Trailblazers Ages 14-17 : YMCA Camp Greenville

Trailblazers Ages 14-17

Overview

Backpacking through beautiful mountain scenery...cruising along on a bike...a refreshing swim in a lake at the end of an exhilarating day...climbing past the tree line to a breath taking view from a mountain peak...canoeing through wild and scenic waterways...these are just a few of the opportunities that are possible as a Trailblazer.

Trailblazer programs offer older campers (ages 14-17) the opportunity to experience challenges and adventure in some of the most beautiful and spectacular natural areas of the United States. Each Trailblazer trip will provide the individual camper with the opportunity to get to know themselves and realize their potential. Each trip starts at YMCA Camp Greenville, where campers will learn and demonstrate their knowledge of the "basics" necessary for each trip. By teaching and using minimum impact camping techniques in the Trailblazer programs, Camp Greenville continues its commitment to better understanding the natural environment and our relationship to it.

Each Trailblazer group will participate in a series of group building exercises in order to help them form a stronger team foundation for the journey ahead. Campers learn how to work together to achieve a common goal and gain a better understanding about themselves and their capabilities in the process. The journey evolves into a "hands on" learning experience.

Campers take an active role in charting the course, preparing for each segment of the journey, maintaining and staying within budget guidelines, sticking to a schedule, and much more. It's more than just a "trip" - it's the opportunity to make new friends, develop new skills, establish a spirit of cooperation, build self- reliance, take an active role in leadership, and learn the true value of service to others. Each evening the group will have the opportunity to reflect on the days events - giving them a chance to share feelings, thoughts and concerns about their experience. Leadership Trips are lead by specially trained staff, selected for their experience, aptitude for working with teens, mature judgment, and safety considerations. They possess both a sincere interest in teens and an ability to share their knowledge, enthusiasm and understanding with them.

Trailblazer Trips

Monk’s Ultimate Adventure - 2 Weeks

Ages: 14-17 years old

Monk’s Ultimate Adventure offers a buffet of fun for the camper who does it all. This trip builds a community of friends who embark on a two-week road trip under the supervision of our most experienced staff: college graduates who are committed to providing a positive experience for campers during this crucial stage of growth. This adventure is chocked-full of exciting events as you make your way through some of the most scenic southwest states. For example, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an overnight in a giant cave in Tennessee, a bike ride on the AT next to wild horses in Virginia, white water rafting on the Ocoee River, and backpacking to the tallest peak in North Carolina. You’ll camp right out of the bus and make friends and memories that will last far beyond the duration of the trip!Experience: Should be in good physical condition, confident swimmer, and able to carry a 30-40 lbs backpack for the short backpacking section of the trip.

Appalachian Trail (AT) Hiker - 2 Weeks

Ages: 14-17 years old

This trip is the backpacking experience of a lifetime on a world-renown trail. The AT Hiker invites campers to join a legendary camp tradition that picks up where last summer’s crew left off. This is a challenging and highly rewarding journey that builds community, encourages independence and teaches valuable wilderness skills along the way. Breathtaking mountain summit views, delicious trail meals and some unexpected surprises are bound to be included along the way. The trip ends with a celebratory whitewater trip and a ticker-tape welcoming back into camp!

The hiking team will be transported to and from the trail by camp bus, and will be led by skilled employees experienced in backcountry travel, wilderness medicine, and group management.

Experience: No backpacking experience necessary, should be in good physical condition, and able to carry a full 40-50 lbs backpack for multiple days over rough terrain.