BEECH CLIFF ADVENTURE PROGRAMS

A Typical Day - Generally, we try to wake up, have breakfast, break camp, and repack our gear so we can begin hiking by 9:00AM. On certain days, depending on group energy levels, how long it takes the group to do “morning duties,” how far we have to travel that day, and weather, we may get up much earlier or sleep in a little later. Leaders usually get up earlier than the group and enjoy the peaceful morning. Kyle is famous for seeing the most wildlife in the early mornings while the mist is still rising. People rarely believe the stories of what he sees (but they are true!). Eagles fishing, opossum falling out of trees, moose swimming, porcupines trying sleepily to follow the pattern of a matrix of dragon flies over a pond… You are welcome to join him for this quietly energizing start to the day. Kyle currently leads all of the wilderness journeys with a female co-leader. Every day also begins with a briefing of what the day looks like on a map and a personal check in to find out how individuals are feeling.

On the Trail or River - We always have a “lead” hiker or canoeist and a “sweep” and stop for breaks to hydrate, pee or poop, shed or gain layers of clothes, enjoy a scenic vista, talk about what we may have seen on the last section of river, or observe a unique clump of fungus, fish pool, section of rapids, or animal sign. People may become tired, frustrated or completely invigorated during the hike or paddle and the leaders and group are there to help you if you need it. As the days go on the leaders may ask if any participants want to “lead” the day – or certain parts of it. This may include organizing the morning duties and preparations for hiking or canoeing, map reading, making decisions about where to re-supply our water bottles, or setting the pace. Of course, we are always there and will help set you up for success and might allow mistakes to happen if they do not affect the safety of the group, yourself, or anyone else. You will get lots of experience minimal impact hiking, camping and canoeing, reading the forested and river sculpted landscape, practicing observing with a new, detail-oriented eye, and working on leadership, decision making, and problem solving. All decisions that the Trip Leaders make will also be explained to the group as part of the educational experience.

At Camp - At camp we will establish where the tents will go, where our “bathroom area” will be, where the water source is, where the “kitchen area” will be, and where we will store our food for the evening. Leaders may be called upon to help initiate certain tasks. Dinner will be prepared and eaten as a group when everyone is ready and after camp has been set. Headlamps are great for this time because duties can be performed in the dusk or dark with “hands free lighting”. Every evening will conclude with a debrief of the day where individuals can share their experiences.