Session One: June 20 - July 2
Super Vag
The SuperVag is our extended frontcountry backpacking trip for campers age 14-16. Participants of the SuperVag will complete the entire 70 mile Laurel Highlands Trail – backpacking nine days from the 1000 foot deep Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown to the rugged and picturesque Youghiogheny River Gorge at Ohiopyle State Park. As the “big-brother” to our classic Vagabond backpacking trip, the SuperVag is recommended for experienced hikers or backpackers looking for the challenge and adventure this National Scenic Trail has to offer. Super Vag Equipment List
G.A.P.
The G.A.P. is our one and only bike trip for campers age 14 – 16. This van supported trip covers 320 miles over nine days as these hardy bikers link the C&O Canal Bike Path with the Great Allegheny Passage, creating their route from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh. Our adventurers will coast along the banks of the Potomac, roll through Harper’s Ferry, and take in some unbeatable Mid-Atlantic scenery as they pedal their way closer to Pittsburgh, staying in public campgrounds and cooking their own meals along the way. GAP Equipment List
Session Two: July 4 - July 16
Vagabond
This is the trip that started it all! The Vagabond is our beginner frontcountry backpacking trip for campers age 14 & 15. Vagabond participants will cover 32 miles on the Laurel Highlands Trail – backpacking for five days from Donegal to Ohiopyle State Park. This trip has been offered by Camp Kon-O-Kwee for forty years and shows no signs of slowing down! Vagabond Equipment List
 Kinzua
The Kinzua canoe trip offers 14 – 16 year olds breathtaking scenery along the Middle Allegheny River Water Trail as they’ll paddle their way 107 miles from the Kinzua Dam to Emlenton, PA. Paddlers will enjoy eight days on the river - paddling, swimming, and preparing their meals and camping at shoreline and island rest stops. Quality instruction in paddling technique, “reading” the river, map reading, and boating safety is provided before and during what’s sure to be an unforgettable expedition one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic waterways.
Kinzua Equipment List
Session Three: July 18 - July 30
Vagabond
This is the trip that started it all! The Vagabond is our beginner frontcountry backpacking trip for campers age 14 & 15. Vagabond participants will cover 32 miles on the Laurel Highlands Trail – backpacking for five days from Donegal to Ohiopyle State Park. This trip has been offered by Camp Kon-O-Kwee for forty years and shows no signs of slowing down!
O.L.D. School
The pinnacle of the High Adventure Series, our Outdoor Leadership Development School for 16 & 17 year olds is our one and only backcountry expedition. Participants in this program will travel to the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest for eight days of practical outdoor leadership experience. Each “student” will have their opportunity to lead the group and plan the days travel from morning to night, as there is no set route (though there are a variety of options) through the 17,371 acre wilderness. Old School Equipment List
Elevated on the highest plateau east of the Mississippi, the Dolly Sods Wilderness area reaches elevations of nearly 4,900 feet above sea level, providing a backdrop of flora and fauna reminiscent of biomes found much farther north. In addition to the many shared experiences this trip will bring, our five instruction priorities include:
- The basics of Servant Leadership and what it means the be a Servant Leader
- The value of self reliance and personal independence
- Identification and recognition of situational group dynamics
- Decision making in a sound and timely manner
- Knowledge & practice of the 7 principles of the Leave No Trace Code of Outdoor Ethics
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Important Information
 Having a safe and enjoyable High Adventure Experience is of the utmost importance to us. Please look over the following information before registering for
a spot on any of these trips.
Expedition Behavior Contract
Our High Adventure staff functions as trip leaders and facilitators for the campers chosen adventure. Understanding there is an increased role in personal responsibility and decision-making inherent when choosing to participate in a wilderness trip, it is important for each participant in a High Adventure program to understand they are part of a team working toward a common goal. To ensure that all team members are on the same page, we require an Expedition Behavior Contract to be signed by both Camper and Parent/Guardian before accepted into the High Adventure Village.
Please click here for a copy of the Expedition Behavior Contract
Fitness Requirement Guide
To make experiences as enjoyable as possible, it is important for participants to be confident their own physical ability as it relates to their adventure of choice. To help, we have provided some fitness recommendations to use when preparing for a High Adventure experience.
Please click here to view our
High Adventure Fitness Recommendations
Please know that in the event a camper should need to be removed from their High Adventure experience for physical or behavioral reasons, s/he MAY be able to participate in YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer programs in either the Teen Wilderness Program or in a program back at Kon-O-Kwee.
Equipment Lists
Personal comfort and hygiene are essential to a safe and enjoyable wilderness experience. While participation in these trips does not absolutely require high-end equipment, there are several basic pieces of gear that participants must have in order to attend a High Adventure experience:
High Adventure Staff
YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer carefully selects a team of 6 trip leaders for the High Adventure Village. Each shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to help young people learn and grow in a wilderness setting. Our High Adventure staff team is trained specifically for the trips that we offer and possess certification in Wilderness First Aid. Additionally, we outfit each High Adventure trip with a Spot Satellite Tracker - which enables group leaders to check in with main camp, mark their progress, call for help, or contact 911 regardless of how remote their location may be.
Time Not on Trip
When participants are not on the trail, river, road or bike path, they are on site at YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer building the strength of their team, preparing gear and equipment, sharing meals, swimming, playing, or just relaxing & unwinding from the long journey. |
