Archive for the 'SA' Category

Hello!

Sally, Brendan and Sierra Adventure 3 say hello from the shores of Lake Tahoe! They’ve had a great week so far, full of sunny, warm days and little rain. Some highlights of the trip thus far: yesterday they drove over to Lake Tahoe’s Nevada shoreline and went for a hike down to the water. It was an awesome swimming spot – complete with a giant rock that the students nicknamed the “hippo.” Brendan and Sally said that it took a lot to pull the kids away from the this swimming hole! They also got the chance to create pita pizzas, the favorite meal of the first week.  Yesterday they kayaked around Emerald Bay, taking a break to have lunch and explore Fannette Island. They got a chance to check out the “Tea House” – an old 1920s stone structure built as a lunch retreat.   And of course they took a break for a swim – this group absolutely loves swimming and the cold water does not phase them at all!  They also love games and they’ve been learning a new one every night both from the leaders and from each other. They’ve learned “sevens,” and “mafia,” but there favorite is an improv acting game that the students created.

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get a group photo from Brandan and Sally this week. But I’ll make sure to upload photos to Overland’s SmugMug Site as soon as they return from California!

- Alec

Hello!

Brendan, Sally and SA 2 say hello from the shores of Lake Tahoe. So far it’s been a lot of sunshine, gorgeous views and… Harry Potter! This group is really excited about Harry Potter – they’ve created a new version of the group game “Mafia,” complete with characters, wands and capes. The group has also loved the hiking. It’s been very challenging, but they’ve proven up to the task! Monday was their favorite hike, along the Rubicon Trail, which follows the western shore of the Lake from DL Bliss State Park to Vikingsholm.  It was an intense, long day; they ended the day with a steep, mile long climb to catch a ferry back to the camp. Brendan and Sally were both very impressed with how the group tackled this hike! So far their favorite meal has been Pita Pizza. Delicious! On Thursday the group got the chance to Kayak Emerald Bay and today they’re driving south to Bridgeport for some more challenging hiking.

- Alec

Hello!

I just talked to Sally and Brendan and the group is doing great! They’re on the shores of gorgeous Lake Tahoe now – the group is enjoying the views of both the water and the surrounding peaks (some of which are still snow-capped!). The group is having a blast – while shopping on Monday someone mistook them for the Overland Meat Company and they’ve  really grasped hold of this. Out on the trail they now introduce themselves as the Overland Meat Company to all passersby! On Tuesday the group challenged themselves with a five-hour hike. Sally said that it was a chilly, rainy hike, but the students are all troopers. And they returned to well-earned grilled cheese and tomato soup prepared by the cook crew. The soup certainly hit the spot.  They topped it off with S’mores around a campfire. On Wednesday the group played mafia and then headed down to the beach where they braved the cold water of Lake Tahoe for the first time! Today the group is heading south to Bridgeport where they’ll get the chance to challenge themselves with some longer day hikes.

- Alec

Overland has big things planned for 2011 – five of them in fact.  For our 27th summer, we’re announcing five new programs to add to our lineup of hiking, biking, language, writing, service and field studies programs.   To inquire about these new programs or any of our programs for the summer of 2011, please give our staff a call at 800.458.0588.  We’re always here to help! 

Sierra Adventure for 6th graders, 2 weeks

Discover California’s spectacular Sierras, hike in the Sierra high country, explore Lake Tahoe by foot & by kayak and raft the American River.

Gulf Coast Service for 9th – 12th graders, 2 weeks

Reach out to the people of New Orleans, assist with home building & restoration, volunteer to help restore Gulf Coast ecosystems and explore the history & culture of New Orleans.

Appalachian Trail Challenge for 10th – 12th graders, 2 weeks

Hike 100+ miles along the Appalachian Trail, climb Mount Washington (6,288 feet), climb ten of New Hampshire’s 4,000 foot peaks and learn backcountry skills & Leave No Trace practices.

Teton Challenge for 10th -12th graders, 3 weeks

Climb the Grand Teton (13,770 feet), backpack Yellowstone National Park, kayak the scenic Snake River and attend Exum Mountaineering School.

Field Studies Ecuador & the Galápagos for 9th – 12th graders, 4 weeks

Explore the exciting urban culture of Quito, discover the wildlife of the Galápagos, live & serve in a Quechua village in the Central Highlands, explore Ecuador’s culture & language and hike in Cotopaxi National Park.