University Outdoors trip

[theurbansuburban]

Hello all, I am a student at Drexel University (in Philadelphia) and have recently volunteered to organize some sort of out doors trip for a Drexel Club. I personally have completed the northern half of the AT in PA, so my experience and gear supply isn't much of a problem, but the problem is that I need to organize the trip to allow for people with little to no experience or gear to attend. The club president would like me to organize the trip so people can rent all the supplies that they need; tents, sleeping bags, back packs, etc. The trip would likely be organized with a day/night of backpacking (or just hiking with car camping at the end) then a following day of some other sort of outdoor activity; i.e. rafting or rock climbing the following day. The hiking part I could probably manage myself but I don't have much experience with the rafting or rock climbing part, although the club president would prefer the trip was completely organized and led by a legitimate organization for liability reason. So my question for the White Blaze community is: does any body know of any organizations or companies that would plan, lead, (i.e. be a trail guide) and supply equipment for a decent sized group of collage students to do the activities mentioned above?

[txulrich]

I don't know of a group/company that would organize the whole trip for you and keep the expenses realistic. There are rafting outfitters in the Lehigh gorge are that are not too far from you. They take care of all of the rafting stuff. They even have campgrounds that you can spend the night. Just bring your camping gear and swim wear.

For the backpacking end of it, you can rent all kinds of gear at REI and probably EMS as well. You will probably have to organize that yourself. My recommendation here is to manage the group size while on the trail to minimize the impact. Maybe start at different places and end at the same campground (maybe a state park) for the last night. You might check out the PA Grand Canyon up in the northern tier. Very pretty and not overly crowded.

[BigFoot2002]

EMS rents tents, packs, bags, and sleeping pads. They also offer 15% off with college ID.

[moondoggy]

REI in Conshohocken rents equipment.....

[Tipper]

You may want to contact the Appalachian Trail Conservancy office in Boiling Springs, PA to put you in touch with trail clubs in your area. Many offer outings and may have the experise you need to lead a trip. Or, club members may know of outfitters who can help you out.

Good luck.

[LIhikers]

The outfitter at Delaware Water Gap, called the Pack Shack, http://www.packshack.com/ might be able to do it all for you. I've used them for shuttles and been happy with the service.The following is all from their web site......................

Pack Shack Adventures, Inc. offers two to five day Appalachian Trail Treks. The Treks are designed as a pleasant introduction to backpacking; covering equipment, equipment use, suggested packing techniques, back country safety and etiquette, minimum impact camping, and environmental care. Your trip includes: All Meals and snacks starting with lunch the first day and ending with lunch the last day, backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, personal mess kit, water bottles, all group cook gear, wilderness whistle, P.S.A. instructor/guide(s), and shuttle between our base and the trail.

Pack Shack Adventures, Inc. offers a variety of different watercraft for you to explore and enjoy the Scenic Delaware River. The Delaware River offers both calm and whitewater. The calmer stretches offer relaxation for family and beginners to fish, swim, or camp on one of the many island or riverside campsites. For the more adventurous and experienced canoeist, the Delaware offers some decent class II whitewater. Rentals are offered on a daily basis, with single or multi day available. Pack Shack Adventures, Inc. also offers completely outfitted and guided river adventures, for more information please check out our Adventure Trips (http://www.packshack.com/adventur.htm) page.

[McPick]

You might consider a trip to Hawk Mountain... It's quite close to the AT.

Located along the Appalachian Flyway in east-central Pennsylvania, scenic Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offers visitors an outstanding, year-round nature experience with its mountaintop vistas, 8 miles of hiking trails, and thrilling autumnal raptor migration. In 2006, Hawk Mountain counters recorded an astonishing 25,156 hawks, eagles and falcons--the largest number of migrants in two decades.

Check it out at http://www.hawkmountain.org/default.shtml

[chemist]

If you're into kayaking (or want to try it out) check out the North East PA Kayak School, http://www.kayakschool.com/ .

I did their two day class last summer and it was great! You could easily tie this into a hike on the AT near Palmerton as the school is located on the Lehigh in Lehighton, PA. I'm sure Jerry would be able to help you out if you gave him a call.

[theurbansuburban]

The offering of "The Pack Shack" seem to be exactly what the president of the outdoors club wants. Thank you LIHikers for that advice. Although all of you that suggested EMS/REI for gear supply seem like great options if we decide to plan everything ourselves. I'll keep in mind everybodies ideas. I have a meeting with the president on monday so I'll keep you all updated if I need any more advice.

[Jester2000]

I've used the Pack Shack before. Good guys and competent to boot!