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, Caving, Climbing, Snorkeling & Kayaking
July 1 - July 10, 2010
Coed (Ages 13-17) - Trip is limited to ten campers.
Operated with Holyoke Rows
Trip will begin and end in North Oxford, MA

You'll 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, caving, climbing, snorkeling, and kayaking. We will challenge our comfort zone and acquire a unique perspective of our environment while caving in underground caves. We will develop and refine our paddling and boat rescue skills before 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
August 7 - August 16, 2010
Coed (Ages 13-17) - Trip is limited to twelve campers.
Operated with Courageous Sailing Center
Trip will begin and end in North Oxford, MA

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.  Click here for online registration.


Wilderness Leadership Program 1 - Canoeing
July 14 - July 20, 2010
Coed (Ages 15-18) - Trip is limited to eight campers.
Trip will begin and end in Charlton, MA

Come join The Barton Center as we head north to upstate Maine and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. We will be spending seven days learning how to survive in the wilderness and how to plan an extended canoeing trip.  In addition, we will be building a lot of on-the-spot diabetes education into the week, particularly how to manage blood sugars when engaging in wilderness activities.  The campers will take a leadership role on the trip, with each participant helping plan and lead each day.  Come enjoy a great aquatic adventure! Click here for online registration.


Wilderness Leadership Program 2 - Backpacking
July 28 - August 3, 2010
Coed (Ages 15-18) - Trip is limited to six campers.
Trip will begin and end in Charlton, MA

The Barton Center is taking our backpacking wilderness leadership trip to the Wild River wilderness in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  From mountain peaks to river crossings, to deep forest, come enjoy some of the best wilderness New England has to offer.  This trip is focused on teaching wilderness backpacking and navigation skills, along with diabetes management tools for the backcountry setting.  Leadership is an important component, with the participants sharing daily responsibility for navigation and camp set up.  Come enjoy a true backcountry adventure.  Click here for online registration.