Great friends. Silly stories. Unbelievable accomplishments. Each trip I go on with InspireOut, I realize just how much I am capable of achieving both in the backcountry and frontcountry. Looking forward to our next adventure.”
~ InspireOut trekker
Activities
In our intermediate expeditions, trekkers expand and grow from their foundational skills of backpacking. Our participants are challenged to apply their individual skills learned for the kitchen, water filtration, packing essentials, and camp set-up/take down in a team setting with the guidance of our dedicated instructors. In addition, students will learn the basics of compass use, topo map reading, and on/off trail route planning. Participants should expect longer treks from 3-5 miles per day with a weighted pack.
Trekkers are provided an InspireOut journal used for learning about plants, animals, and patterns observed in the outdoors as well as for personal reflection.
Your child will return home with a new sense of confidence and understanding that any accomplishment comes with hard but truly rewarding work.
Food:
We strive to provide healthy, square meals & snacks in the backcountry with options so that all trekkers can enjoy. Prior to program, participants complete our InspireOut trekker questionnaire so that we may get to know them better before program as well as learn their food likes and dislikes. From this, we customize our program meals to best fit our trekkers’ palates. Most dietary needs can be accounted for.
Food is cooked in small, pre-determined food groups with an instructor guiding preparation. 
Towards the end of program, guides take a backseat to food preparation. Trekkers eat out of their own food bowls and are responsible for clean-up.
Please bring a packed lunch for first day. All meals and snacks are provided, beginning with dinner the first day of program and ending with lunch the last day of program.
Transportation:
Transportation by InspireOut could be provided if COVID risks reduce by summer. If this option becomes possible, we will reach out with a given place and time to meet for pick up in your community. If transportation must be provided by parents, we will provide detailed directions and a specific time to meet at the trailhead. Note this drive can be between 2-2.5 hours each way.
Gear
A gear checklist will be sent to you in your InspireOut Trekker Guide (PDF). If you have any questions or need assistance in finding/renting gear, let us know and we can help!
BELOW ARE MANDATORY GEAR ITEMS:
- Outdoor Backpack with hip belt [Please contact us if help needed with finding a pack!]
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Sneakers with tread or hiking boots
- Wool socks (preferably a thin pair and thick pair)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm jacket (if possible, down)
NOTE: Tents and stove/cookware are provided for by InspireOut. Participants are divided into same gender tent groups.
In addition, our naturalist Buckeye shares some important gear examples and tips in the following 16 minute video:
Password: inspireout
InspireOut Backpacking Gear 101 from InspireOut on Vimeo.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE ADVENTURES AHEAD:
Below is a short video documenting an intermediate program.
Password: inspireout
InspireOut Adventures with the Band of Dirty Hands! (YBC414) from InspireOut on Vimeo.