Boys & Girls Entering Grades 9-12 | July 17-24, 2021
We like to call the Chesapeake Challenge the "eye opener." This Trip takes place on the wide and wonderful Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The week-long trip is led by experienced Susque staff members trained specifically in leading Wilderness Trips.
The Trip has a sense of increasing anticipation as campers travel down expanding rivers and bays towards the great salty Bay itself. Not only will campers experience vast rivers and expansive coast lines, but they will be able to soak in the laid-back coastal atmosphere. The Trip takes place in tandem sea kayaks, giving campers the chance to try both their paddling and teamwork skills. They will be able to feel the heartbeat of the Bay as they navigate through some of the world's most ecologically diverse tidal zones and estuaries.
Coastal sunsets provide a great backdrop for meals around the fire and chapels under the stars. Campers are intentionally given the responsibility of performing key tasks such as daily chores, meal preparation, setting up and tearing down camp, leading chapels and developing discussion questions. Leaders assist in guiding conversations about the intersection of faith and life as the group lives in community and conquers the challenges of sea kayaking.
Community, awareness, restoration, perseverance, and discipline are themes woven throughout the Chesapeake Challenge, with the goal of helping campers develop life-long skills to make a difference in the world for Christ!
Chesapeake Challenge Highlights:
- Tandem sea kayaking
- Explore the rivers and coves of the Chesapeake Bay
- Enjoy the aroma of the salty sea air
- View stunning coastal sunsets
- Paddle through historic waters
- Getting to know the tree-tops during a high-ropes adventure at GoApe
If this is the first time you are sending a camper to camp or you have any questions, please read our FAQ for Wilderness Trips and don't hesitate to give us a call (570-998-2151) or email us a question (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). We look forward to working with you to make sure the trip experience is safe, fun, and successful!
| Projected Itinerary | |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at Susque. Participate in teambuilding games, do a shake-down, eat dinner, pack the vehicles, and go to bed early. |
| Day 2 | Early wake-up and drive to the Chesapeake Bay. Meet the sea kayak outfitter and receive training on and practice with sea kayaks. Head to the first campsite and set up camp. |
| Day 3 | Pack up and leave after breakfast. Feel the first pull of the tides as you navigate along the rivers of the Chesapeake. Stop for lunch along the way. Arrive at your campsite during the afternoon. |
| Day 4 | Kayak through ever-changing scenery as you continue your trek to the great Bay. Enjoy historic areas and spot unique birds and water animals. |
| Day 5 | Work with your team to kayak your longest distance yet! See increasingly coastal scenes as you continue to descend towards the ever-widening, salty Bay. Make camp, enjoy a good dinner, and settle in for a good Chapel under the soft night sky. |
| Day 6 | Enjoy your final day of kayaking and a dip in the Chesapeake! Savor the reward of a job well done. Enjoy your final night on the Chesapeake with one last campfire. |
| Day 7 | Wake up and drive back to Camp Susque. Arrive back in the mid-afternoon. Clean up and prepare for one final Chapel together as a Wilderness Trip team. |
| Day 8 | Attend the Closing Chapel and depart from Susque for a good rest well earned. |
| Sample Daily Schedule | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 | Wake-up/Quiet Time |
| 7:30 | Pack-up the campsite |
| 8:00 | Breakfast |
| 8:30 | Kayak |
| 10:30 | Snack break/Explore |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 3:00 | Arrive at campsite |
| 3:30 | Kayak games |
| 5:30 | Dinner |
| 7:00 | Chapel |
| 8:00 | Hotseat |
| 10:00 | Bedtime |