplishments and our time together.

“Sophie had a great experience, and we couldn't be happier with Overland." Charles Panzer, South Orange, New Jersey

Highlights

Day hike the best of the Berkshires & Green Mountains
Backpack New Hampshire’s White Mountains
Summit Mount Washington (6,288 feet)
Sea kayak Maine’s rocky coast

Grade

For students completing grades 7 & 8 in June 2012

Multiple sections are grouped by grades

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability

Challenge Level

3 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Williamstown, Massachusetts

Accommodations

We'll spend 9 nights camping at front country campsites and 3 nights camping at established backcountry campsites. We'll spend our nights in tents sleeping in groups of two to four people. Front country campsites provide access to bathrooms, flush toilets, and laundry facilities, while backcountry campsites are more primitive with generally a small shelter and an outhouse.

Dates and Fees

2 weeks

Sunday, June 24 to Friday, July 6
Sunday, July 8 to Friday, July 20
Sunday, July 22 to Friday, August 3

$2795 (airfare not included)

“I loved both of my leaders. They were responsible, fun-loving and enthusiastic.” Courtney Colwell, Rye, New York

Itinerary

Trip Start

New England Explorer 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 will let you know where to meet us in Williamstown. Students who fly to 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 the 42 miles to Williamstown.

Days 1-2 Hiking the Berkshires

We’ll spend our first two days camping and hiking in Massachusetts’ Berkshires. On our way up Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet, we’ll take frequent breaks to appreciate the views and enjoy some snacks to keep us going. At the summit we’ll have lunch and enjoy panoramic views of four states: Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and Massachusetts.

Days 3-4 Exploring Vermont's Green Mountains

In the Green Mountains of Vermont, we’ll hike to the summit of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in the state. While in Vermont, we'll also have a chance to swim in pristine mountain lakes and visit the Ben & Jerry's factory for a bite of everyone's favorite ice cream!

Days 5-8 Climbing the White Mountains of New Hampshire

Here, in the most rugged mountains in New England, we'll don our backpacks for a three-day backcountry hike, walking along ridgelines and enjoying spectacular panoramic views. Then, having honed our hiking skills and fitness, we'll take on Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. Beginning early in the morning, we'll ascend via the fabled Tuckerman's Ravine to the 6,288 foot summit to enjoy sweeping views of the Presidential Range.

Days 9-11 Kayaking Maine's Coast

Near the end of our trip, we’ll spend two days exploring the Maine coast via sea kayak. Paddling is the ideal way to explore this area, offering peace, quiet and beauty while affording an intimate look at the bays and islands of America’s most famous coast. Our seasoned guides will show us how to navigate the cool, rocky waters of the coastline.

Trip End

At trip end we’ll travel back to Williamstown, Massachusetts. Here we’ll spend our final night together to celebrate our adventures, our accomplishments and each other.

“I had a lot of fun hiking up and down mountains all over New England. My leaders and fellow hikers were great.” Justin Krakoff, Westport, Connecticut

Trip Details

New England Explorer is rated 3 on a scale of 1- 10 (1 is easiest). The length of the hikes and the difficulty of the terrain are less demanding than Rocky Mountain Explorer (Level 4). Daily hikes on New England Explorer will vary in length depending on the day’s activities but will generally fall in the range of 6 to 8 miles.

Most New England Explorer participants are first-timers on a trip like this—so few, if any, students come with prior experience. There is always a range of physical ability and fitness in each group. As long as you are motivated and reasonably fit, you will keep up just fine because the trip is designed to be a cooperative, non-competitive group activity where everyone contributes and helps one another.

“My Overland experience was completely amazing!” Hannah Boomershine, Wilmette, Illinois

Photos

Click thumbnails below to enlarge

Print View

Enrollment Forms

Enrollment Forms 2012

New England Explorer Release Form

Prepare & Pack

Preparing For The Hiking

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken-in boots. We cannot overemphasize the importance of well-broken-in boots. There have been students who have had to leave their trips because of blisters from boots that were not well broken in. The training table below is designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

Pre-Trip Training

Four weeks before your trip: Wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day to walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots will begin to conform to your feet.

Three weeks before your trip: Take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Two weeks before your trip: Take three 45-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

One week before your trip start: Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots.

Packing For Your Trip

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack. Participants can bring one additional set of travel clothes (e.g. jeans and a t-shirt) to wear on the plane. These will be left in the van.
If you are flying to your trip start, you should wear your hiking boots on the plane and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.
You will have the chance to do laundry periodically and you will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, so please stick to the packing list and bring only the clothes and items listed below.
Overland will rent or provide any specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (for example, rock climbing, rafting, mountaineering, or kayaking) and that gear is included in your trip fee.
Check out some of our favorite brands and retailers to purchase items on this list.
Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at 413-458-9672.

Clothing

Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants.

Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom
One or two tops and one bottom.

Winter Hat & Gloves/Mittens
For cool nights in camp.

Insulated vest
An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest.

Waterproof Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Hiking Shorts
Two or three pairs of synthetic (not cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.

T-Shirts
Three synthetic t-shirts.

Underwear
Five pairs.

Socks
Three pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks made for hiking. Sock liners are optional.

Sport Sandals
These must have a heel strap for kayaking, swimming and around camp. Flip-flops or Crocs are not acceptable for water activities such as rafting or kayaking.

Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and in camp when your hiking boots are not necessary.

Pajamas
Optional.

Bathing Suit
Optional.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

Hiking Boots
Waterproof hiking boots that are mid to high cut (recommended price range $100 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack.

Backpack
2,500-3,600 cubic inches. Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips. We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs.

Waterproof Pack Cover
If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.

Day Pack
Your day pack can be used as a carry-on for your flight and will be necessary for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack, maybe even just your school backpack. You should be able to carry it over both shoulders (i.e., NOT a satchel) and it should be big enough to hold your lunch, 2 water bottles, snacks and some extra warm layers and rain jacket.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag (synthetic or down) that is rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack which can then be cinched down to 12-20” in length.

Sleeping Pad
A full or ¾ length mattress pad that is inflatable or made of closed-cell foam. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside.

Bowl, Mug & Utensils
For meals you will need a 6-8” plastic dish or bowl with a lid. The bowl can be a rigid Tupperware-like material or collapsible. A spoon is all you need but you can bring a spork or a set of lightweight silverware if you’d like. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Water Bottle
One 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries
A small flashlight is OK but headlamps are great because your hands are freed up for other tasks. Rocky Mountain Explorer students must have a headlamp for their summit climb.

Small Safety Whistle
Plastic or metal with a string or lanyard attached. This is for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.

Miscellaneous Gear

Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.

Plastic Bags
Ten large 1-gallon ziplock bags and four large trash bags. The ziplock bags are used to organize and waterproof your gear and small items. The trash bags are used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad.

Toiletries
All items should be travel size. If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.

Moleskin or Molefoam
One full package for blister protection.

Sunglasses & Hat with Visor

Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Please bring ample amounts of sunscreen.

Insect Repellent
Please bring ample amounts of bug spray.

Personal Journal or Book
Optional.

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Spending Money
$25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive phone card that your son or daughter can use at any airport pay phone.

If you feel that it is necessary to send your son or daughter with a phone, please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. Send an inexpensive prepaid cell phone instead. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone (better yet, bring an inexpensive prepaid calling card).

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Travel Information

DROP OFF: Cole Field House, 85 Stetson Rd., Williams College, Williamstown, Mass. at 2:00 p.m. Sunday
PICK UP: Cole Field House, 85 Stetson Rd., Williams College, Williamstown, Mass. at 11:00 a.m. Friday
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: Albany International Airport (NY) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: Albany International Airport (NY) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday

For any special cases, please contact Overland to make arrangements, if you have not already done so.

For students who drive to the start of the trip, 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.

Flight & Travel Information 2012

Program Start & End Information 2012

For Parents Driving to Williamstown 2012

Mail Stops

Students have a chance to receive mail midway through the trip. Please follow the instructions below to properly address mail for your student's NEX section. Please send mail well in advance to ensure delivery to the group

NEX 1

Mail must arrive prior to June 28th to ensure delivery to the group. An Overland staff member will deliver mail to the group once during the trip. Any mail that arrives at the Overland office after June 28th, may be collected when the group returns to Williamstown at the end of the trip.

Student's Name

c/o Overland NEX 1

PO Box 31 (or 63 Spring St for UPS/FedEx)

Williamstown, MA 01267

NEX 2

Mail must arrive prior to July 14th to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name (Overland NEX 2)

c/o General Delivery

165 Main St

Gorham, NH 03581

On the lower left corner of the envelope/package, write "Please hold for hiker, ETA 7/14/11"

Note: UPS and FedEx will not be accepted at a General Delivery Post Office. Please send mail via US Postal Service only.

NEX 3

Mail must arrive prior to July 28th to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name (Overland NEX 3)

c/o General Delivery

165 Main St

Gorham, NH 03581

On the lower left corner of the envelope/package, write "Please hold for hiker, ETA 7/28/11"

Note: UPS and FedEx will not be accepted at a General Delivery Post Office. Please send mail via US Postal Service only.

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2011

Apply Now

HOW TO APPLY

You have two choices. You can apply online with a credit card by clicking the link below.

Apply Online

Or you can download the 2012 Overland Application as a PDF (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Then mail your completed one-page application and $795 deposit check to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

Learn about our admissions process.

Tracey Tomlinson

Hometown: Mercer Island, Washington
School: Colby College
Leadership: New England Explorer
More about Tracey »

× Close

Tracey Tomlinson hails from Mercer Island, Washington, and is a senior at Colby College where she is double majoring in international studies and philosophy. She loves traveling and spent her first semester of freshman year abroad in Dijon, France, and during her junior year, she volunteered in the Maldives for a month where she worked with sea turtles, preschoolers and started a hydroponics program. Tracey is the Class of 2012 President, a member of the Senior Student Leadership Committee, a member of the Golf Team, an Executive Board Officer in Admissions, a Tour Guide and a Peer Mentor in the Career Center. Her favorite thing about Colby, however, is COOT (Colby Outdoor Orientation Trips), which send first years on a trip in the Maine wilderness. During the summer of 2010, Tracey worked as the COOT Coordinator, which involved planning the 60 trips, organizing and overseeing a 10-day training program for 130 leaders, cleaning and repairing the necessary gear and placing the first years. Inspired by her Overland summer leading middle school students in New England, Tracey started volunteering with Hardy Girls Healthy Women at Skowhegan Area Middle School this fall. She and her co-leader visit the school once a week to meet with their group of students to discuss ways to challenge stereotypes surrounding girls and to use social action projects as a way to increase girl power. She has been thinking about what comes next after Colby and studying for both the GRE and the LSAT as she is looking to get a MPH/JD degree. In her free time, Tracey enjoys good food, good friends and great adventures. She writes about leading New England Explorer in 2011, “A student and I were cooking dinner, and she had the unglamorous job of cutting the chicken. While we were chatting about the day, she said, 'You know, two weeks ago I never would have squashed a bug, cut chicken or even slept in a tent, but now I do all of these things without even thinking about it. That is so cool!' Her confidence in that moment made me realize just how much of an impact Overland has on students. ”

See More Overland Leaders