Our oldest age groups had the opportunity to explore all different areas of Maine on their long trips last week. Long trip week is a highlight of the summer for several reasons and this year was even more special after not having had them since the 2019 season. Our team has been working hard all spring and summer to prepare and plan for engaging, memorable and of course fun overnight trips for the Tripp Lake girls.
The Senior II age group explored the the natural beauty of Down East Maine while making friends with locals along the way. From sea kayaking and biking in Acadia National Park to exploring the downtown areas of Camden and Bar Harbor, they infused energy into every person and area they encountered. Highlights included lunch at Jordan Pond in the middle of a National Forest and riding the waves on a schooner in Camden Harbor!
The Senior Is had an awesome trip to Bar Harbor. They spent their first day biking in Acadia and after dinner, played mini golf. The next day they kayaked Frenchman’s Bay and enjoyed seeing harbor seals and splashing each other in a water fight. They spent the evening shopping in downtown Bar Harbor and getting ice cream. On day three, they enjoyed learning a little about the life of a lobsterman on Lulu’s Lobster boat. They concluded their day exploring the many sites of Acadia National Park with the highlights being Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole.
The Inter I age group had a fabulous trip to Camden as well. On day one they stopped by Lands end for some sightseeing and photo opportunities, before continuing on to lunch overlooking the water. Using their perfected outdoor living skills, they set up camp for the night. The forecast on day two was not in their favor, however that didn’t stop the girls from making the most of their time in Camden. They began the day browsing around town and actually ran into a former Tripp Laker who went to camp in the 1960s. This Tripp Lake community of alumnae is incredibly special, and it’s wonderful to witness connections form between old and new campers who can bond over the shared experiences of their time as a camper. They took a sailboat ride which eventually ended up in a downpour. Everyone was split up into smaller groups for dinner, where they had meaningful bonding time into the night. On their last day they explored Boothbay Harbor, enjoyed a pizza lunch all together and stopped for ice cream on the way home.
The Inter II age group spent their long trip camping at the New England Outdoor Center and rafting in the Maine waters on the Penobscot River. It was a wonderful way for the girls to bond with one another and challenge themselves and their rafting abilities. The Inter III long trip is always an exciting one because this is the age group’s first opportunity to experience a multi-day overnight camping adventure. In the weeks leading up to their canoe trip, the campers took various canoeing skill tests which helped our staff to assign them to the proper trip based on their abilities demonstrated at camp. There were three canoe trips in all. One group went to two lakes, another to Sebago and the last to Aziscohos. Each group had a blast testing out their canoe skills in a new environment while enjoying the simple life that is camping outdoors and cooking your own food.
All the girls came back with wonderful stories from their long trips and shared that they all exceeded their expectations. We were so happy to have them home safe as camp just isn’t the same when they’re not here!
Kind Regards,
Leslie and Katie
