Summer "Xtreme Adventures" for Teens

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC) has scheduled a unique summer program series for teens age 13 to 16. “Xtreme Adventure” is a summer-long series of one-day outdoor programs (with one overnight scheduled) that will entertain and educate teen girls and boys. All adventures begin at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ – 908-766-2489.

Teens will enjoy the opportunity to turn off video games and computers and replace those hours with an incredible outdoor adventure. Two EEC Naturalists will lead every program, focused on fun, learning, and exploration. Participants will be challenged to an unforgettable adventure through a series of exciting, educational, and enjoyable day trips.

Stand Up Paddling

Wednesday, June 28 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.

Campers will meet a professional at Spruce Run Reservoir for a proper lesson and guided excursion. Take in the scenic views while learning all you can about this fast-growing sport. Stay cool by spending the whole day paddling, splashing, and falling into the water! Fee is $150 per student.

White Water Rafting

Saturday, July 8 from 8:00 A.M. to 8:30 P.M.

We’re kicking up the “xtreme” factor a notch for some class II+ bigtime whitewater fun! Bring along mom or dad (no more than 2 teens per parent) to share the thrills and chills with! We will raft the challenging and beautiful gorge section of the Lehigh River – spending 5 hours on the water, actively paddling. A quick “grab-n-go” dinner stop is planned for on the way home. Fee is $300 per pair/$150 per additional teen.

Waterfalls

Wednesday, July 12 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.

Campers will explore various hiking trails that will lead you to hidden waterfalls. Photograph, admire, and wade your way in for a swim! Enjoy the day in the woods and water! Fee is $50 per student.

Hike and Swim

Wednesday, July 19 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.

Campers will hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, walking in the footsteps of numerous famous hikers while learning the proper technique for following trail markers. 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 $50 per student.

Kayak

Wednesday, July 26 from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Adventurers will head south to the New Jersey Pine Barrens to learn how to wet exit a kayak, discover proper kayak strokes, and finally put the skills to the test. Fee is $75 per student.

Rock Climb

Wednesday, August 2 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.

Adventurers will journey to the Shawangunks, also known as “The Gunks”, in the Catskill Mountain Range to meet a licensed climbing guide and hike a short distance to the rocks! Instruction on climbing, belaying, and repelling will be included. Fee is $200 per person.

Sedge Island Overnight

Depart Tuesday, August 8 at 8:00 A.M.

Return Wednesday, August 9 at 5:30 P.M.

Campers will journey to an isolated section of New Jersey’s largest estuary, Barnegat Bay. Kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, birding, clamming, star gazing...the possibilities are endless on this adventure! The Sedge House is a rustic bunk room style lodge with Clivus toilets and no showers. Teens are sure to have a blast but are also expected to help with group chores.

Fee is $225 per student.

Registration for select trips or for all trips in person at the EEC, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, by phone at 908-766-2489 or on-line www.somersetcountyparks.org). A full non-refundable payment is due at the time of registration.