• Who goes on Adventure Trips
• Who leads our Trips
• Where do we stay
• What kind of food do we eat
• How do we get our trip site
• What gear do I need to prepare for my trip
• What is expected of everyone on my trip
• What do I need if my trip involves a flight
• What do I need for a trip that travels over international borders
• What does a "backcountry lifestyle" involve

Who goes on adventure trips?

Frost Valley Adventure Trips are for teens looking to have fun, try new things, and make great friends in a dynamic and safe environment. Each trip is made up of a co-ed group of teens grouped by age where multiple trips are running concurrently.  Some teens come with a friend while others attend on their own.  The dynamics of the trip can be affected by large groups of friends attending the same trip, so we try to avoid groups of friends larger than 3.

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Who leads our trips?

Frost Valley trips are led by qualified and responsible Trip Leaders.  Our hiring process includes interviews, extensive background and reference checks, in-depth training, and a high standard for required certifications and qualifications.  All staff are certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR, and many have more advanced training including but not limited to Swift Water Rescue, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor (WSI), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). In addition, our staff are chosen for their specialized skills and abilities as they relate to trip-specific activities.

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Where do we stay?

Each trip is unique and accommodations vary from backcountry campsites to beaches to cabins.  Please contact us for the accommodations specific to the trips you are interested in attending.

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What kind of food do we eat?

A balanced healthy diet is essential to maintaining energy on an Adventure Trip.  The food also needs to taste good so that you want to eat it.  We work hard to give each group a variety of well-balanced, tasty foods that fit within the style of the trip.  Breakfast and lunch vary between hot and cold options.  Dinners are always a hot meal.  In addition to 3 meals per day, our menu planning includes snacks and treats.  We discourage trip participants from bringing or purchasing junk food.  If you have dietary needs or restrictions, please call to discuss the specific details before registering.

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How do we get our trip site?

This summer we have trips with destinations around the world and our transportation depends on the trip’s needs.  Vans, mini-buses, and planes are our typical modes of transportation.  Frost Valley drivers are all over the age of 21 with safe driving records and go through extensive driver training.  Buses, planes, and trains may be contracted to transport us to different sites.

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What gear do I need to prepare for my trip?

Frost Valley provides all group and trip specific gear associated with your trip (canoes, tents, stoves, food, kayaks, bikes, etc…). You are responsible for personal gear (clothing, sleeping bag and pad, backpack, skateboard*, water bottles, etc…). A trip-specific gear list is sent along with the Frost Valley Adventures Information Packet.  Gear lists are also available online at the Frost Valley Adventures blog (http://fvadventures.wordpress.com/).  Please follow the gear list as closely as possible.  Many items are necessary for your safety and enjoyment.

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What is expected of everyone on my trip?

Frost Valley Adventures expects everyone on a trip to be an active member of the trip community.  Your positive attitude and enthusiastic participation in all aspects of the trip make the experience great for everyone involved.  Cooking, clean up, equipment maintenance, fire-building, and many other aspects of your trip are the responsibility of the group.  Your honesty and respect are also important.  As people face the physical and mental challenges of the trip, they need the support of the group to learn and grow.

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What do I need if my trip involves a flight?

To ensure that you can clear all security measures required for flight in the U.S., please be sure to bring a state or federally approved photo identification.  A valid passport is the best thing to bring, but a state identification card is acceptable.

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What do I  need for a trip that travels over international borders?

All U.S. citizens that travel over international borders MUST have a valid U.S. passport.  Because the number of passport applications has increased, it could take as long as 14 weeks to receive your passport.  There is an expedited service available for an extra fee, but this should not be relied upon.  All travelers under 18 years of age are required to have a notarized letter from both parents/guardians which states that Frost Valley YMCA has permission to transport their minor over international borders.  For more details on the required paperwork, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website for more details (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/air_travel/faq_requirements/whti_faqs.xml).

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What does a "backcountry lifestyle" involve?

When you are in the backcountry, you are in an area where there is no plumbing, electricity, or phone lines.  Everything you need is carried in a backpack or dry bag.  You could be in the middle of a forest, on a coastal island, or in any number of “wild” places.  Trip Leaders on backcountry trips have advanced medical certifications and are familiar with emergency procedures for the area.  Living in the backcountry gives people a chance to reflect and unplug.  These experiences are some of our most challenging and most rewarding.

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