Teen Adirondack Trips
A summer that changes what feels possible
For teens, summer can be a chance to drift — or a chance to grow. Teen Adirondack Trips invite teens into adventure, friendship, and the kind of challenge that builds confidence, independence, and a stronger sense of who they are becoming.
Why Teen Adirondack Trips
The teen years are full of change. Confidence, independence, and identity are still taking shape, and the right experience can make a lasting difference.
In the Adirondacks, teens step away from the usual noise and into challenge, friendship, and growth. You build face-to-face connection, take on meaningful adventure, and discover you can handle more than you thought. Parents get to send their teen into an experience that feels adventurous, well-led, and deeply worthwhile. Teens come home with stories, stronger confidence, and momentum for what comes next.
Choose the right trip
Both trips offer adventure, community, and the chance to grow through challenge. The question is which one fits best right now.
Trailblazers
Ages 15–17
Trailblazers is a five-day Adirondack experience that begins at Gordon College, heads north to La Vida Adirondack Base Camp for three nights, and ends with a final celebration day back on campus in Wenham. Teens spend the middle of the week heading out on day-trip adventures like rock climbing, canoeing, and hiking, then return to Base Camp each night for shared meals, campfire, and a mix of cabin lodging and on-site camping. It’s a strong fit for teens who are ready for something bigger than day camp and want an Adirondack trip that feels adventurous, supported, and age-appropriate. Travel from Gordon’s North Shore campus to New York is included.
2026 Dates: July 27–31, 2026
Cost: $970
Teen Leadership Expedition
Ages 15–18
Teen Leadership Expedition is an eight-day backpacking or canoeing trip in the Adirondacks for teens who are ready for a deeper challenge. Along the way, teens build outdoor skills, practice leadership, and grow through daily adventure, shared responsibility, reflection, and faith-based community. The experience includes team building, outdoor climbing, high ropes, leader-of-the-day responsibility, and a 24-hour solo with regular leader check-ins. No previous camping experience is required. It’s a strong fit for teens who are ready to stretch themselves, take on more responsibility, and grow in confidence, resilience, leadership, and spiritual maturity. Transportation from Boston’s North Shore available for an additional fee.
2026 Dates: July 11–18, 2026
Cost: $1,400
| Trip | Ages | Length | Best For | Highlights | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trailblazers | 15–17 | 5 days / 3 nights at Base Camp | Teens ready for a first Adirondack overnight basecamp experience | Hiking, paddling, team challenges, camp life, transportation included | $970 |
Teen Leadership Expedition | 15–18 | 8 days | Teens ready for a faith-based leadership camping trip | Backpacking or canoeing, climbing, ropes, outdoor skills, solo, leader-of-the-day, faith-based community | $1,400 |
What teens take with them
These trips stay with teens because they shape more than a week of summer.
They come home with real friendships built face to face. They come home having done hard things and discovered they can do more than they thought. They come home more grounded, more confident, and better prepared for the next season of life.
Parents see growth in independence, resilience, and maturity. Whether the shift is quiet or obvious, these trips have a way of staying with you for the rest of your life.
What campers are saying
Natalie
Camper
“Throughout this trip, I’ve been challenged physically and mentally, but it has helped me grow so much through learning leadership skills to growing through opening up with other people and learning more about my relationship with God.”
Rowan
Camper
“Because of being the Leader of the Day, I have more confidence in my leadership abilities. I have also decided to try to live more simply and be more thankful.”
Jon
Camper
“By leading I learned intentionality with others. I will grow by going home and being intentional with those who are in my life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Trailblazers is a shorter five-day Adirondack trip with three nights at Base Camp, daily excursions, and group challenges. Teen Leadership Expedition is a longer eight-day backpacking or canoeing wilderness trip with a stronger leadership focus.
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No. These trips help teens grow through challenges in a supportive environment.
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Trailblazers includes transportation from Gordon’s North Shore campus. Teen Leadership Expedition offers transportation for an additional fee.
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These trips are led by experienced staff in a well-supported environment. Teens are encouraged to stretch, contribute, and grow, but never to prove themselves through pressure.
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Trailblazers does not include an explicit faith component, though it is still part of La Vida at Gordon College and is shaped by values of challenge, community, and personal growth
Teen Leadership Expedition includes a Christian faith component through reflection, conversation, and time set aside for spiritual growth.
Getting started is simple
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1. Choose the trip that fits best
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2. Register and pay the $100 deposit
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3. Get ready for an unforgettable week
Ready to choose the right Adirondack trip?
Choose the trip that fits best and give this summer the chance to build confidence, friendship, and a stronger sense of what comes next.