Quest: A Guide to Backpacking with Teens

Quest: A Guide to Backpacking With Teens tells the story of a model middle school outdoor education program in Fredonia, New York. Quest challenges teens to give up cellphones and overcome fears to connect with nature over seven adventure-packed days. Filled with practical advice, pitfalls and amusing anecdotes drawn from nearly forty years of experiences with fledgling backpackers, this step-by- step guide traces the evolution and expansion of an innovative community endeavor. Quest provides a template for families and schools to create low cost, volunteer driven outdoor adventure opportunities for youths. With a focus on building responsible, environmentally conscious citizens, the book describes classes on critical skills, parent involvement and a leadership component for older teens. Organizing annual expeditions for over 100 hikers poses a multitude of challenges. This book offers solutions for dealing with everything from homesickness, chafing and belly button rings to recruiting, equipment and finances. It also chronicles teens stunning growth as they experience the pride of completing a fifty mile trek.