New 'Xtreme Adventure' Program Provides Outdoor Thrills for Teens

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center has scheduled a unique summer program series for teens age 13 to 15. "Xtreme Adventure" is an attempt to extract teens from video games and computers and have them enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors. All adventures begin at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ – 908-766-2489.

Teens will be challenged to an unforgettable adventure as Naturalists lead participants through a series of exciting, educational and enjoyable day trips.

Hike and Swim on Tuesday, July 13 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. will take adventurers to a section of the most famous trail on the east coast, the Appalachian Trail. Participants will walk in the footsteps of numerous famous hikers while learning the proper technique for following trail markers. Afterwards, the tired hikers will be rewarded with a cool, refreshing swim at Crater Lake, a glacial lake at the top of the Kittatinny Ridge located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Fee is $25 per person.

On Tuesday, July 20 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. riders will saddle up for a Horse Back Ride along the Paulinskill River cowboy style. Participants may see wildlife including beavers, mink and bear. Cross the river on horseback and ride through Swartswood State Park. Fee is $150 per person.

On Tuesday, July 27 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. the Kayak group will travel south to the Wading River in the Pine Barrens and learn how to wet exit a kayak. The teens will discover the proper kayak strokes then put their skills to the test. While paddling, the kayakers can keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the scenery along a stretch of waterway. The trip includes a picnic lunch and swim. Fee is $40 per person.

On Tuesday, August 10 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. adventurers will head west for White Water Rafting on the Lehigh River with a licensed white water rafting guide. The rafters will cruise down the rapids in a raft or inflatable kayak. Fee is $100 per person.

On Tuesday, August 17 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. explorers with travel down various hiking trails to discover hidden Waterfalls. Fee is $25 per person.

On Tuesday, August 24 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. the adventurers will hit the road and head up to the famous Shawangunks, also known as "The Gunks" in the Catskill Mountain Range for a Rock Climb with a licensed climbing guide and hike in a short way to the rocks. Instruction on climbing, belaying, and repelling will be included. All equipment is provided. Fee is $175 per person.

All horseback riding, kayaking, and climbing equipment is provided! Those who sign up for all six trips will receive a 10 percent discount, or interested adventurers can sign up for each trip individually.

Information and online registration can be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org