Wilderness Expeditions

Come all adventurous young women —join us on our expedition of discovery! From Kroka Base Camp to Mount Monadnock - be the pioneers of a bushwhacking, swamp-wading, backpacking adventure! Starting at our base camp in Kroka Village, we will sew some of our own clothes learning how to create some of the things we wear. After we have all taken part in planning and packing for our journey, it is out the back door, through Wildcat Hollow, and onto the Greenway! Along the way we will be accompanied by our trusty map and compass, the many plants and animals who live in the forest and the blowing wind inviting us to the top of the mountain.We will tan hides and lovingly make moccasins for our feet. With a light step we will explore the forest and begin to feel at home. The fire every night will cook our food and enliven our song before we fall asleep beneath the stars. When we reach the mountain we will be strong and able—ready to receive the view she offers from her rocky crown. The days of walking together as a group of young women will empower us all and bring a closeness between us and a trust in ourselves that we will carry dearly in the times to come.

This program is intended to give young women a sense of independence and self confidence through such things as cooking over a fire, navigating, sewing, finding and setting camp and being a self sufficient group. Completing a challenging journey together will be a chance to realize their potential as capable young women.

WRITERS IN THE WOODS
One Week, Ages 12 – 14 • Monday, August 9 – Sunday, August 15

For the seventh year in a row, Kroka Expeditions and Summer Ink, a Boston area, educational non-profit, are teaming up to provide students with an opportunity to explore the wilderness of New Hampshire and Vermont while strengthening their writing skills and habits. One of Kroka’s teachers will lead the group on a one-week trip exploring the natural world and learning wilderness living skills, paddling, and more. Two experienced Summer Ink instructors will guide the students as they write, giving one-on-one attention in expressive and technical writing skills. We will use our adventures and new wilderness skills as fodder for daily journal writing. All students going into grades 7-9 are welcome. The writing work is individualized to address the needs of each student. To learn more about Summer Ink, or to register for this program, please visit their website at www.summerink.org.

SALTY SURVIVAL: A SEA-GOING NOMADIC JOURNEY
Two Weeks, Ages 14 – 18 • July 25 – August 7
Sliding Scale Tuition: $1990 - $1210

Imagine… giant wooden canoes slicing the ocean swells, a stiff salty breeze and 14 paddlers dipping and swinging in unison as they glide through the ruggedly beautiful Maine coastal islands. We are nomads of the seacoast, on our way to a distant island. Evenings 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 Koviashuvik Local Living School in Temple, Maine where we stop over en route to the sea. Chris and Ashirah Knapp, principles of Koviashuvik and long-term Kroka teachers will share with us their life on a sustainable homestead. Here we will craft our own beautiful paddles. Then, 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 and sailing, coastal navigation and the ancient art of making a home in the wilderness. We will feast on mussels, wild greens, seaweed and other wild edibles. 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.

EXPEDITION PRE-COLUMBUS: A TREK AND PADDLE BACK IN TIME
Two Weeks, Ages 14 – 18 • August 8 – 21
Sliding Scale Tuition: $1890 - $1110

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 expedition we will step back in time and learn to combine gifts of the land and modern tools of today to create a simple and exciting lifestyle in the wilderness with our own will and strength. 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, observing the signs of the other beings of the forest – moose, bear, and coyote. When we reach our wilderness camp, we will become comfortable sleeping under the stars, and begin building our base of wilderness skills and knowledge: coal-burning wooden spoons, learning how to cook a delicious meal on an open-fire, and studying the ancient art of fire by friction. 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.

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