OVERNIGHT PROGRAMS FOR AGES 14-18
Please Note:There are several trips we recommend for potential Kroka semester students. They are taught by our master teachers and resemble semester routine in intensity and depth to give perspective students a sense of what it would be like to spend 4-6 months with Kroka. They are marked with a * symbol.

Teachers: Chris Knapp and Lily Frey
14 days, Moderate
Skill level: Beginner-Advanced
Ages 14-16, July 19-August 1

Imagine… two giant wooden canoes slicing the ocean swells, a stiff salty breeze and 14 paddlers dipping and swinging in unison as they slide through the ruggedly beautiful Maine Coast Islands. We are nomads of the seacoast, on our way to a distant island. That evening we sit and laugh in a circle of friends around a crackling fire as the sun sets and the ocean grows calm… After gathering at Kroka we will travel to Chris’s homestead: Koviashuvik, Local Living School, in Temple, Maine where we stop over on route to the sea. There, we will take two days to craft our own beautiful paddles and participate in the life of a sustainable homestead. We will carve wood, ride a bicycle that powers a washing machine, harvest our food from the garden, and make bread from acorns. At last, with new paddles in hand, we will depart for the sea.

Once at the coast, our focus will be on friction fire, wild foods, artistic craftwork, paddling, coastal navigation and the ancient art of making a home in the wilderness. We will feast on mussels, wild greens, seaweed and snails. We will barter for lobsters from the local fishermen, navigate through thick fog and riptides, and carve our bowls from the curious burls that grow on island trees. This is a trip about living off the land and the thrill of the open ocean. It is about forming friendships that last. It is about accomplishments, searching for meaning, and sharing the joys of our salty, nomadic life.

Teachers: Lisl Hofer and Tom Rosenberg
14 days, Moderate-Strenuous
Skill level: Beginner-Advanced
Ages 14-18, July 26-August 8

Imagine a time when canoeing down a swift current was the fastest way to go places, a shelter of bark and leaves was a welcomed home, and roots and berries were the snack of the day. On this trip we will step back into this time and learn to combine the beautiful gifts of the land and some modern tools of today to create a simple and exciting lifestyle all with our own strength and will. The sun, the lay of the land, and our map and compass will guide us for the first half of our trip as we bushwhack deep into the woods to reach our hidden camp. Here we will sleep under the stars, building our base of wilderness skills and knowledge: coal-burning wooden spoons to eat with, the art of open-fire cookery, and looking for all the signs of the other beings of the forest—moose, bear, and coyote. We will form a special connection to the deer as we traditionally tan their soft hides for our moccasins. When we’re ready, we will hike over the mountains and down to the river’s fast current, which will carry us in canoes to new adventures! Being on the river will open up new opportunities for paddling rapids, carving, sewing moccasins, swimming, and whatever other adventures cross our paths! One of our guiding principles will be to remember our role as caretakers of the land, so that through our actions, we leave a healthier forest than what we found. We will work together, support each other, and look out for one another, creating a true old-time community. On this trip we will experience a way of life whose roots stretch back thousands of years but whose skills and philosophy apply to all times.

Teachers: Mathias Dammer and Marcela Restrepo
Ages 14-18, August 2-22

For Kroka students and alumni who have a craving for real adventure! Focus: Climbing, trekking, and exploring and learning about Mexican and indigenous culture, language, food and crafts. Special Note: You do not need to be a climbing expert to participate. The Grand Adventure of 2009 will take place South of the Border! While traveling and climbing in Mexico our dear Dammer Brothers have scouted this new advanced expedition. After assembling and packing at Kroka, we will fly to El Paso, Texas. From there we will continue by van to Potrero Chico, a climbers’ paradise located in the state of Nuevo Leon in Northern Mexico near the village of Hidalgo. We will make camp in a canyon surrounded by 2,000-3,000 foot cliffs and limestone summits with hundreds of climbing routes that accommodate all levels of experience. Here we will begin practicing multipitch climbing techniques and vertical terrain skill. Everyone, regardless of previous experience, will be able to learn new skills, get comfortable on the rock and have loads of fun!

Proximity to the village will present opportunities for cultural exchange and culinary immersion into great local chilaquiles, enchiladas, quesadillas y taquitos.

Famed to be the most spectacular railroad ride on the continent, TransPacific train will deliver us to the second part of our journey: Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon) in the State of Chiguagua. These beautiful and rugged canyons, as deep as the Grand Canyon of Arizona, are home to the legendary Taraumara culture. The nomads of the canyons cover great distances daily to herd sheep and farm the rocky plateaus of the canyon. Raramuri (barefoot runners), as they call themselves, are known for their exceptional stamina and are said to hunt deer by chasing them on foot until they drop from exhaustion. Shy and friendly people, they make their winter homes in the depths of the canyons under the rock formations. We will hike through the Taraumara region in pursuit of remote climbing and real interactions with natives. We hope to be able to stay with local people and we may have an opportunity to make Raramuri sandals with local resources as a craft to take home.

As you may well know, there is nothing like going on a brand new Kroka program: it never ends up being like its written description and it always ends up being an experience of a life time!