Come for adventure, prepare for life.
From multi-day backpacking or canoeing expeditions in the Adirondacks and White Mountains to rock climbing and custom challenge course programs at Gordon College, La Vida offers a broad range of outdoor programs for youth, families and a wide variety of groups. These experiential learning environments foster character and leadership development to prepare you to contribute to the greater good in your community and the world.
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Summer Programs
ADVENTURE CAMP
This day camp is for any individual age 10–15 interested in being active, having fun and connecting with others while learning important character lessons. Adventure Camp takes place on the Gordon College campus.
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING
The Counselor in Training (CIT) program is an incredible opportunity for high school students ages 16-18 to gain leadership experience, learn skills in an adventure setting and invest in middle school students.
WILDERNESS TRIPS FOR TEENS
High school students age 15–18 can sign up individually to spend time backpacking or canoeing with other students through the Adirondack Park in NY. Along the way, they’ll learn outdoor camping skills, discover their strengths, develop their faith and expand their leadership potential. Trip leaders will guide campers through a leadership journal to consider how they’ll apply what they’ve learned.
WILDERNESS TRIPS FOR GROUPS
This wilderness discipleship opportunity is for groups high-school-age and older that are accompanied by a leader like a teacher, mentor or pastor. Groups will go on an 8- to -12-day backpacking or canoeing expedition facilitated by trained La Vida staff. The trip leaders take the group through experiences to develop their faith and leadership potential. God’s Word is heard, experienced and integrated into daily life by spending extended time in creation.
Year-round Programs
CHALLENGE COURSE
At our challenge course, groups have the opportunity to climb course elements like the Indiana Jones Bridge, Catwalk or Cargo Net. Participants learn to test their limits and develop confidence. All participants are an essential part of the support system on the ground, encouraging one another and helping the belay staff.
TEAM BUILDING
Team building provides fun and engaging ways for groups to get to know one another, learn how to work together and problem solve as a team. Team building principles such as encouragement, respect and servant leadership are drawn out through our activities.
ROCK GYM
Our Rock Gym provides a safe, fun and encouraging environment for kids and adults as they learn and practice climbing and belaying skills. We offer team-building experiences and are trained to work with climbers of all levels. Celebrate your birthday or graduation with us!
CUSTOM ADVENTURE
If you and your family or friends are looking for a new way to experience life outdoors, you can choose your own adventure of canoeing, rock climbing, snowshoeing or overnight camping. Contact us if you want to dream up the perfect day for your group with the adventure we provide.
what we stand for
La Vida’s Mission
Our mission is to catalyze character formation, cultivate community and develop servant-leadership skills in individuals, groups and organizations through outdoor experiential education.
ABOUT LA VIDA
STAFF OPPORTUNITIES
We hire seasonal staff throughout the year to facilitate outdoor and indoor experiences for participants of all ages. Staff are trained to belay at our ropes course and rock gym and are trained in other outdoor skills like map and compass, camping, mountain biking and more. Learn More »
OUR TEAM
Our core office staff of eight have a combined expertise of over 100 years. Each of us is an integral part of making La Vida a success. Meet us⇒
GIVE
Every gift matters. We need the entire La Vida community to rally together as our belay team. Make a gift⇒
Our Partners
Through the years, La Vida has partnered with a host of area non-profits. Together, we have guided kids, teens and adults through the life-changing experience of outdoor education and adventure activities. Without these partnerships, our mission and ministry wouldn’t be what it is today. We’re so grateful for them!
Stories from the Trail
Read articles, reflections and stories from members of our staff, students and our alumni community on our blog.
Pushing the Bike Industry with a Brand New Passion
“You know what? God, I have no idea, just give me some brand new passion.” This simple prayer started it all. In a recent interview, Izzy Johnson, Gordon College class of 2018 and Adirondack Sherpa Alumni, reflected on how God has directed her life post-grad. “In...
Listening Through Stillness–Being Shaped by Spiritual Disciplines from Solo
“I definitely am so extraverted and I love people and I get my energy from people,” shared Mikayla Weaver, ‘23, in an interview with La Vida. “but I’m also really empathetic so sometimes I know that I need a break from people to process my own emotions and to separate...
Walking With Presence
“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.” Galatians 6:4–5 (MSG) It’s 6 a.m. and still dark. The floorboards creak beneath my feet as I sit up and turn off the alarm. I wander downstairs to make...