All beginning outdoor adventurers start with our Survival basics class, where students learn on which human necessities to focus their energy in the wilderness. They then immediately apply this knowledge in choosing survival tools in a simulated emergency. The class ends with a demonstration of skills such as fire-building, water purification, or natural shelter construction.

During Long Pond Canoe, an instructor leads students on a tour of the lake’s scenic perimeter, and includes a full introduction to basic canoe terminology and techniques. A newer variation on this activity employs kayaks instead.

All potential mountaineers must learn basic climbing and belay safety and skills in the introductory Rock-Climbing class, right here on our 25 ft., four-surface climbing tower. Adirondack park is full of fine rock-faces for half- or full-day Field Climbs of any difficulty.

Bikers of all levels will learn from Mountain Biking, whether it be the ABCs of bike-maintenance, technical skills for all terrain on our miles of beautiful trails, or tips and tricks for mastering the stunts for which the sport is known. Experienced bikers will enjoy the many challenges in the multi-surface path that leads around Long Pond.

We have Cross Country Ski equipment for visitors of all sizes, and the Adirondacks provide us with all the snow we need. The frozen surface of Long Pond is the perfect spot to practice techniques, and the network of trails around it the ideal place to perfect them.

Long Pond is surrounded by peaks of varying challenge; most visiting groups elect to climb the shorter of the four: Bare and Rattlesnake Mountains. Still, for those students who reach the summits of Sugarloaf and Pok-o-Moonshine awaits the honor of the Pok-o-Patch. Additionally, the Rattlesnake hike comes with mini-lessons of geographic, natural, and land-use history.

Hikers in need of a greater challenge need look no further than the Adirondack High Peak Hikes, a short drive away. These hikes take all day, and incorporate summit-top lunches with unbeatable views. Our staff of outdoorsmen can also plan High Peaks overnights that include multi-peak hikes. Students easily learn to appreciate the nature in the smaller groups required among the High Peaks.