Outdoor
adventure, geared to the age and ability of each boy, is a big part of
the Mowglis program. Not only do we reside on over 100 acres of
old-growth forest next to one of the cleanest lakes in America, but we
are minutes from some of the best hiking that the East Coast has to
offer in the White Mountains, and canoeing opportunities are endless.
Every Thursday is Trip Day. Every boy and staff member makes a
trail lunch at breakfast and heads out to hike various mountains in
the area, or to paddle a nearby stream. These trips are designed to
challenge and nurture boys of all ages and skill levels. while
providing a safe and rewarding experience. In addition to these weekly
day-hikes, every camper and staff participates in two multi-day
camping trips.
Weeks
2 and 4 are trip weeks, and this means that
every boy goes with his age group for a three or four day trip.
Boys
12 and older travel in self-sufficient units, carrying backpacks and
traversing many of the ranges in the White Mountains, including the Franconias,
the Bonds, the Carter-Moriahs, Mahoosucs, and Presidentials; or they take
multi-day canoe trips to places like the Connecticut Lakes and the
Androscoggin River.
Boys 12 and younger are driven to camping grounds,
where they set up base camp, and do various day hikes from there.
These include places like Sandwich Dome, Mt. Carrigain, Cardigan
Mountain, and canoe trips to Cliff and Belle Island.
On these trips, confidence is gained, teamwork is practiced, and various
camping skills are mastered. Above all the ability to face adversity
from the weather and unforeseen events brings groups together and
gives them a great sense of identity and pride.
It
is always great to see the boys return to camp after several days on
the trail, and listen to them tell their tales beaming from ear to
ear, and glowing with pride at what was accomplished by their
group.
 "First
Trip"
My first Mowglis day trip was to Franconia Falls and I had a lot of fun. Toomai and I had a long hike but the slide and the jumps were very rewarding. We went with Mr. King, Mr. Champion, and Mr. Arroyo. We climbed up a big hill and jumped off from 25 feet up. It took a while for me to work up the nerve to do it though. The slide was the coolest. I always did turns in the air which was really fun. I will never forget my first trip.
—
Mark Baker, Toomai 2003.
 "First Pack Trip"
When I first heard about Camp Mowglis, I heard about all the awesome trips they do. I also heard how challenging the trips were. So when it was announced we would do a four day pack trip I was scared and excited. Getting packed was a trip on its own. You need so much stuff, I would write it down but it would fill the whole page. When we finally got packed we were off to conquer the Carters and the Baldfaces. Each day we reached the top of a new mountain. I saw some of the nicest views I have every seen at the tops of these mountains. You can see for miles all around you and can look at the last mountain you just climbed; not believing you actually climbed it. People were not lying when they told me the trips were awesome; they are!
—
Jason Coons, Den 2003
Hiking
This week I learned what true hiking is all about. It isn't about
staff torturing you by making you hike grueling distances. It is
about emotional and physical endurance and self-esteem. Many times
throughout the Den's Carter-Baldface trip I really doubted myself,
and was afraid that I wouldn't finish. But when I did, it was a real
emotional boost. These new found joys of hiking have inspired me to
get my Brown Ribbon for hiking.
—
Jonathan Lassoff, Den 2003
"Camping Trip"
A couple of days ago Akela went on a camping trip. It was so cool. When we got to the campsite we set up the tents then unpacked. We took a short soak in the river. The water was really cold, and when I got in the water I put on my goggles and went under water. I saw HUGE fish! I tried to catch the small ones in my hands, but they got away. It was a great trip.
—
Alex Lejeune, Akela 2003
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