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.

In 2026, VREC wrapped up another successful summer featuring our 4th annual CT River Trip, 3rd annual White Mountains Backpacking Trip, and our inaugural Long Trail Trip.

White Mountains Backpacking: Despite a stretch of hot days, participants loved the trek along the Reel Brook Trail, staying overnight at Eliza Brook Shelter, Kinsman Pond, and Greenleaf Hut before descending into Franconia Notch. Thanks to James Geary and Nicole Shmidt for leading this trip!

Long Trail (Camel’s Hump): The Long Trail trip was a new one for VREC. Guided by Jackie Verley and Chris Manges, the team tackled the Monroe Trail, camped at Hump Brook Shelter, summited Camel’s Hump, and finished with a 5-mile hike to Bamforth Ridge Shelter.

CT River Canoe Trip: Led by Parker Castle and the NEK Guides crew (James Geary and Elizabeth Skerrett), seven paddlers navigated low water and opening-day rain to journey from Canaan to Guildhall. Highlights included river swimming, camping at Johnson Farm, Lyman Falls, and Samuel Benton—and even enjoying wood-fired pizza along the river!

Special thanks to Morgan Moore (KESD) for logistics and Liz Butterfield for handling promotion, applications, and registration. We look forward to adding new high school trips in the future!