Peaks and Rivers 2025 Blog
We kicked off camp on Sunday, first spending some time getting to know each other and then packing for six days of adventure. It was a very warm day, so we headed off to Middlesex Dam to start the “river” portion of our camp! Once on the Winooski, we had a paddling lesson and a swim test. After gaining paddling skills, we set up our first camp and cooked dinner, learning many new backcountry living tasks as we went.
Monday brought our first full day! After packing up camp, we started a ten mile paddle from Middlesex to Bolton Dam. We took many breaks to swim and jump off cliffs to stay cool. A few times throughout the paddle we could also see the summit of Camel's Hump in the distance! It was exciting to see where we would be in a few days. The day came to a close with a half mile up-and-over-the hill portage around Bolton Dam and camp set-up, ending with a much deserved beautiful evening enjoying the views of the surrounding hills and river.
Down the river with Camel’s Hump in the distance.
On Tuesday, we started our final paddle segment on the Winooski River. There were lots of small rapids, making for an extra fun morning. Once we arrived at the Long Trail take-out, we unpacked our river gear, leaving only the essential mountain gear. It was now time to start the “peaks” portion of the camp! We started our journey up the Long Trail, stopping to appreciate the view at Duxbury Window and enjoy some lunch (peanut butter and jam filled tortillas became a favorite meal of the students). After a few hours on the Long Trail, we set-up base camp, taking in the beauty of the forest we got to call home for a few nights.
On Wednesday, after an early morning start we re-joined the Long Trail and summited Camel’s Hump. The hike made for a fun chance to appreciate the trail and the company of one another. The summit views were incredible, allowing us to see much of the state of Vermont and some of its most famous natural landmarks. Students could see the entirety of their river trip on the Winooski, and noted how far they were able to travel without cars and with just their own power! We spent the afternoon back at base camp, swimming and cleaning clothes in the lake.
We enjoyed great water level and many exciting rapids.
On Thursday, we had a rest day. Students enjoyed sleeping in and waking up to a special pancake breakfast. We made and performed skits to one another to capture some of the most memorable moments at camp. We also worked on carving skills, starting with a chopstick to gain confidence in the carving strokes and then moving on to a spoon. After lunch, students went out on short navigational walks in small groups. When a group of three did not return from their task in the expected 30-minute time, we initiated a search. After two hours of searching by ourselves, we called for help and divided into two groups. One group remained with students at camp, while the other assisted with the rescue efforts.
The search for missing students was directed by State Search and Rescue Coordinator, with assistance from State Police, and five volunteer organizations, including Waterbury Backcountry Rescue, Camels Hump Backcountry Rescue, Upper Valley Wilderness Rescue Team, New England K-9 Team and North Country Search Dogs. The search was incredibly well organized and coordinated, with clear communications. Everyone was positive that we would locate the kids first thing in the morning and, as predicted, the missing students were located with the first light, half a mile from camp in good spirits.
We later learned that after getting turned around on their return to camp, the missing students found a dry spot in the forest, with a view of the valley below, and settled in for the night. They were just waking up, when they heard the calls, and were greeted by a search dog emerging from the woods. Students stayed together, stopped as soon as they realized they were lost, found drinking water, and supported one another. They performed remarkably well after just five days of training. We are grateful to everyone who showed up to help with grace, skills and professionalism.
The rest of the group stayed up at the base camp, having their final camp morning and then hiking down the mountain on the Long Trail. Friday afternoon provided a chance for all of the students and instructors to be back together again. In the week following, we processed this event with staff, families and students, strengthened safety protocols, and felt a strong sense of summer camp community rooted in trust.
Making spoons.