Overland SUMMER CAMPS FOR 4TH - 12TH GRADERS Family Login
open to grades 7-9 In the spectacular Rockies, we’ll hike to over 14,000 feet, raft a great western river and see the best of Colorado. For two weeks, we’ll discover the beauty and excitement of America’s West with an adventurous and spirited Overland group.
At the start of our trip, we’ll set out on a series of day hikes. These hikes are a terrific way to acclimate to the high elevation and arid climate. At the end of our first week together, we’ll be ready to head into the backcountry on a three-day backpacking trip below snowy mountains and along crystal-clear alpine lakes. During our second week, we’ll take a break from the trail to enjoy a two-day rafting trip on the Arkansas River. With professional guides at the helm, we’ll float the long, calm stretches and enjoy the fun of the Class III rapids—a perfect river for our group.
Back on the trail, Rocky Mountain Explorer ends with a hike up Mount Yale, one of Colorado’s famous "14ers" (mountain peaks over 14,000 feet). Our hard work during the ascent will be rewarded with magnificent views from the summit and a huge sense of accomplishment. At trip’s end, we’ll look back on two weeks of hiking, rafting and fun in the spectacular Rocky Mountains.
"Lauren came back on such a high and couldn’t say enough about her trip. She really admired her leaders, made great new friends and was proud of the miles and elevation she hiked." Nancy Watkins, Kentfield, California
For students completing grades 7-9 in June 2013
Multiple groups organized by grade
Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability
4 (1-10, 1 is easiest)
Starts and ends in Denver, Colorado
2 Weeks
Sunday, June 23 to Friday, July 5
Sunday, July 7 to Friday, July 19
Sunday, July 21 to Friday, August 2
$3195
What the trip fee includes:
What the trip fee doesn't include:
“I loved being able to see a new part of the country with new people and great leaders. Everything about this trip was amazing.” Cole Grazia, Summit, New Jersey
A recent Rocky Mountain Explorer leader had the following to say about this trip:
“Get the most out of your trip because it will be over before you know it! Colorado is a beautiful state and Rocky Mountain Explorer hits the best of the Rockies! Our hikes were challenging yet fun; the three-day back country was perfect for beginner backpackers and a great way to get in shape for our trip-ending climb of one of Colorado’s 14ers. Remembering our group together at the top of Mount Yale in the early morning sunrise is something I won’t soon forget. Teamwork and enthusiasm, even in the early hours of our hike, are what made our climb successful. Our final night in Denver was spent telling stories and laughing about our summer adventures together – hard to believe we had only known each other for two weeks!”
“Both of my children Nathan and Mira Lerner have returned from Overland trips more confident, mature and self-assured. The leaders are excellent, fun, professional and understanding.” Jodi Lerner, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
Itinerary shown below subject to change
Once everyone has arrived in Denver, we’ll head to our campground in Rocky Mountain National Park. We'll spend time checking over our gear and getting to know one another before heading out to explore the best of the Rockies.
We'll spend the first four days on day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, averaging around five to seven miles, which will allow us to acclimate to the elevation and prepare ourselves for the more challenging hiking to come. We’ll hike to beautiful viewpoints each day and eat lunch along the trail. Our base camp will be in a frontcountry campground within Rocky Mountain National Park where we will be easily able to venture back into Estes Park to restock on food supplies if necessary.
We’ll then head out on a three-day backcountry trip where we'll hike below snowy mountains and along alpine lakes as well as camp in the beautiful and remote Colorado backcountry. Averaging five miles per day on the trail, we’ll carry all of our gear, learn about Leave No Trace principles and work together to enhance our backpacking skills. We'll spend two nights camping near one of Colorado's beautiful high mountain lakes. Our second day in the backcountry will be spent exploring the area and relaxing in our beautiful and peaceful setting.
We’ll take a break from our hiking summer adventures to raft the Arkansas River with Wilderness Aware. Wilderness Aware has been guiding rafting trips for many years and rafting is often a highlight for Overland groups. Our experienced guides will take us down the river as we paddle in rafts through calm flat water and exciting Class II and III rapids. We’ll spend the night on the river, waking up to breakfast prepared by our guides as we get ready for our second day of paddling.
As a culmination of our two weeks of exploration in the Rockies, we’ll attempt to summit one of Colorado’s 14,000 foot peaks - Mount Yale. Colorado is famous for its 14ers and after our two weeks of hiking and rafting at high elevations, we'll be prepared to tackle one of these magnificent peaks. Rising early, we’ll hope to summit by late morning and return to camp in early afternoon—a triumphant and fitting end to our adventures in the Rockies.
At trip's end, we'll head back to Denver for a final dinner as we reminisce about our two weeks together and celebrate all that we have accomplished on Rocky Mountain Explorer.
“Ben spent two amazing weeks hiking in Colorado. He was able to spread his wings and let his personality shine with a small group of people. Ben came home and immediately said next summer he would like to go on another Overland adventure!" Vivian Keller, McLean, Virginia
All nights spent camping in tents
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.
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.
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 prepaid cell phone. Please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. 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
Cell Phones
Personal Electronics
Personal Property
No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property
Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.
Most of the hiking we do will be between 8,000 to 10,000 feet. It takes a few days to get used to the elevation which is why we will start with four day hikes carrying just day packs (lunch, water, snacks an extra layer, rain gear, sunscreen, etc.) before our three-day backcountry where we will be carrying our full packs. Leaders will also be sure that students are drinking plenty of fluids and wearing sunscreen to prevent dehydration, altitude sickness and sunburn.
Most groups will aim to get up fairly early in the morning—it is best to be on the trail by 9 am in order to get a good hike in and get back to camp before the afternoon thunder showers roll in. Day hikes will vary in length from four to ten miles—some will be out to remote mountain lakes while a challenge hike might be to the top of a peak. The group’s ability and input will help the leaders decide which hikes are appropriate. The group will usually eat lunch at their destination and then head back to camp arriving in the middle of the afternoon. Students will then have a chance to play games and relax, or the group will head into town to shop for food.
The backcountry hike is three days and two nights and serves as an introduction to the backcountry. Students will load up their packs, and the group will hike four to five miles in to a remote lake. The group will then set up camp and spend two nights at the same campsite. The following day is a chance to explore the area with daypacks, hiking a peak or continuing up the valley. On the third morning, the group will pack up and head back out to their van.
The group will spend two days and one night on the Arkansas River with Wilderness Aware. Their professional and experienced guides will lead our group on a trip comprised of some gentle whitewater, some more exciting Class II and Class III rapids and a night spent out on a beach on the river. There are a couple individual Class IV rapids.
Hiking the 14er is the most challenging aspect of the trip, but after all of the hiking and two weeks spent acclimatizing, it is a manageable challenge and is a fantastic way to finish our two weeks in the Rockies. The group will get up early; they are usually on the trail by 4am or 5am and reach the summit by about 10am. After a snack and photos, the group will begin the hike down arriving back in camp in the early afternoon.
Rocky Mountain Explorer is a bit more difficult than New England Explorer and Blue Ridge Explorer due to the altitude and dry climate. All of the hikes on Rocky Mountain Explorer are above 8,000 feet. It also has a two-day rafting trip, and the challenge hike is to the top of a 14er. It is similar to New England Explorer and Blue Ridge Explorer in that it is two weeks long and designed as an introductory trip. It is slightly easier than Northwest Explorer because there is a shorter backcountry, and it is only two weeks in length. Rocky Mountain Explorer is also similar in difficulty to Language & Hiking France 3-week in that both programs get out on trails everyday, and the hikes become more difficult throughout the length of the trip. Language & Hiking France does not have a backcountry camping section, but there are several frontcountry camping excursions on weekends.
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.
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.
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 prepaid cell phone. Please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. 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
Cell Phones
Personal Electronics
Personal Property
No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property
Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.
Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from Denver, Colorado. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the airport to provide supervision and assistance at trip start and end.
Flight Arrival Window:
Denver International Airport (DEN) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday
Flight Departure Window:
Denver International Airport (DEN) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday
Trip Start Drop Off:
Denver International Airport (DEN) at 11:00 on Sunday in the center of the terminal on Level 5 near where domestic arrivals come up the escalators (in the direct center of the map here in between the two green lines).
Trip End Pick Up:
Denver International Airport (DEN) United Check-In Area (West Terminal) at 9:00 a.m. on Friday.
Any other special cases, please call Overland to coordinate, if you have not done so already.
More detailed information about sending mail to your student will be posted on the Overland Portal in May.
Once your child is enrolled you will be directed to the Overland Portal. Please take the time to read through all of the pre-trip information and prepare appropriately. All programs—not just our outdoor trips—require thoughtful preparation and good fitness. It is important to stay active and fit through sports and exercise. In addition, hikers need broken in boots and bikers need to practice safe riding.
We will upload photos of every group during the summer. Details will be provided in the spring. We’ll also upload all the leaders’ photos from the summer by mid-August (which you can download for free).
Once our programs start the Overland office is open seven days a week from 8am to 11pm. After 11pm, for all routine calls, please leave a voicemail, and we will call you back as soon as we return to the office. In an emergency, follow the instructions on the answering machine to contact our answering service, and we will return your call promptly.
Overland programs are wholesome, structured experiences with high expectations of each student’s behavior. Our students are expected to be enthusiastic, positive, helpful and supportive of each other and of their leaders; they are expected to have chosen an appropriate trip for their interests and abilities; they are expected to have prepared adequately so that they can keep up physically and participate in all of the group’s activities; they understand that smoking, using any tobacco product, drinking alcohol or using any drugs (other than prescribed medications) is strictly prohibited. We reserve the right to dismiss any student for any reason whatsoever-- including but not limited to: rule breaking, a poor attitude, misbehaving, an inability to fully participate or to keep up physically. Students who are dismissed receive no refund and all costs associated with the dismissal are the sole responsibility of the parents/guardians.
To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students; the exceptions to this are: (1) your child will call home on arrival and departure with our phones and assistance and (2) in the case of an emergency. If your child brings a phone for use while en route to his/her Overland program, please do not bring an expensive smart phone; instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone or calling card. Please do not bring personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles, iPads, GPS or similar devices) except for digital cameras. Any cell phones or electronics (except cameras) brought by a student will be collected on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.
Chris Greeno is from Edina, Minnesota, and is a rising senior at Williams College. At Williams, he is a member of the varsity swim team, a tutor for biology, and he leads freshman on WOOLF orientation trips. He was a Junior Advisor for the Williams class of 2016. As a student, Chris went on Overland's Rocky Mountain Explorer, and last summer, he returned to Overland to lead Cape Cod & the Islands. For fun, Chris loves to backpack and hike around the Berkshires, spend time at his cabin in northern Minnesota and grill with his friends from school. Chris is looking forward to his summer with Overland because “it’s truly amazing to watch bonds form between a group of students, bonds that will last far beyond the extent of the trip. The challenges that Overland presents, whether it’s a bike ride or a hike to summit a mountain, provide a unique medium for these bonds to form. Since I’ve been at Williams, I’ve seen that a good leader facilitates bonding by helping the students get out of their comfort zones and do so together. What better way to spend a summer than to help kids connect with each other in such a unique and amazing setting?”
Overland P.O. Box 31 Williamstown, MA 01267 | 413.458.9672 | Fax: 413.458.5208 | info@overlandsummers.com
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