Overnight Experiences
keeping it novel, supportive, and dare we say, cool?
The middle and high school years are a pivotal time for identity formation—and this chapter needs to be stacked with mentors and experiences that inspire, challenge, and provide continuity. Hearty Roots meets older youth where they are: our authentic mentorship model builds trust with joy, humor, and respect at the foundation, while novel outdoor experiences create opportunities for recreation, growth, and learning that can’t be replicated in a classroom.
Coastal expeditions
At a Glance: Coastal Expeditions are offered in July and August in Muscongus Bay and are designed as immersive, multi-day adventures. Middle school expeditions run for 3 days, while high school expeditions extend to 7 days. These trips offer a deeper dive into outdoor living, teamwork, and exploration in a dynamic coastal environment.
Activities: Participants sea kayak and tent-camp on islands stewarded by the Maine Island Trail Association. They build skills in expedition planning, backcountry cooking, Leave No Trace practices, navigation, and group living while traveling through a stunning coastal landscape.
Days are active and hands-on, often including paddling, hiking along the shoreline, and tidepool exploration. Evenings and shore time bring a healthy balance of camp craft and connection—fire building, knot tying, and carving. There is also intentional “chill time” woven into each day: space to swim, explore the shoreline, journal, rest in a hammock, or simply take in the rhythm of island life.
Coastal expeditions strengthen resilience and leadership through shared responsibility, steady teamwork, and the daily practice of showing up for one another.
Age Range: Coastal Expeditions are offered in two age-based formats:
Middle School (3 days)
High School (7 days)
Each expedition is thoughtfully structured to match the developmental level, endurance, and leadership capacity of the group. Register for programs here.
Campouts
At a Glance: Campouts are offered in the Fall, Winter, and Spring and last 1–2 nights. Each campout takes place on our campus grounds in Bremen and is typically scheduled over long weekends or school vacation breaks—making it easy for families to plan ahead.
Activities: Our “side-country” camping experience blends comfort with adventure. Participants sleep in tents or canvas wall tents while developing essential outdoor skills such as preparedness, camp cooking, and gear management.
Each season brings unique opportunities for exploration. Depending on conditions, activities may include hiking, snowshoeing, or paddle boarding.
Every campout also features hands-on camp-craft skills like fire building, carving, and other practical outdoor projects that build confidence and self-reliance.
Age Range: Campouts are designed for two age groups:
Middle School (ages 12–14)
High School (ages 14+)
Each experience is tailored to be developmentally appropriate, engaging, and challenging for the specific age group.
