The United Church of Christ in Canton sponsors an annual youth hiking camp. The aim of Hiking Camp is to promote Christian fellowship and growth in a setting where the wonder and beauty of God's creation is not only visible, but forms the setting for our life together. Campers and staff undertake a variety of challenges in which age and experience determine the degree of difficulty. We strive to build a sense of mutual dependence as we share in preparing meals, maintaining our campsite and helping one another on the trails.
The Hiking Camp was begun in 1988 by Howard and Flo MacMullen, and Andy Trasher, when Howard was serving as Pastor of the Church of Christ, Congregational U.C.C. in Millis, Massachusetts, and Andy was Advisor to the youth group of the Old North Church in Marblehead. It came to our church with the MacMullens in 2001, with continuing participation by members of the Millis and Marblehead churches.
The overall plan and program has been similar for the past eighteen years. We set up our base camp at Barnes Field, near Pinkham Notch on Rt. 16 above North Conway. Barnes Field is one of three group camping sites run by the U.S. Forest Service in the White Mountains, and is adjascent to the Dolly Copp Campground.
We gather at the Church on Saturday afternoon to complete registration, load equipment and get acquainted. Following a quick orientation, campers return to their homes for the night, coming back to the Church on Sunday morning.
Activities during the week, while somewhat dependent upon the weather, will include hiking on maintained trails in the White Mountain National Forest, swimming in nearby rivers and ponds, and a canoe daytrip on the Saco River. Experienced hikers will be eligible for overnight hikes in the Presidential Range. Campers and staff cooperate together in preparation and cleanup of meals, as well as campsite maintenance. Evening programs will be presented, and the week will conclude with group worship.
Directors are Skip and Flo MacMullen, hmacmullen@verizon.net, and Andy Trasher, ptrasher@comcast.netCoordinators in Millis are Steve and Jan Howie jmhowie@comcast.net
The Hiking Camp is open to those who have completed grades 5 - 12. Previous hiking experience is not necessary. The only requirements are an interest in the outdoors, willingness to be a cooperative member of the Camp community and good general health.
Prospective campers should understand that hiking and, weather permitting, one day of canoeing, form the focus of the program. It is essential to the safety and wellbeing of the Camp that each participant be willing join in all planned activities, many of which are strenuous. For this reason, we expect everyone to prepare for the trip by paying attention to personal fitness in the months leading up to camp. Participants are encouraged to share special talents and interests appropriate to the group's goals and purposes.
Enrollment will be limited to 35 campers, with Registration on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost for the week is $225, which includes transportation, camp site fee, canoe rental, food and incidental costs incurred by the trip. Those wishing to join one of the overnight hikes pay an extra $10 to cover the cost of staying in a hut maintained by the Randolph Mountain Club. If money is a problem, we can arrange for extended payments, abatement of the fees, or scholarship. We have never refused a camper for financial reasons. Financial needs should be addressed to the Directors.
Detailed lists are supplied to all who register. Tents and all cooking equipment are provided by the Camp. The list below covers most essentials, and gives a good idea of the sort of equipment needed. Proper equipment is essential to personal safety in the mountains. However, we can often assist campers who need to borrow items, provided we know well in advance.
Campers are asked not to bring radios, cassette or CD players, as they are disruptive to programing, and we cannot guarantee that they will be safe from damage or theft. Any found in the possession of a camper will be confiscated and locked safely in a staff member's vehicle.