New England Explorer

Overview

New England's famous peaks and valleys are ideal for summertime adventure. For two weeks, we’ll hike, backpack and sea kayak the best of New England by exploring the gentle Berkshires, the legendary Green Mountains, the rugged White Mountains and the scenic coast of Maine.

On hikes through beautiful mountains, we’ll aim for the highest points in Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire, seeking out quiet campsites and dramatic views of the fields and farms below. We’ll begin with a day hike in Massachusetts’ Berkshires, reaching the top of Mount Greylock before crossing into Vermont. In the Green Mountains, 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 from majestic Mount Moosilauke. For our final hike, we’ll challenge ourselves with a climb to the top of Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet, 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, where we’ll celebrate our adventures, our accomplishments and our time together.

“Tierney gained such confidence from her New England Explorer trip. Thank you.” Debra Behles, Wilmette, Illinois

Highlights

• Climb New England’s tallest peaks
• Hike New Hampshire’s White Mountains
• Summit Mount Washington (6,288 feet)
• Sea kayak Maine’s rocky coast

Grade

For students who will finish grades 7 & 8 in June 2010.

Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

3 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Williamstown, Massachusetts

For students who drive to the start of the trip, we’ll meet in Williamstown. 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 the 42 miles to Williamstown.

At the end of the trip, students can either fly home from Albany, New York airport or be picked up in Williamstown. Overland staff will be on hand to assist all students with flights or pick-ups.

Dates and Fees

2 weeks

Sunday, June 27 to Friday, July 9
Sunday, July 11 to Friday, July 23
Sunday, July 25 to Friday, August 6

$2795 (airfare is 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.

Hiking the Berkshires of Massachusetts

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.

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!

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 North East. 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.

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

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Videos

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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.

Weeks Before Your Trip	Recommended Preparation
FOUR	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	Take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.
TWO	Take three 45-minute hikes or walks in your boots.
ONE	Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots.

Packing For Your Trip

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while hiking and camping this summer. Keep in mind, however, that there are a wide range of products available in terms of clothing and equipment. Overland programs are relatively short, and, although you want your clothing and equipment to be durable, this does not mean it has to be top of the line. Oftentimes more basic and less expensive options perform just as well. Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and L.L.Bean.

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.  Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack and daypack. 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.

Please bring only the clothes listed below. Do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. By layering you will stay cool on warm days, dry on rainy days and warm on cool nights. You will have the chance to do laundry periodically. You will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, but please stick to the packing list. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Specialized Gear

Overland will rent specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (e.g., kayaking and rafting), and this is included in your trip fee.

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. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.


• Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom
  Synthetic material will keep you warm in varying weather and is a comfortable layer to wear while hiking or in camp.


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


• Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket
  Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable as they are difficult to hike in and don't provide the same protection that a rain jacket does.


• Shorts To Hike In
  Three pairs of synthetic (no cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.


• T-Shirts
  Three. Please bring at least one synthetic shirt for inclement weather. A synthetic shirt will keep you warm even when wet and will dry faster than cotton. Cotton shirts are fine for hiking in nice weather and for at night in camp.


• Underwear
  Five.


• Socks
  Three pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks made for hiking. Synthetic socks dry faster after a day on the trail and help protect your feet better than a cotton sock.


• Pajamas
  One pair only. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.


• Bathing Suit
  One only.


• Sport Sandals
  With a heel strap for water activities and around camp. No flip-flops or Crocs as these are not be acceptable for water activites like kayaking or rafting. If you do not have sport sandals, your sneakers will work fine for all water activites and around camp.


• 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 and for rafting and kayaking if you don't have sport sandals.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

• Hiking Boots
  Waterproof backpacking boots (recommended price range $125 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack. Boots may be high top or low top depending on what is comfortable for you. Your boots should have a durable leather upper that can be treated with waterproofing wax or liquid, or have a waterproof fabric/leather combination. If the boots you like have a GoreTex liner, that is great but your boots do not need to have GoreTex liners to be waterproof; good quality leather when treated properly is waterproof. Follow the waterproofing instructions from the boots' manufacturer prior to the start of your trip; typically you must wear the boots for at least a week before they will accept waterproofing treatment.


• Backpack
  When choosing a backpack, look for a weekend/overnight pack, which has somewhere between 1,800-3,000 cubic inches of space. Junior packs are also available in this size range. Most packs of this type range in price from $70-$150. 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. Please keep in mind that a larger backpack (4,000-5,000 cubic inches of space) is required if you plan to do a hiking trip with a longer backcountry experience (Yellowstone Teton Explorer, Alaska Explorer, Alaska Leadership Course, High Sierra Explorer, European Explorer or Alpine Challenge) in the future and are buying a new backpack now.
  When buying a backpack, choose a backpack that fits you appropriately (see information below about how to fit a backpack) and has dimensions that will accommodate all of your gear. You will carry a sleeping bag and sleeping pad, clothes for 3 days, rain gear, extra warm layers, toiletries and personal items, water, and some group gear including food and cooking and camping gear. These items need to fit either inside or strapped onto the outside of the pack.
  Follow REI's guidelines on how to find your backpack size:
  Measure Your Torso Length.  This is key: Your torso length, not your height, determines your pack size.  Here's how to measure it: 1.With the help of a friend, locate the bony bump at the base of your neck.  This is where the slope of your shoulder meets your neck, also known as the seventh vertebra. Tilt your head forward to locate it more easily. 2. Using a flexible tape measure, have your friend start measuring at that spot down your spine, following the curves of your back. 3. Place your hands on your hips to feel your iliac crest, the twin pointy protrusions on the front of your hips. Position your hands so your thumbs are reaching behind you. 4. Finish measuring at the point where the tape crosses an imaginary line between your thumbs.  This distance is your torso length.  
  Measure Your Hips. While less critical than torso length, this is helpful if you're considering a pack that offers mulitiple sizes of interchangeable hipbelts. To measure, take your tape measure and wrap it around the tops of your hips. This is the "latitude line" where you can feel your iliac crest, the two pointy bones on the front of your hips. A properly positioned hipbelt will straddle your iliac crest at this line.


• Waterproof Pack Cover
  That fits your pack (including extra room for items that will be strapped to the outside of your pack).


• 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
  We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag either synthetic or down that is warm to 30 degrees or less. Your sleeping bag should compress enough to fit into your backpack and still leave enough space for the rest of your gear and some group gear. Some sleeping bags come with a stuff sack which is a small bag that you can stuff your sleeping bag into and then cinch down to make it compact. If your bag does not have one, you can purchase one at most outdoors stores. A stuff sack that compresses your bag to 12" to 20" is recommended. Carry your sleeping bag on the plane with you.


• Sleeping Pad
  Either a full length or 3/4 length pad that is inflatable like a ThermaRest or a closed cell foam (thin and firm) like a Therma Ridge Rest is appropriate. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside. Carry your sleeping pad on the plane with you.


• Utensils
  For meals you will need a 6" to 8" dish or bowl with a lid and a spoon. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks. These do not need to be special camping utensils, a plastic Rubbermaid dish (or similar) and regular spoon and plastic mug are fine.


• Headlamp
  Small and lightweight to be used in camp when it's dark. A headlamp works better than a flashlight because it provides light but keeps both hands free.


• 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, if you have one already and would like to use it.

• 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 ziplocks (1-2 gallon) and 4 large trash bags. The trash bags will be used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad in. The ziplocks will be used to organize and waterproof the rest of your gear.


• Toiletries
  All travel size (in a plastic bag).  If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.


• Moleskin or Molefoam
  One full package for blister protection.


• Sunglasses & Hat
  Hat with a visor - like a baseball cap or visor - to keep the sun off your face.

• Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent


• Paperback Book and/or Journal
  Optional. Your group will collectively keep a group journal, and you will receive a copy of the journal after your trip. If you would like to keep your own journal, you should bring one.


• Camera/Batteries/Memory Card

Optional. Interested in seeing your photographs or videos on Overland's website next year? Bring a camera with lots of pixels (10 or more) and lots of memory (4GB or more). Buying a new camera? One of our favorites is the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS digital camera.

• Spending Money
  $50/week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out or envelopes to mail letters).

Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).

We do not permit personal electronics on our programs (e.g., cellphones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones for the duration of the program and return them for flights home. Perhaps, a better option would be to bring a pre-paid phone card so that the leaders do not have to carry cell phones for the duration of the program.

Admissions

Below is the Admissions Material packet and other information for New England Explorer.

Admission Material 2010

Flight & Travel Information 2010

Program Start & End Information 2010

New England Explorer Release Form 2010

Apply

We welcome your interest in joining Overland this summer!

To apply, please complete and sign the application on page 47 of the Overland catalog or download an application. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the application).

Please refer to page 46 of our catalog for important information you should know before signing the application.

Send your application and $795 deposit 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

Sorry, we are unable to accept applications by fax, and we do not take credit cards. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

To learn about our admissions process, please click here.