Teton Adventure

2 weeks

for 6th graders only

Overview

Please join us for two weeks of hiking, canoeing and rafting as we explore Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks on our Teton Adventure.

At the start of our trip, we’ll explore the spectacular Tetons. We’ll hike with day packs, taking frequent breaks to enjoy the big views of the jagged peaks above and blue lakes below. Next, we’ll head to Yellowstone where we’ll hike, view wildlife and see Old Faithful. We’ll spend one of our hikes with a naturalist who will teach us about the plants and animals found in this beautiful setting. We’ll also spend a day in canoes learning paddle strokes and exploring a scenic lake in Grand Teton National Park. Toward the end of our trip, we’ll raft the Snake River—a perfect choice for beginners.

At trip’s end, we’ll head back to Jackson for our last night where we’ll celebrate all of our adventures out West.

“Everything was perfect—not too hard, not too easy—and geared to Matthew's age and abilities.” Marc Moran, Newbury, New Hampshire

Highlights

Hike the Tetons & Yellowstone
Explore the Tetons with a naturalist
Canoe high mountain lakes
Raft the Snake River

Grade

For students who will finish grade 6 in June 2010.

Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

2 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Jackson, Wyoming.

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

$2895 (airfare not included)

"Best summer of my life!" Kyle Baer, 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 two weeks together, we will spend two days with instructors from the Teton Science Schools. 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. For our second day, we'll head out in canoes 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 few days on more challenging hikes, visiting a lake, a beautiful waterfall, admiring the wildlife and climbing to the top of a 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 of our summer adventure 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.

"In addition to being well run, Overland makes a point of encouraging the qualities we'd all like our kids to adopt—confidence, healthful living, cooperation and reponsibility.” Mary McKenna, New York, New York

Trip Details

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.

“This was the BEST summer program ever! It was a life-changing experience and the best two weeks of my life.” Jenn Fabian, Medina, Minnesota

Photos

Click thumbnails below to enlarge

Print View

Enrollment Forms

Admissions Material 2010

Teton Adventure Release Forms 2010

Prepare & Pack

Preparing for the Hiking

Stay active in sports and get out for some walks and hikes this spring. The more you prepare, the more you'll enjoy your program and the better able you'll be to hike safely this summer.

Packing for Your Trip

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while hiking and camping this summer. Nighttime temperatures are much cooler when you are at high elevation than they tend to be in the regions most of us are from. The warm clothing and layers listed may seem unnecessary now, but we guarantee you'll appreciate them 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 a duffel bag or your daypack. You should 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. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Clothing

Tennis Shoes or Sneakers
Comfortable shoes to wear around all day and on day hikes.

Sport Sandals
With a heel strap for rafting, swimming and around camp. No flip-flops or Crocs as these will not be acceptable for rafting. If you do not have sport sandals, your sneakers will work fine for rafting and around camp.

Waterproof Rain Jacket
Your rain jacket must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof and breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from.

Fleece Jacket/Pullover or Warm Sweater/Sweatshirt
One or two. To wear in camp on cool evenings. If you get cold easily, we recommend two.

Winter Hat & Gloves/Mittens
To stay warm in camp on cool nights.

Long Pants
One or two pairs. To wear in camp on cool evenings. One could be a long underwear layer or a pair of sweat pants.

Shorts
Three pairs of comfortable shorts to hike in.

Shirts
Three short-sleeve shirts or tank tops; two long-sleeve shirts.

Underwear
Six pairs.

Socks
Six pairs.

Pajamas
One pair only. Pajamas are not required as many students will just sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.

Bathing Suit
One only.

Hiking & Camping Gear

Backpack
For everyday adventures and hikes. Your backpack should have two shoulder straps (i.e., not a satchel) and be big enough to carry your lunch, snacks, two water bottles and a rain jacket or extra warm layers. A regular school backpack will work fine as a day pack.

Sleeping Bag
The bag should be reasonably compact (most come with a stuff sack) and rated to 30 degrees or less. Carry your sleeping bag on the plane with you in case your checked luggage is delayed.

Sleeping Pad
Either a full length or 3/4 length closed cell foam (thin and firm) pad like a Therma Ridge Rest or inflatable like a ThermaRest is appropriate. Carry your sleeping pad on the plane with you.

Pillow
Optional. Many students will use their fleece or sweatshirt as a pillow.

Flashlight or Headlamp
So you can see in camp when it's dark outside. A headlamp is a small light attatched to a band that you can wear on your head which is nice because it allows both hands to be free.

Utensils
6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top; insulated plastic mug; spoon, fork and knife. These don't need to be special camping utensils. A Rubbermaid dish and regular eating utensils are fine.

Water Bottle
Any kind, to stay hydrated out in the sun.

Miscellaneous Gear

Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.

Toiletries
Travel size as items can by replenished en route.

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

Sunscreen, Chapstick, and Insect Repellent
SPF 15+ sunscreen, chapstick with SPF.

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.

Journal and/or Book
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.

Spending Monday
$50 per week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out, camera film 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.

Travel Information

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.

Flight Arrival: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) between 10am and 2pm Sunday, 6/27, 7/11, and 7/25.
Flight Departure: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) between 8am and 12pm Friday, 7/9, 7/23, and 8/6.

Drop Off: United Baggage Claim at 1pm.
Pick Up: United Check-In at 9am.

Any other special cases: please call the Overland office to coordinate, if you have not done so already.

Flight & Travel Information 2010

Program Start & End Information 2010

Mail Stops

During the trip, students may receive mail sent to the below addresses.

Mail Notes:

1) On the lower left corner of the envelope, please write: "Please hold for Overland."
2) Mail sent to General Delivery addresses can only be sent via the USPS.

Teton Adventure 1

Mail Stop - must arrive before July 2nd

Student's Name, Overland/TA 1
General Delivery
West Yellowstone, MT 59758

Teton Adventure 2

Mail Stop - must arrive before July 16th

Student's Name, Overland/TA 2
General Delivery
West Yellowstone, MT 59758

Teton Adventure 3

Mail Stop - must arrive before July 30th

Student's Name, Overland/TA 3
General Delivery
West Yellowstone, MT 59758

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2010

Apply Now

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.

Liz Sargent

Hometown: West Hartford, Connecticut
School: Union College
Leadership: New England Adventure
More about Liz »

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