This event is hosted by The Trustees:
Join us for an educational overnight with Green Button Counseling and Nemo Equipment! The activities offered will focus on building confidence and outdoor independence. Learn and get hands-on practice with gear, safety, fear, food, water, hygiene, decision making, barriers, and ‘what if’s’ in an inclusive and encouraging environment. We will also get on the trails for a guided hike and have time on water to try out canoeing or kayaking. Open to all experience levels, and is an ideal fit for those looking to connect with others while building the skills you need to be outdoors and camping independently.
We’ll begin the evening at 2pm with an option for a relaxing paddle on Chickering Pond.. After our kayaking and canoeing time, a formal welcome and introduction will be facilitated by The Trustees and Green Button Counseling. Experienced gear techs from Nemo Equipment will demonstrate some camping equipment, and Green Button Counseling will then facilitate a hands-on introduction to the camping equipment you’ll need for solo backpacking, car camping, and more. We will also be discussing common questions and concerns many face when preparing for their adventures.
Following the group discussions and camp set up, it’s dinner time! On the menu is vegan chili, locally grown salad courtesy of Powisset Farm, and an assortment of ‘astronaut food’ for sampling. *
Once the sun has set, an experienced Trustees guide will lead a nighttime hike through the varied terrain of Rocky Woods. We’ll listen for owls, take in the scent of pine, and admire the gleaming light of the moon and stars over Echo Pond. After the hike, enjoy campfire chilling and socializing until quiet hours at 10pm.
Optional nature activities will be offered in the morning at 7am before a breakfast of oatmeal and fruit at 8am. We’ll conclude the facilitated portion of the weekend with a group reflection. Participants are welcome to stay at Rocky Woods for fishing, canoeing, or hiking beyond our 10am departure time.
There is limited gear available for use, we ask that participants bring their own gear if they have it (tent, sleeping bag, etc). This program will run at Rocky Woods, and the group will meet in the parking area at 2pm and continue overnight until 10 am the following morning. Dinner and breakfast will be provided.