Welcome to GreenMAP!

Whether paddling, backpacking, or climbing these trips are designed to balance fun, learning, recreation and challenge. At times, activities will be physically and mentally demanding, while at other times, your trip may be relaxing. You should be in good shape and come with a great attitude.

What if I don't have a lot of money to buy all the gear on the gear list?

Why shouldn't I bring cotton clothing on my trip? I don't have clothes made of other materials.

Cotton is not a very good insulator and takes a long time to dry. Look for wool or synthetic materials like polyester, spandex, capilene, polypropylene, rayon, or lycra. Running pants, gym shorts, old wool sweaters, fleece shirts and pants, and, of course, long underwear are good places to start. Again, if you are having trouble finding synthetic or wool materials in your own closet, try GoodWill or the local thrift store.

Will bathrooms be available?

In some cases, showers and toilets will not be available while you are in the field. We will teach backcountry hygiene techniques.

How will we get to our destination?

We will use a charter bus service and Green Mountain College vehicles. The GMC vehicles will be driven by your trip leaders.

Is my sleeping bag appropriate for this trip?

If you have a large rectangular, old school sleeping bag, then you should either rent one from GreenMAP or purchase a synthetic mummy style bag. GreenMAP sleeping bags are rated to be warm to 20 degrees. If you are purchasing a mummy style sleeping bag, it should be rated to be warm to 30 degrees.

Is my backpack appropriate for this trip?

Should I bring brand new hiking boots on this trip?

If you do, you will be sorry. Brand new hiking boots tend to cause severe blisters. Break in your boots prior to the trip by hiking in them. If they are thick leather boots this break in time can take up to 50 miles of hiking!

Where is Skye Farm?

Skye Farm is located near Bolton Landing, New York, in the middle of the beautiful Adirondack Park.

Will my parents be able to contact me during the trip?

Most likely, no. Cell phone service is poor or nonexistent on most of these trips. Your parents will be able to leave a message at GMC.

What are the dates and how much does it cost?

Student will need to arrive on campus August 19 in the morning to check in. Wilderness Challenge Orientation will begin at 2 pm for Students and Parents. Students will leave for Track 1 backpacking trips the evening of the 19th. Skye Farm Participants will leave August 20 in the morning. All participants will return to campus on the 24th when they will start the regular New Student Orientation. The cost of the Wilderness Challenge is $200.

Do we bring all our school items with us?

Yes, you will have time to move all of your personal belongings into your room before you leave for the Wilderness Challenge.

What are the payment, cancellation, and refund policies?

The $200 fee and registration forms are due by August 1. Enrollment in the wilderness challenge is based on a first-come first-serve basis on receipt of your payment. Please make checks out to 'Green MAP'

How do I ensure a spot on the course of my choice?

Applications are received on a rolling basis. Positions are filled first-come, first-served so the earlier you turn in your application and deposit the better the chance of being placed on your first choice program. Occasionally, students are wait-listed on their first choice and placed on their second choice. While every effort is made to place students, heavy enrollment can leave late applicants without a position on either program.

What kind of equipment do I need?

All common group gear (backpacks, cooking equipment, tents, sleeping bags, etc) is provided by the program. Students need only provide their own clothing and personal camping supplies.

Should my son/daughter take his/her cell phone?

We ask that students not take cell phones with them for several reasons. First, since not every student will have one, they can be exclusive. Second, they will not work in most of the areas we will be traveling through. Finally, staff members will have satellite phones with them in the case of emergency.