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Rockies Session 4 Itinerary
Caring ... Honesty ... Respect ... Responsibility
Trip Departure Information
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Trippers typically take the bus to camp, departing from the McGaw YMCA in Evanston.
Bus transportation is assumed, and included in the camp fee.
Parents also have the option to drop their tripper directly at Camp Echo on that same day.
Upon arrival at camp, trippers meet the Health Officer for a health check and complete a swim evaluation.
The remainder of the group's time at camp is spent teambuilding, preparing for trip departure,
and practicing skills necessary for the trip.
We begin all our summer trips at Echo for several reasons.
We have a fully-stocked Trip Center at Echo, with all the food and group gear for each trip; campers and their guides participate in the process of "packing out" for the trip.
Most trip groups will use one of Echo's high or low challenge courses to build a cohesive spirit and to come together as a working team.
There's also the fun of simply being at Echo, the enjoyment of an opening campfire, the camaraderie of spending some time with the other teen groups, and the excitement of bidding farewell to all the younger campers.
Day 1
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Trippers arrive at Camp Echo and are greeted by their trip guides.
During the afternoon, they complete camp check-in procedures including meeting with the Health Officer and a swim evaluation.
Once check-ins are complete, the group will get to know one another and begin building a cohesive team through initiatives and an unloaded (without packs) hike.
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Day 2
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Trippers continue their in-camp training and preparations throughout the day.
They will pack out all necessary gear and food as well as review the maps and itinerary for the trip.
The group will also take a short loaded (with packs) hike and continue teambuilding activities.
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Day 3
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In the early morning, the group departs for Midway airport with plenty of time to check in and get to the gate.
After a short two-hour flight to Denver, trippers will pick up their luggage and drive to Rocky Mountain National Park - Glacier Basin.
The group will camp there for two nights.
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Day 4
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Trippers spend the day testing their physical skills rock climbing with the Colorado Mountain School.
Participants will spend time with instructors learning proper techniques and then enjoy climbing
the beautiful and challenging terrain.
After a full day of climbing, the group will head back to their campsite at Rocky Mountain National Park.
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Day 5
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After a quick breakfast, the group will pack up and depart for the eight days of backpacking in State Forest State Park.
Trippers drive to the trail head and take a short (less than a mile) hike to arrive at a meadow that is perfect for setting up camp.
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Day 6
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Trippers will hike from the Meadow to their next campsite at Clear Lake.
This is the first full day of hiking for the group, and they will take many rest stops to refill water and enjoy the scenery.
In the late afternoon, the group will arrive at the Clear Lake campsite. They will stay here for two nights.
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Day 7
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The group will enjoy a day hike journeying above the treeline and around the majestic Clear Lake.
The water is too cold to swim in, but sunshine and warm rocks provide a resting spot with a wonderful view.
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Day 8
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The group will travel from Clear Lake to Kelly Lake today.
Although it is mostly an up-hill journey, it is one of the most beautiful hikes of the trip and trippers
can't help but stop to admire gushing streams and rugged mountain views.
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Day 9
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Participants backpack for the short trek from Kelly Lake to Ruby Jewel.
Along the trail, there are many marmots and other wildlife to view.
Camp will be set up inside a grove of trees to shelter everyone from the wind.
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Day 10
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The group will complete a day hike and work together to climb to the mountain summit of Clark Peak.
When at the top, everyone is rewarded with a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains and a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
After a short celebration, the group descends and spends a second night at Ruby Jewel.
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Day 11
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Trippers begin their trek home by descending from Ruby Jewel, completing a six hour trek to the grassy meadows.
With seasoned hiking legs, the trippers easily complete the hike and camp out for a final night in the State Park.
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Day 12
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The group leaves the park with a short hike to the trailhead and piles back into the van to travel to Boulder.
Trippers stay at the Boulder International Hostel and spend the evening relishing in a sense of accomplishment after a challenging trip!
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Day 13
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Trippers head to Denver for their flight home to Chicago's Midway Airport.
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Trip itineraries are subject to change.
Trippers will arrive at Chicago's Midway Airport in the late afternoon or early evening on Friday, August 1, 2008.
We will provide parents and guardians of trip participants with flight details.
Parents and guardians are welcome to meet the trip guides and pick up their children at the baggage claim.
There will be no transportantion to Camp Echo or the McGaw YMCA in Evanston.
Back to ...
Backpacking in the Rockies
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