Teen Expeditions & Kayak Building

Our expeditions are an immersive wilderness experience made to instill confidence in youth who have a passion for the outdoors. During these expeditions, participants will develop the skills necessary to take on their own future adventures. Teamwork and collaboration are essential components of these expeditions. Learning to be a contributing member while on trail presents its own challenges that will require patience. These expeditions emphasize responsibility, engagement, and leadership as we confront daily demands and develop group dynamics. In the event of high winds or lightning our group will stay on shore; otherwise, each day we will work as a team as we travel on the water, strengthening our leadership abilities by making informed and thoughtful decisions.  

We practice low-impact camping and there is little to no running water or bathroom access along the way. We live outside for the entirety of the expedition, sleeping in tents, preparing meals, and exploring all what Lake Champlain has to offer. Each member is expected to contribute, working with your crew and rallying each other along the way. 

Expeditions can be physically and mentally challenging but the rewards of overcoming those challenges together are worth it. Expeditions on Lake Champlain are truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you will walk away with newfound confidence and outdoor skills. These experiences offer the opportunity to bond with a group of friends, discover your own inner strength, and connect on a deeper level with the lake and the natural world. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at expeditions@lcmm.org.  

We are all looking forward to safe expeditions in 2024! Our team makes every effort to ensure a safe, positive, and enriching experience for all participants. Our expedition trip leaders are trained in facilitating outdoor experiences, sanitary practices, technical outdoor and water skills, first aid, and risk management to promptly respond in the unlikely event that an incident occurs. To ensure everyone’s safety, we ask that all expedition families review and agree to our Camps & Expeditions Participation Policies and Waiver of Liability when you register for an expedition.

Expedition participants and their families, along with Lake Champlain Maritime Museum staff, are expected to follow all local, state, and national health and safety protocols regarding COVID-19. Due to the extended and repeat close contact of the Museum’s expeditions, full vaccination of the participant is required to protect the safety of everyone participating in these programs. Those with proof of a medical exemption may participate with proof of a negative COVID test within three days of the expedition’s start date. Specific information will be provided once the participant has completed registration.

We understand life changes and sometimes you must cancel plans. If you cancel your expedition registration 14 or more days prior to the first day of the program, you will receive a full refund of your total amount paid. If you need to cancel your registration after the 14 day mark, please keep in mind you may not receive a full refund. Before you register, we ask you to review our full participation policies: Camp & Expedition Participation Policies.

We fundamentally believe that cost should not be a barrier for anyone to have a wonderful summer on Lake Champlain. With that in mind, all expeditions and camps at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum are Pay-What-You-Can! When reviewing this year’s teen programs, you will see the Standard Tuition for each program, which goes towards staff time, safety equipment, and the gear and supplies we need for these experiences.  

When you register, in the final payment section, you will again see the standard tuition for your selected program. You will then be able to pay any amount towards tuition. Please pay what works best for your family and, if you can, help us make summer camps and expeditions available to all. No matter what you pay, you will be registered.  

If you are not attending a camp or expedition but you would like to support our pay-what-you-can programs, please consider making a donation.