Expeditionary Field Studies
Summer Experiences for Students from the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont
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 Upper Connecticut 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 Schmidt 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!
2026 Expeditionary Field Studies Parent and Student Testimonials
Upper Connecticut River Paddle
“Carson said it was one of his highlights of the summer and is enthusiastic to participate in future trips.”
“I was astounded how well he did regardless of his athleticism, they did a fantastic job of motivating them.”
“Macks loved it and hopes to do something again next summer.”
White Mountains Backpacking
“Robin came home saying this trip was even better than the Maine one she did last year. That's a huge compliment! She couldn't say enough good things about the trip(s)!”
“I loved being up in the high peaks. Our group was really great too. I wish I could keep doing these hikes with groups like this who know how to be outdoors.”
“It'd be great to offer trips for high school students. Finn will be entering 9th grade next year and he and his friends would still really enjoy a trip like this, aimed at high school students.”
Long Trail Backpacking
“One of my favorite parts of the trip was when we were at camp playing games with each other. I also liked summiting Camels Hump, because it was cool at the top.”
“Nellie had a wonderful time. Very nervous at drop off as it was obvious kids knew each other and she didn't know Kingdom east kids. Then the only other girl ended up being from CES so it worked out well. It was one of the highlights of her summer,” she said.”
“Hunter truly loved his time. He wishes he could do more.”
“This trip was a great experience, because I met new people.”
“I loved the staff - they were very knowledgeable “
“There was some interesting foods, I tried tempeh and didn't like it.”
"I didn't like the tempo but everything else was good. It was cool to learn how all types of food can still be cooked and eaten out in the wilderness. Helping to prepare the food was fun.”
"Seeing the evergreen zone was cool because we got to see the difference in plant life at a higher elevation."
“This trip was a great experience, because I met new people.”
“I got to hike with Manges and that was cool because he brings excitement through strong emphasis and passion for the outdoors.“
“He had a great experience and now wants to take us on the Long Trail!”
“This is such a wonderful experience for students to have an adventure independent away from parents. It provides them with an authentic opportunity to stretch and grow through challenge and reward. They learn what they're capable of and how to work as a group to support each other through obstacles and celebrate their victories. I always feel confident in the leaders to not only keep my child safe and supported, but to connect with them and truly enjoy spending time with them. I always look forward to having my child return and listening to the excitement in their voice as they share many stories of their adventure.”
