Adventure Camp FAQs
How old do campers need to be?
In order to attend the 11-13 year-old program, campers should turn 11 by August 31, 2010. In order to attend the 14-15 year-old program, campers should turn 14 by August 31, 2010. In order to apply for the Adirondack Leadership Program, campers should have completed one year of high school and turn 15 by August 31, 2010.
When are the hours of camp?
Camp runs from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Camp runs 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. on Fridays, including an all-camp celebration for campers and families. There is no pick-up for 14-15 year-old campers on Thursday because of the overnight campout. Registration for camp on Monday begins at 8:45 a.m.
What does Christian perspective mean?
La Vida Adventure Camp is part of Gordon College's La Vida Center for Outdoor Education. Gordon is a liberal arts Christian college that operates from a non-denominational worldview. The Adventure Camp is staffed by Gordon students whose goals are to facilitate experiences and discussions that foster character development, positive self-identity and a commitment to care for and serve others from a Christian perspective. Discussions, reflection times, character lessons and debriefs may include discussions regarding God's love and the value of caring for and serving others. The Adventure Camp staff respect kids and families of all faiths and believe conversations can develop understanding between people of different faiths.
Can I be in the same group as my friend?
Campers can request to be with friends when they mail in their acceptance packet. We try to honor 1-2 requests per person, but cannot guarantee all requests. We do encourage kids to reach out and meet new people in their small groups even if they are attending camp with friends.
Are 11 year-olds placed with 15 year-olds?
We aim to place kids with their peers and in groups that are of similar age. The 11-13 year-old groups are separate from the 14-15 year-old groups.
What should I wear to camp?
Campers should wear loose comfortable clothing that can get dirty and are appropriate for athletic movement. Campers should not wear revealing or midriff shirts or shorts. They should also bring a bathing suit for water activities. One-piece or modest tankinis are suggested for girls because of the athletic nature of the water activities.
What should I bring to camp?
- Lunch
- Swimsuit
- Rain jacket
- Sweat pants and sweat shirt
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Bandana
- An awesome adventurous attitude!
Do you offer discounts?
A 20% sibling discount is applied to each sibling attending the 11-15 year-old programs of Adventure Camp in 2010. This discount will only be applied if noted on the application form. Campers attending a second week of the 11-15 year-old program get a 50% discount on the second week of camp (no other discounts may be applied to this week). The sibling discount and the second week discount do not apply to the Adirondack Leadership Program. Additional questions about discounts can be forwarded to the La Adventure Camp Director.
How many weeks can my child sign up for?
Campers are encouraged to sign up for 1-2 weeks of Adventure Camp. Campers who wish to attend 3 or more weeks of camp will be put on a waiting list to ensure that there is space for other campers.
What if I don't know how to ride a bike?
We encourage campers to try mountain biking, even if they haven't ridden in the woods before. If campers do not have any experience on a bike, we have them join another group at the waterfront for that activity time. Once mountain biking is over, they can rejoin their original group.
Do I need to bring a mountain bike or helmet?
The Adventure Camp provides mountain bikes for every camper. If a camper has his or her own mountain bike, they can bring it to camp and use it instead of the camp bikes. Helmets are provided, but we encourage campers to bring their own helmets.
What is the all-camp celebration on Friday?
The Adventure Camp celebration runs from 4:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. on Fridays. Parents, siblings and campers are invited to attend a camp pizza party, group skits, camper certificates and the camp slideshow. The pizza dinner for campers and families is included in the cost of camp.
Are campers allowed to leave early?
Yes. If you know your child will be missing a day of camp or will be late please call 978.867.4111 to let us know. Talk with the adventure counselors to find out what activities he or she will be missing.
What does a typical day look like for 11-13 year-olds?
Below is a sample day for the 11-13 year-old program, but each day will look different for groups. All groups will participate in low course team-building, mountain biking, high ropes course, canoeing, kayaking and the rock gym by the end of the week.
9:00 a.m. Drop-off
9:10 a.m. Games
9:45 a.m. Morning Snack
10:00 a.m. Team-building Initiatives
11:45 a.m. Character Lessons
12:00 a.m. Lunch
12:45 a.m. Adventure Activities
3:15 a.m. Snack
3:30 a.m. Moment for Reflection
4:00 p.m. Pick-up
What does a typical day look like for the 14-15 year-old program?
Each day will include different adventure activities such as team-building initiatives, learning how to belay, rock climbing at various rock sites, waterfront activities, high course elements and an overnight campout. The day will also include playing games, eating snacks, having character lessons and reflection.