LA VIDA ADIRONDACK EXPEDITIONS
For GroupsPhases of a La Vida Expedition
Preparation
Your group will travel to our 75-acre base camp in NY. The staff will outfit you with expedition clothing and equipment, and over the next two days the group will bond as they participate in problem-solving initiatives and games, an outdoor rock climb and high ropes course. The trip leaders will train your group with the skills that will allow you to become more self-sufficient later in the trip.
Group Travel
Groups backpack or canoe through the beautiful wilderness of the Adirondack Park and will camp at a different campsite most nights, giving them the chance to hone their outdoor skills acquired during the preparation period. Each day, two people are paired together to be the “Leaders of the Day” to practice their leadership in a safe space. At the end of the day, they’ll receive feedback from their group to continue the learning process. Each evening, everyone will enjoy meaningful conversation and have the opportunity to share their life story.
Solo
The solo is a one day period at the end of the trip that is free from distractions, worry, and responsibilities—a chance for group members to think, pray, fast, read their Bible, write in their journal, and plan future goals without life’s usual interruptions. Participants are regularly checked on throughout the course of the solo by the trip leaders.
Celebration
All of the expedition groups come back to the La Vida Base Camp property to celebrate what they’ve accomplished. Groups and individuals will be able to share what they’ve learned at our Celebration service and how they plan to incorporate it into their lives at home. The following day, there is one last challenge with your group before heading back home.
Trip Leaders
Staff You Can Count On
La Vida takes pride in training staff so they have the confidence and ability to handle any situation that arises on the trail. Staff are past and present Gordon College students along with other carefully selected, caring young adults. Your trip leaders are trained in wilderness medicine and receive extensive training on outdoor skills, spiritual formation and La Vida philosophies.
Adirondack Expedition Values
Challenge by Choice
Even though we believe it’s beneficial for our participants to learn how to overcome challenges, we follow a “challenge by choice” approach. This means each person decides exactly how far they want to push themselves when stepping outside their comfort zone. No experience or above-average physical strength is needed—just a desire for growth, adventure and fun.
Redefine Success
At La Vida, we believe that success is not always dependent upon completing activities and is not based on comparison. Both succeeding and failing are valuable learning opportunities and shape us as individuals. If someone gives 100% during an activity, yet doesn’t finish successfully according to the world’s standards, La Vida still views that as a success because they put forth their best effort.
How La Vida Can Serve Your Group
No matter what kind of group you’re bringing, our instructors use the wilderness to illustrate lessons that will stick with participants for years to come.
Adirondack Expeditions provide meaningful experiences for a variety of groups. Groups find that spending extended time in nature away from cell phones and other distractions can help them connect deeply. Through challenging themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually, the participating individuals realize the importance of working together and caring for each other. La Vida provides space and guidance for God to work in the lives of everyone on the trip.
School groups often use La Vida Adirondack Expeditions as a way to help first year students bond or as a capstone for senior year. Some schools will come just for the outdoor experience, but will leave having learned more about their capabilities and their group. The La Vida trip leaders will work with the teachers or supervisors who come on the trip to facilitate the best possible experience for the students.
ADK Expedition Reviews
“La Vida has challenged my faith to lean on God when I felt physically overwhelmed. It challenged my character to become more mature.”
–Jeff, La Vida ADK Participant
“Throughout La Vida, I’ve really been forced to rely on Christ and his plan, even his plan for just the day. I always love feeling in control of my circumstances, but this trip has allowed me to release my control and give the reigns to Christ.”
–Haley, La Vida ADK Participant
“The experiences I have had at La Vida have taught me so much confidence, which permeates my daily life, and so much about service which influences the way I interact with others.”
–Claire, La Vida ADK Participant
“Perseverance, steadfastness and persistence have been increased. Learning how to be a better encourager and active listener has enhanced my leadership abilities. Growing deeper in Christ versus in ministry has been the theme for me on this trip.”
–Duane, Pastor
Get in touch!
September 1–May 15
La Vida Adirondack Expeditions at Gordon College
255 Grapevine Road
Wenham, MA 01984
978.867.4111
[email protected]
May 15–August 31
La Vida Adirondack Expeditions Base Camp
460 County Route 50
Lake Clear, NY 12945
518.891.4188
[email protected]
Adirondack Expeditions is a program of the La Vida Center for Outdoor Education and Leadership at Gordon College located on the North Shore of Boston. La Vida houses six different programs for the community including an adventure day camp for middle and high schoolers, a rock gym and challenge course activities for all ages. La Vida provides spiritual development and leadership experiences for Gordon students as well as community organizations utilizing Gordon's campus and our Base Camp in the Adirondack mountains of New York.
