Who Better Than Americorp?

Who Better than Americorp?

Sept 17 – 19 2006

After a year of service, a fire fighting a team of 11 Americorp volunteers from Delaware deserved a relaxing retreat in beautiful Shenandoah National Park. We sent them backwards off a hundred foot cliff, they loved it! Their evening rappel was followed by a day in Whiteoak Canyon. Activities included hiking, swimming and an impromptu service project that removed a large tree from the middle of a natural waterslide. The final morning was spent on top of Hawksbill watching the sunrise over Old Rag. Congrats Grads!

More than a view

More than a view

Aug 16, 2006

Hikers started with a trek to the top of Shenandoah, at 4049 ft they topped out Hawksbill aiming to finish at Skyland. The scheduled day-hike turned out to be so much more when participants spotted two bear and numerous turkeys. Trekkers decided not to stop a good thing and hiked right on past the stopping point to the second highest point in SNP, Stony Man Mountain (4011ft). Everyone went to bed tired like they wanted to.

Stick Em Up!

Stick Em Up!

And grab that rock.
Aug 14 – 16, 2006

Over 100 youths from Frederick Co, Va participated in the Frederick County Sheriffs camp held at Camp Rock Enon, Va. For three days SMG staff led rock climbing and rappelling on the 70 foot cliffs. A good time was had by all.

"Hey, Hey, Johnny boy, the battle call..."

"Hey, Hey, Johnny boy, the battle call,

united we stand, divided we fall!" -Dropkick Murphys

Aug 5 - 11, 2006

A group of boys from Frederick, Md got together for a week of adventure with SMG staff. From climbing and rappelling, to mountain tops and mountain waterslides, it was a week of incredible ups and downs. The week culminated as the group sat alone on top of Old Rag Mountain in a dense fog. All of the sudden the clouds rolled over the summit to reveal an infinity of valley with more waves of fog on the way! The group sat in awe as clouds rushed past and an acrobatic raven displayed his tricks.

Voith Family Hike

Voith Family Hike

August 8, 2006

Guides enjoyed a fantastic dinner in Shenandoah thanks to the Voith's before arising early for a hike in Whiteoak Canyon. The trip left before sunrise at 5:15 am from Skyland lodge and returned early. The very fit family packed a lot into a day and we were happy to help.

Surviving the Heat

Surviving the Heat

July 31 - Aug 2, 2006

Kayaks await while a water fight challenge engulfs campers.

Frederick area youth spent three days in team competition and beating the heat 1,500 feet high on Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains. They stayed cool in the mountain streams, ponds, kayaking Cunningham Lake, and camping at an environmental education center. Competitions were modeled after TV's Survivor and enjoyed by all. The food was good, the friendships great, and the competition fierce.

Moving Mountains

Moving Mountains

July 22 - 28, 2006

Nine girls from Frederick, county schools (Md) met each other for a week of extraordinary firsts! The trip started with an introduction to rock-climbing, rappelling, and swimming in the mountain stream. The first campfire and night out were followed by a day of canoeing, swimming and watching Great Blue Herons and Eagles! The next five days were spent bonding in and with the wilderness, learning backcountry ethics, and front country life lessons. The group refreshed themselves in Shenandoah National Park's brook waterslides and holes as they backpacked up three of its highest peaks! Many animals crossed paths with the girls including, a beautiful two-tone rattlesnake, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, turkey, and four black bear! A once in a lifetime view occurred on the summit of Old Rag mountain as the girls watched a yearling bear walk down and across a very exposed section of rock before climbing over a boulder and disappearing in the brush. Amazing!