Adventure & Wilderness Leadership Programs

Barton is my daughter’s home away from home. Her summer would not be complete without it.

Together with staff who know what making it to the top of a mountain can do for the soul, campers are inspired and empowered to confront their fears, heights, waves, self doubts and rainstorms, all while managing diabetes. "If [you] can tackle a vertical granite wall, [you] can do anything." (Morgan age 16, NY)  Embark upon high adventure rock climbing, ride white water rapids, challenge your comfort zone while rappelling, or master sailing. During our 10-day Adventure Programs, led by certified guides and diabetes professionals, campers experience a voyage of self-discovery and adventure. Daring teenagers work as a team as they bushwhack their way to both group and personal success.

Our Wilderness Leadership Program provides teens a unique, yet challenging wilderness experience that focuses on developing leadership skills and increasing knowledge of diabetes self-management. While trekking or canoeing through the wilderness, campers will face both physical and mental challenges as a team and with their diabetes. Multiple teachable moments available on these trips provide a powerful learning experience focused on each camper, diabetes, leadership strengths, and the environment.

Barton Adventure & Wilderness Leadership Programs offer more than just a memorable experience, they help change lives!

Adventure 1 -  Rappelling, Climbing, Snorkeling & Kayaking
Thurs, July 2 - Sat, July 11, 2009
Coed (Ages 13-17) - Trip is limited to ten campers.
Operated with Holyoke Rows
Trip will begin and end in North Oxford, MA

As a participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to learn new skills as we travel on land, on water, and underground. The Barton Center and Holyoke Rows are teaming up to provide campers with an exciting opportunity to gain new perspectives on the world and their fellow travelers. While camping in the Pioneer Valley, you'll explore rappelling, climbing, snorkeling, and kayaking. We will travel west into New York and challenge our comfort zone and acquire a unique perspective of our environment while spelunking in two different underground caves. We will return east and develop and refine our paddling and boat rescue skills before heading to the Rhode Island coast where we will get a taste of real sea kayaking. Meeting the challenges and managing the risks that come with outdoor adventures are part of the experience. We will learn about ourselves, create new friendships, and have fun along the way.  Click here for online registration.

 

Adventure 2 - Sailing and City Adventure
Sat, Aug 1 - Mon, Aug 10, 2009
Coed (Ages 13-17) - Trip is limited to twelve campers.
Operated with Courageous Sailing Center
Trip will begin and end in North Oxford, MA

As a participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to put your physical and mental strength to the test in this intense and challenging high seas adventure!  Back by popular demand; The Barton Center and Courageous Sailing Center have teamed up to offer campers the opportunity of a lifetime as they learn to sail against the scenic backdrop of Boston and the Boston Harbor Islands National Park.  Campers will be housed at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences during their stay in Boston.  Campers will spend their days learning to sail on Boston Harbor and their evenings discovering the fun activities that the city has to offer.  Click here for online registration.



Wilderness Leadership Program 1 - Canoeing
Mon, June 22 - Sun, June 28, 2009
Coed (Ages 15-18) - Trip is limited to eight campers.
Trip will begin and end in Charlton, MA

As a participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to spend one week canoeing on a New England river and living out of your backpack with others who live with diabetes. You'll experience the wilderness, build leadership skills, and develop lifelong tools to manage your diabetes. Last year, the group canoed down a section of the Connecticut River in Vermont to New Hampshire. Each year the program leaders will change the itinerary and canoe down different rivers throughout the New England wilderness. Trained staff members with extensive experience in wilderness programming, leadership development, and diabetes management lead the Wilderness Leadership Program. Staff will include health care professionals and Wilderness First Responder certified wilderness leaders.  Click here for online registration.



Wilderness Leadership Program 2 - Backpacking
Wed, July 22 - Tues, July 28, 2009
Coed (Ages 15-18) - Trip is limited to six campers.
Trip will begin and end in Charlton, MA

As a participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to spend one week backpacking in the mountains with others who live with diabetes. You'll experience the wilderness, build leadership skills, and develop lifelong tools to manage your diabetes. One year the group hiked a 40-mile section of the Long Trail in Vermont, and other groups have tackled sections of the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Each year the program leaders will change the itinerary and hike different trails throughout the New England wilderness. Trained staff members with extensive experience in wilderness programming, leadership development, and diabetes management lead the Wilderness Leadership Program. Staff will include health care professionals and Wilderness First Responder certified wilderness leaders.  Click here for online registration.