Fall Backpacking Trek

Register Here!

Overview

Get ready to step outside this fall for an immersive backpacking expedition from October 23-25 (Friday–Sunday). This program is designed to build community, develop outdoor skills, and challenge participants as they navigate a wilderness route during the peak of the autumn season.

The journey begins with a mandatory Packout session on Thursday night (10/22) from 5-7pm to review gear and prepare for the trail. This backcountry model tasks students with carrying everything they need on their backs, moving to a new campsite each night, and even attempting to summit a mountain peak! 

Throughout the trip, participants will gain essential outdoor living skills, including:

  • Teamwork and community values through group initiatives and the shared challenges of the trail.

  • Leave No Trace environmental principles to protect the wilderness areas we travel through.

  • How to dress for the outdoors and manage body heat during active hiking and cool autumn nights.

  • Knot tying, tarp pitching, and trailside camp setup for a mobile and efficient backcountry home.

  • How to confidently pack and balance a backpack for a multi-day trek through rugged terrain.

Ages: 9th-12th grades

Program Dates:

  • Packout: Thursday, 10/22 from 5-7pm

  • Expedition: 10/23-10/25

    • Drop-off: 4pm

    • Pick-up: 5pm

Meeting Location: Rippleffect Office: 159 State Street, Portland, ME 04101, in the basement.

Tuition: $450

  • Limited scholarship funding is available! Please submit a scholarship application, located here, within 48 hours of submitting your child's enrollment request.

Registration: Registration now!

Equipment: Rippleffect can provide all essential outdoor clothing and travel equipment upon request (boots, layers, backpack), but participants are also welcome to bring their own.

Need-based Finacial aid

Need-based Financial Aid for our Youth Programs is available!

Please check out the Need-based Financial Aid page of our website to learn more. Rippleffect is committed to providing affordable, accessible programs for youth. We believe that the opportunity to participate in an adventure should not be deterred by financial limitations.