Outdoor Adventure & Scouting

Adventure TripsOutdoor Explorations (OE)
98 Winchester Street, Medford,   MA 02155
(781) 395-4999 TTY: 781-395-4184
Email for Info: info@outdoorexp.org  
http://www.outdoorexp.org

Population targeted: Ages 8 and up, with and without disabilities
Program description: Approx. 20 different day and weekend trips.   Trips (lasting 1-5 days) explore environments such as the greater Boston area, Maine and Southern New Hampshire. Activities offered include: kayaking, rock climbing, ropes courses, whitewater rafting, sailing, camping, backpacking, as well as snow shoeing clinics.   The focus is on learning basic skills. OE supplies equipment, instruction, transportation (T stop pick-ups) and most meals.   There is also a weeklong girl's camp and weekend boy's camp.
Hours of operation: Year-round programs; mostly on weekends
Location description: Various locations in New England
Wheelchair access: Most trips are accessible
Staff languages: English; American Sign Language and additional translation upon request
Staff qualifications: Staff are trained as Wilderness First Responders and/or Wilderness EMTs; they are also trained in outdoor technical skills and disability awareness
Associated costs: Ranges from $25 to $475 depending on the trip
Scholarships/discounts: Financial aid available.

Boy Scouts of America
123 Washington Street, Winchester, MA   01890
Regional Office:   (617) 615-0004
www.bsaboston.org

Population targeted: Boys, ages 7-20; Girls, ages 14-20
Program description: There are 3 programs offered: Cub Scouts for boys ages 7-10, Boy Scouts for boys ages 11-17, and a co-ed Venturing program for teens ages 14-20.   All programs are outdoor-oriented, promoting character development, citizenship, and fitness.   Camping, hiking, skiing, rafting, and canoeing are examples of activities. Program is year-round, with more outings than meetings in the summer.
Hours of operation: Cub and Boy Scouts meet weekly in the evenings, and some weekends; Differs depending on troop. Venturing meets twice a month in the evenings, and some weekends
Location description: Locations for troops include College Ave. United Methodist Church, East Somerville Community School and St. Ann's Church
Wheelchair access: Yes
Staff languages: Mainly English, but troops have parent-leaders that speak other languages; have multilingual literature and paperwork
Staff qualifications: Staff receive scout-related training
Associated costs: There is a national scout fee of $10/year.   Additional dues range from about $25-30/year.   Some activities cost additional money, but troops often hold fundraisers to support their participation.
Scholarships/discounts: Yes, scholarships available for camp

Population targeted: Girls, ages 5-17
Program description: There are 4 troops in Somerville, offered for different age groups: Daisies (Kindergarten), Brownies (grades 1-3), Juniors (grades 4-6), Cadets (grades 7-9).   There are also special outreach programs for girls in community locations.   Many troops have a physical activity component, and girls can earn recognition awards for involvement in sports and other fitness related exercise such as All is Well.   Examples of physical activities include hiking, climbing, ice skating, bowling, double dutch jump roping, orienteering, and swimming. Programs are year-round, depending on the troop. 
Hours of operation: Mostly biweekly: after school or in the early evening, and on weekends.
Location description: Numerous schools, churches, and community centers in Somerville
Wheelchair access: Yes
Staff languages: English, some limited Spanish
Staff qualifications: All staff have a background in working with youth
Associated costs: The Girl Scout membership fee is $10-12/year.   Meeting dues vary by troop; most troops collect $1-2/per meeting.   Some activities cost additional money, but troops often hold fundraisers to support their participation.
Scholarships/discounts: Yes, call main council office with requests for financial assistance

Seasonal Programs at the Middlesex Fells
Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation
4 Woodland Road, Stoneham, MA 02180
(781) 662-2340
www.fells.org

Population targeted: All ages
Program description: The Friends of the Middlesex Fells offers free, guided activities   for members and non-members. Typical activities include hiking, walking, snowshoeing, and nature programs (plant investigation, bird watching, animal tracking, geology walks, etc.).   Most activities are 2-4 hours long.   Some activities require pre-registration, and few are for members only.
Hours of operation: Varies with each program. Weekday and weekend programs are offered.
Location description: Programs meet in designated Reservation parking lots (maps of the Fells are available at Porter Square Books)
Wheelchair access: No
Staff languages: Mainly English,   Education specialist with Spanish experience
Staff qualifications: All staff are volunteers who are amateur naturalists, avid hikers, and/or professionally employed in an environmental field, also have professionally trained Department of Conservation and Rec. staff
Associated costs: All programs are free, some may request small donation. Membership is $15/yr for seniors and students; $25/yr for individuals; $25/year for family/household membership
Scholarships/discounts: Occasional assistance is provided
Associated costs: Free