Expeditionary Field Studies

Summer Experiences for Students in the Northeast Kingdom

VREC launched our first expedition In the summer of 2023, with a four day canoe trip on the upper Connecticut River. During the summer of 2024, we once again conducted our Connecticut River expedition, and added a four day hiking trip in the White Mountains. In 2025 we provided both of these trips and added a Maine Appalachian Trail hike and a Maine Coast Experience trip.

To apply for 2026 Expeditionary Field Studies, go to https://forms.gle/H2GYeR3H3HSJRftW7.

For more information, contact John Castle at vrecdirector@gmail.com.

Field Study canoe trip

VREC 2025 Expeditionary Field Studies
Trips

This was the third year of running the VREC Connecticut River Trip. We had 12 participants and paddled from Canaan to Guildhall over a four day stretch. We had great weather and a great time–despite some challenges due to low water levels… lots of getting hung up on rocks and pulling boats over gravel bars. Many thanks to NEK Guides for leading this trip.

Through our partnership with Kingdom East SD, we ran two hiking trips this summer. We had six students spend four days and three nights hiking in the Franconia region of the White Mountains, with a culminating stay at Greenleaf Hut. We also provided a trip hiking on the Appalachian Trail in Maine’s Bigelow Range for eight students. This four day trip concluded with a stay at the hut at Stratton Brook. Thank you to Morgan Moore for helping to coordinate both trips and special thanks to Emma Mann, Chris Manges and Nichole Schmid for leading these hikes!

We were fortunate to run a Maine Coast Experience trip to the Bath/Popham Beach area for the first time. Eight students participated in four full days that included visiting Popham Beach, Fort Popham, hiking to Seawall Beach, learning about salt marshes in the Morse Mt. Conservation area, visiting the Maine Maritime Museum, a lighthouse cruise down the Kennebec and out to Seguin Island, visiting Maine’s First Ship, and downtown Bath. It was worth the long drive!

Expeditionary Field Studies Student Testimonials

Expeditionary Field Studies Parent Testimonials

“I want to go again!”

“It was challenging, but fun, and a great experience”

“I really liked the hut experience!”

“Loved it and would love to do it again!”

“I want to go again!”

“I had an amazing time!”

“The Maine Maritime Museum was really cool!”

“It was a great trip!”

“This was a wonderful program and opportunity for my son.”

“Where is the parent version of this trip–the experience sounds amazing!”