Tell Me More About the 2017 TRIPS!

Summers at Wa-Klo are sure to be remembered for many years to come.  We are happy to announce our exciting optional out-of-camp trips for the summer of 2017! Our Wa-Klo campers will never forget white water rafting with friends, exploring the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, and sighting their first Humpback Whale.  2017 is the summer of adventure.

Read on to learn more about all of the exciting options.

Offered Both Sessions:
Camping Trips (all age groups): All Wa-Klo campers have the opportunity to leave camp for a night with their bunks to sleep out under the stars. Excited to learn how to make a fire and cook over it? To pitch a tent to sleep in? To wake up to the sunrise?  Girls will learn basic skills of camping, with each trip tailored to the specific age-levels of the campers on the trip.  

Deerfield River Whitewater Rafting (3rd/4th graders):
Excited to try whitewater rafting? Finishing 3rd and 4th grade campers have the opportunity to go on this exciting adventure with the experienced guides of Crabapple Whitewater, Inc. This beautiful ten-mile rafting trip through mild whitewater is the perfect outing for beginner rafters. Daily dam control ensures we start out with a bang at “Hurricane Rapid” followed by easy rapids such as “Sideways Splash”, “Freight Train” and “Pinball”. Calm rafting sections allow your guide to fill you in on local history and to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Berkshires. Midway through the rafting trip our self-bailing rafts approach the day’s biggest rapid, “Zoar Gap”.  After safely navigating this exciting Class III stretch, the second half of the rafting trip includes fun river rapids such as “Slam Dance” and “Cold River Rapid” as well as opportunities to get out of the boat and float or engage in team water fights. This trip promises to be an exciting and invigorating taste of whitewater rafting!

White Mountains Lost River Gorge Exploration (5th grade): *updated*
Get away to NH’s favorite vacation destination, the White Mountains, to enjoy Lost River Gorge and Whale’s Tale Water Park!

First we’ll spend our morning exploring Lost River… a place where granite walls seem to erupt from the earth and a river plays hide and seek. Today you can follow Lost River as it appears and disappears through the narrow steep-walled gorge, the tumbled granite crevasses, caverns, and waterfalls.  Along the boardwalks and in the boulder caves you’ll travel through history, journeying back 25,000 years to the time of glaciers.  Exploring this natural wonder is an amazing experience for our Wa-Klo campers!

After exploring the Lost River we’ll head over to Whale’s Tale Water Park nearby where we’ll be able to relax and enjoy the attractions! Streak down the speed slides, twist through the flume slides, or splash down the 360 foot tube ride with clean, clear filtered water.  It’s a great way to end a busy day!

Session 1:
Kennebec/Adventure Bound Rafting (6th/7th):
The Kennebec River winds through 12 miles of remote, spectacular wilderness in Maine.  The Adventure Bound guides will share their knowledge and enthusiasm for this wonderful river as they guide campers through exciting white water rapids.  Following a riverside cookout, engage friends in water fights, use inflatable kayaks, or simply slip outside the rafts and enjoy a float through this remarkable waterway. At the end of the day, we’ll spend the night at the Adventure Center, which includes a pool, hot tub, movie lounge, and many games to play!  This trip is sure to be unforgettable.

Portsmouth NH Whale Watching (8th/9th):
This exciting trip begins with a whale watching excursion off the coast of Portsmouth.  We have the chance to see 40 ton Humpback Whales, 70 ft. Finback Whales, Minke Whales, and highly endangered Right Whales. Other species sighted include Atlantic White Sided Dolphins, Harbor Porpoises, Pilot Whales, Harbor Seals, Sharks, Tuna, and Ocean Sunfish.  Whether these marvelous creatures are seen is entirely up to the whales; the probability is quite excellent as the company has a 99% sighting record.  During the past several years, Jeffreys Ledge, the area will be exploring, has hosted the largest population of whales on the New England coast!! The whale watches are led by experienced and qualified naturalists who enjoy sharing their love of the marine environment with all passengers.  

After our whale watching, we’ll head into Portsmouth to explore this traditional New England town. Portsmouth is a great little city filled with restaurants and shops to explore.  Girls enjoy a relaxing afternoon here, including dinner at one of the many restaurants.

Session 2:
Outdoor Rock Climbing (6th/7th): *new*
We are thrilled to announce this new trip option for girls finishing 6th and 7th grade.  Experience outdoor rock climbing in beautiful southern New Hampshire!  We will travel to Pawtuckaway State Park in Raymond, NH to spend the day with certified rock climbing guides.  Campers of all climbing experience levels are welcome to join; beginners to more advanced climbers will all enjoy our time at Pawtuckaway.  What a day!

Six Flags (8th):
Always a favorite with campers is our trip to Six Flags New England, an amazing park with awesome rides, great shows, and incredible attractions, plus Hurricane Harbor water park.  We’re sure you’re already excited to get to the park!

Martha’s Vineyard (9th):
A drive to Wood’s Hole, Massachusetts will bring you to the shore of the Atlantic Ocean where you will board the Steamship Authority Ferry to beautiful Martha’s Vineyard Island.

After enjoying a relaxing, one hour, scenic ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard, you will pick up your bikes and cycle to the hostel in Vineyard Haven where you will stay for your two night island adventure.  The hostel includes such things as: two common rooms, outdoor recreation area including a sand volleyball court , fully equipped kitchen, and was voted the World’s Friendliest Hostel twice.  Sleeping accommodations are dormitory style with bunk beds and separate men and women areas.

The second day you will cycle through the town and tour the majestic island.  You will discover various attractions like Menemsha, the Clay Cliffs of Auinnah, and Oak Bluffs.  Beaches are either 3 or 6 miles away from the hostel.  The day will finish as you enjoy the soft sand beaches, shopping, and a wonderful sunset.

The two-night trip is all-inclusive except spending money for souvenirs.  This trip provides a wonderful opportunity to see the beauty that New England and especially Martha’s Vineyard has to offer.

Let us know if you have any questions about the trip options! We also offer other adventurous options throughout the sessions, including hiking in the White Mountains and in the Monadnock region. Session one campers will all enjoy an out-of-camp trip (location TBA- we have to keep a little mystery and intrigue!) and session two campers will all spend the afternoon at the Jaffrey Fair, a local New England fair that Wa-Klo helps with every summer. These are all activities you do not need to sign up for in advance.  Get ready for a memorable summer!