The River Challenge
Session A, June 22 - July 4
For Teens entering 9th & 10th grade
 

2008 Teen Trips Application

Financial Assistance Program

Discover Pennsylvania and get into some white water adventure! You’ll take in four days of white water kayaking with an instructional guide, work on your paddle-roll technique, and shoot the rapids of the Youghiogheny River. Then you’ll continue your tour of the Youghiogheny by canoe on one of the more tranquil sections of the river.  You’ll go spelunking (caving) in Pennsylvania’s largest cave, Laurel Caverns, which boasts a year-round temperature of 52 degrees. The adventure will finish with a trip to Hershey Park, the sweetest place on earth. This trip is sure to be fast-paced and full of excitement!     

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Cape Surfari
Session A, June 22 - July 4
For Teens entering 9th & 10th grade

2008 Teen Trips Application

Financial Assistance Program

Get ready for some Cape Cod adventure. Learn how to surf the great waves off the coast of Wellfleet with professional surf instructors.  You’ll be showing off your surf skills in no time at all. Take some time to relax and enjoy a few of the many amazing Cape Cod Beaches. Once you’ve mastered your surf abilities, take some more time to explore the waters of the Cape when the group goes sea kayaking.  Finish off your stay with a Whale Watch to experience the amazing creatures of Stellwagen Bank, and chill out on your last day when you head to Water Wizz, a water park that will be sure to complete your trip!

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Shenandoah Ranch
Session B July 6 - July 18
For Teens entering 9th & 10th grade

2008 Teen Trips Application

Financial Assistance Program

It’s time to hit the trails in Virginia for some authentic trail riding! You’ll learn some great horsemanship before heading out on both half-day and full day rides. And not to worry - there’ll be plenty of time to explore the majestic Shenandoah Valley and take in some of the breathtaking scenery the area has to offer.  This incredible adventure will finish with a day at Hershey Park and then we’ll return to Camp in time for our closing campfire and candlelight ceremony.       

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Vermont Rocks
Session C July 20 - August 1
For Teens entering 9th & 10th grade

2008 Teen Trips Application

Financial Assistance Program

This high-action adventure takes you to the Green Mountain State.  Your journey will begin at Mount Snow where you’ll hike to find the best vantage points. You’ll then continue with four days of adrenaline-pumping rock climbing.  We’ve got the “beta” on some of Vermont’s hottest climbing crags and wildest rappels. You’ll also get to try some mountain-boarding seen in last summer’s Xtreme Xplorer trip. We’ll even get a chance to see Vermont from a rarely seen vantage point…underground.  That’s right, we’re going caving!  We’ll make our way underground and check out the darkest depths of Vermont.  Let’s not forget the spectacular Green Mountains – we’ll be enjoying the views and scenery by foot, on some of Vermont’s premier hiking trails.

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The Maine Event
Session C July 20 - August 1
For Teens entering 9th & 10th grade

2008 Teen Trips Application

Financial Assistance Program

Join us on this incredible journey to Maine and experience everything this great state has to offer. You’ll start your journey on the Kennebec River for some incredible white water rafting and funyaking, then head to Baxter State Park to conquer the almighty Mount Katahdin.  From here you’ll head south to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park and enjoy the coastal setting with three days of sea kayaking.  As you explore the islands and shoreline of this beautiful area you can start to cast your mind forward to the upcoming whale watch  and Lobster Bake that the group will enjoy as a finale to the trip. The Maine Event has got it all - rivers, ocean, mountains and beaches. This adventure is camping at its best!      

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Cape Cod Bike Adventure
Session D August 3 - August 15
For Teens entering 9th & 10th grade

2008 Teen Trips Application

Financial Assistance Program

On this trip, you’ll explore the jewel of New England, Cape Cod Massachusetts!  Your group will stay in youth hostels, complete with hot showers, comfortable beds and full kitchens.  This exciting adventure will begin in Orleans where the group will explore the mid-cape by bicycle and enjoy a relaxing and invigorating day of sea kayaking.  From there, the group will ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. You’ll have opportunities to explore these scenic islands by bicycle, relax on the beach, go swimming, and visit quaint colonial townships.  This bike tour is a great trip full of fun, sun, sand and scenic beauty!             

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Connecticut Voyageur
Specialty Week August 17 - August 22
For Teens entering 8th & 9th grade

2008 Teen Trips Application

Financial Assistance Program

If you’re thinking you’d like to try an Xcellent Adventure but are a year or two away from two weeks “on the road”, Connecticut Voyageur is the program for you!  Experience the thrill of a trip by joining us for a one-week canoe adventure down the Connecticut River.  Spend your first 2 days at camp learning advanced canoeing skills and rescue techniques and enjoy the tranquility of the river for two nights, three days as you make your voyage downstream. The group will camp in State Parks and learn how to make a great meal on the campfire and get a fantastic introduction to life out on an Xcellent Adventure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose camp hazen ymca?

We know children.  We have 87 years of experience with kids, we are professionals and our Xcellent Adventure program offers experiences that no parent can do on their own.  Children need to spend time outdoors, practicing social and decision making skills that are new to them, while being inspired by positive role models. 

Our programs are safe and are different to programs offered at other camps.  Families who send their children to Camp Hazen feel great about themselves for having made that decision….so much so, they return year after year.

Who are the trip leaders?

Trip leaders are chosen for their experience, judgment and maturity. They are positive role models who strive to ensure that each trip is challenging, safe and fun! Trip leaders are at least 21 years old and have been certified in Wilderness First Aid. Trip leaders participate in an intensive 2-week training prior to camp. All trips will have at least one lifeguard who is American Red Cross or YMCA Certified.

What will be expected of me?

Have fun! It is expected that all participants will show respect for self, peers and trip leaders. You will be expected to take an active role in supporting the needs of the group, whether it is in budgeting for meals, in cooking and cleaning up after a meal, house cleaning or encouraging trip-mates to achieve personal goals. Each team member will also given an opportunity to be the group manager for a day.  This is a great opportunity to show your true leadership skills, making sure that your team is aware of the goals and objectives of the day, that roles and responsibilities are suitably designated, that there is task achievement and that individual needs are being met.  This type of safe and encouraging environment is the perfect place for you to step up and succeed.

What is the food like?

You will be pleased with the food. Meals are carefully planned so that they are nutritious and well-balanced. Each member of the group will have a responsibility to prepare, cook and clean up the daily meals.  As an added responsibility, the group will also have to maintain a food expense budget and purchase groceries, keeping in mind the upcoming group plans.  This hands-on experience gives participants a great insight into a "real-life" budget while ensuring that the needs of a family group of 14 people are being met.

How does the group travel around?

The group will travel in vehicles that have been inspected by the State of Connecticut and have been approved for use by a Youth Camp.  Typically we use Dodge Grand Caravans or Chrysler Town & Country vehicles. There will be two vehicles taken on your trip and our staff is extensively trained in long-journey driving techniques.  All Camp Hazen YMCA driver’s must undergo a tough 26 point driving skills test before being permitted to drive Camp operated vehicles. While on the trip, the group will utilize these vehicles for all transportation needs.

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