Home Trips Service Service & Hiking New England

Service & Hiking New England

Two weeks of meaningful service and fun outdoors.

Service can be simple, powerful, and fun.

Strengthen a community through service: work on trails in the most beautiful corner of the Berkshires, harvest produce for a local food bank at a community-supported farm, and engage deeply with local non-profits.

People travel from all around the country to enjoy the lush scenery of the Berkshires in the summer. And what more could you want? Sunshine and stories, trails and talking with your group as you work to preserve some of the most beautiful trails in New England.

Picture yourself in a lush green field, patiently harvesting organic vegetables for a local food bank. Simple (can you pick beans?). Powerful (fresh food for a food bank!). Fun (outside, with your Overland leaders and your fellow group members — chatting, laughing, and telling stories).

For a fun change of pace, we’ll also get the chance to hike, raft, and camp in the Berkshires. A way to enjoy the natural beauty around us, a time to enjoy our group.

Service can be a gift. A gift to those you serve, a gift to yourself. Spending two weeks in the summer in a beautiful place with like-minded peers and two terrific Overland leaders is an ideal way to look beyond yourself and to give to others. And in the process, to get so much in return.

Have a question about availability?

Duration

2 weeks

Trip Fee

$4,395

Service & Hiking New England is open to students finishing grades 9-11 in June 2023. We plan to have one group at each departure date.

Grade

9-11

Level

Fun-filled Service

Teen and Leader smiling during farm service in New England

Clear Goals and Clear Results

Lush Hikes in the Berkshires

Serve with Local Business

Building Relationships in a Community

Need to Know

Service

30 hours of service

Included in Trip Fee

Meals
Group gear
Accommodations
Activities
Albany International Airport shuttle

Not Included in Trip Fee

Personal gear and clothing
(see what to pack)
Airfare to and from the trip start and end
Travel protection (recommended;
learn more about the benefits)

Itinerary

Service, adventure, and friendship in the beautiful Berkshires of Massachusetts.

Day 1: Trip Start

Once everyone has arrived, we’ll settle into our campsite– home for the week!– and start preparing for two weeks of service in the Berkshires.

Days 2-6: Environmental Stewardship & Agricultural Engagement

In the mornings, we’ll head out onto the trail. Narrow paths with wide canopies overhead make for a beautiful setting as we work to improve local trails. We may be moving rocks to create smoother, more accessible paths, helping to combat erosion on steep switchbacks, or repairing bridges or signage. Whatever the project, we’ll tackle it together– putting into practice strong teamwork and communication as we enjoy our surroundings.

Some afternoons, we’ll devote our time to a community-sponsored farm dedicated to organic crop production. In addition to producing year-round fruits and vegetables for 175 local families, the farm also provides food for a local organization that serves free lunches in the nearby town of North Adams. We’ll volunteer on the farm, learning about sustainable agriculture as we contribute to this important community effort. Other afternoons we will volunteer at a food pantry or at a soup kitchen, or go on short, local hikes and explore nearby swimming holes.

Days 7 & 8: Hike, Raft & Camp in the Berkshires

We’ll spend our weekend outdoors hiking Mount Greylock, the highest mountain in Massachusetts, and camping nearby. We’ll raft the Dryway, an exciting section of the Deerfield River, with professional guides. Our time outside will give us a chance to grow in and explore the beautiful Berkshire mountains.

Days 9-11: The Fruits of Our Actions

Returning for our final week, we’ll continue working on the projects we began in the first week. From another beautiful campground, we’ll start each day with a sense of optimism and excitement. As we develop relationships with each project, we’ll feel proud of how much we’ve accomplished– and see how much of a difference our work can make within the community.

We’ll also take time to swim, hike, and explore the Berkshires, enjoying every second of this beautiful summer setting.

Days 12 & 13: Trip End

Our last day will be spent cleaning, packing, and preparing for departure day. Then, as a group, we’ll enjoy a final dinner and celebrate two weeks of service, accomplishment, and friendship before saying our goodbyes.

Accommodations

12 nights of frontcountry camping with access to flush toilets and showers.

Itinerary may vary by group and is subject to change.

Testimonials

"The service was really rewarding and I enjoyed talking to my new friends on the hikes. Getting to the top of all the trails was the best! "

Jessi D.

New York

"Our daughter came home saying she had a life-changing experience that she could never replicate. She got a lot out of the service they did, and also truly enjoyed all of the camping and hiking! It was an amazing experience -- we are so happy for her! "

Kerry H.

New York

What to Pack

Download PDF

Questions about what to pack? Email your trip planner, Nate Greason.

Luggage

Medium-Sized Duffel Bag or Backpack

3,000-5,000 cubic inch (50-80 liters) duffel bag or backpack.
Day Pack

Basic two-shoulder backpack large enough to hold your lunch, two water bottles, snacks, extra layers, and rain jacket. Use your day pack as a carry-on for your flight and for daily activities or hikes. A standard school backpack is usually fine (no satchels or shoulder bags), as long as it is comfortable to wear.

Clothing

Navy Overland T-Shirt (1)

We will send every student an Overland T-shirt prior to the trip. Please wear this T-shirt to trip start.
Synthetic T-Shirt (4)
Lightweight Long-Sleeve T-Shirt (1)
Synthetic Shorts (2)
Pants (1)

Suitable for day hikes, travel or walks through towns and cities.
Work Pants (1)

Durable and suitable for trail work.
Underwear (7)
Athletic Socks (5)
Hat with Visor (1)
Swimsuit (1)
Pajamas (optional)

Students sometimes prefer to sleep in shorts and a T-shirt instead of pajamas.

Outer Layers

Fleece Jacket or Pullover (1)
Raincoat (1)

Waterproof material (e.g., Gore-Tex, or similar) is required. Your jacket should be large enough to allow layers underneath. Ponchos are not acceptable.

General Gear

Sleeping Bag

Any type of sleeping bag is acceptable.
Flashlight or Headlamp
1-Liter Water Bottle
Bowl, Mug & Utensils

6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top, insulated plastic mug, spoon, fork, and knife. These don't need to be special camping utensils (a Tupperware dish and regular utensils are fine).

Footwear

Sneakers

Comfortable shoes with good traction that can get muddy
Water Shoes

Closed-toed sport sandals, water shoes or old sneakers to wear on the water. Sandals must have a heel strap for activities such as kayaking, rafting, or canoeing (flip flops and Crocs are not acceptable).

Miscellaneous

Small Bath Towel
Beach Towel
Travel Size Toiletries
Leather Work Gloves

Sturdy gloves to wear during volunteer work.
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Camera, Charger & Extra Batteries (optional)

A digital or disposable camera.
Personal Journal or Book (optional)

Important Documents

Health Insurance Card

Please bring an original or copy of your health insurance card.
Photo Identification

If you are not flying: Overland does not require photo identification. If you are flying within the U.S.: The TSA website has two relevant pieces of information. (1) “TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.” This language indicates that TSA staff can insist that an under-18 year old who does not have a companion (we interpret this as a companion who is 18 or over traveling with them—not just checking them in) must have TSA-compliant identification. Our experience is that this requirement is inconsistently enforced but, since it might be enforced, we recommend that all Overland students who are flying to/from their trip have TSA-compliant identification. (2) “Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.” This is always smart to do as airline policies vary widely and change frequently.

Spending Money

Spending Money & Miscellaneous Expenses

Each student should bring a debit card, an ATM card, or a prepaid Visa card to cover spending money and miscellaneous expenses. Spending Money: While all meals and activities are included in the trip fee, we recommend $25/week for spending money (for example: for souvenirs or an occasional drink or snack beyond what is provided to the group as a whole). Miscellaneous Expenses: Most Overland students will incur some expenses while traveling (for example: an equipment repair or baggage fees at trip end). Please add $100 to the debit/ATM/Visa card (in addition to spending money), to cover these expenses.

Things to Know

Students should bring at least two reusable face masks on their trip.
Your group will have access to laundry periodically.
Please do not bring your smartphone (or any other electronics).

Please visit the FAQ tab for more information on our cell phone and electronics policy.
Do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (such as a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool).
Be sure to bring comfortable clothes that can get dirty and worn while volunteering.
Sleeping pads will be provided by Overland.
There are no reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen items.

Please schedule expensive items—phones, cameras, etc.—on your homeowners insurance policy.

If you’re looking to purchase a backpack, fleece layers, etc., for your child, we encourage you to consider borrowing, renting, or purchasing lightly used gear. Especially for children who are still growing, using pre-owned gear can reduce both waste and cost.

Please note that some items wear out over time, and are best to purchase new (for example, a GORE-TEX raincoat). As with any gear, please make sure the items fit your child well. If you have any questions, please give us a call (413-458-9672) or email us (info@overlandsummers.com).

Here are a few reliable places where you can purchase used items:

FAQs

Does my child need to have previous experience?

While no previous experience is required, we have high expectations of our students.

We expect your child –with your help– to select a trip that is appropriate for their interests and abilities. You should spend some time familiarizing yourself with the details of the specific trip and help your child understand what to expect.

We also expect our students to prepare ahead of time: to review the packing list, gather clothing and gear, and complete whatever training the trip requires (for recommended training please see the Before You Go tab).

Once the trip begins, your child should be ready –and excited– to contribute to a wholesome and enthusiastic group in which each member feels welcomed and valued.
What are meals like at Overland? Can Overland accommodate allergies and intolerances?
Meals at Overland
Good food (and plenty of it!), excellent nutrition, and fun are the goals of Overland’s meals. Each group buys, prepares, and eats all of its meals together. Our students, with their leaders’ supervision, prepare all meals. A typical breakfast has cereal, milk, juice, and fruit; most lunches are sandwiches (or wraps) with a variety of fillings, plus chips, and fruit; dinners reflect easily prepared group meals like pasta, burritos, and stir-frys (all of which will typically have a selection of sauces and fillings). At Overland, meals are a group experience, an important way to foster connection with and consideration for other group members.

Allergies & Intolerances

We recognize there are many young people with food allergies or intolerances. We welcome these young people’s interest in joining us, and we ask parents of a prospective Overland student with an allergy/intolerance to please consider the following important information.

Most meals at Overland are prepared in basic kitchens (or outdoors), and groceries are typically purchased from small stores with limited choices. As a result, meals are prepared and served in what may be allergen-contaminated environments, and on many trips allergen-free/gluten-free foods are not readily available. While we cannot guarantee allergen-free meal settings, we will do what is reasonable to provide allergen-free/gluten-free foods on those trips where available.

In all things, our top priority is to help maintain all students’ well-being; to this end, all Overland leaders are trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, including administering antihistamines and epinephrine (both are carried in every trip’s first aid kit); leaders carry cell phones, and in some cases, satellite phones, so that should the need arise, emergency personnel can be contacted and their services requested. It is important for all prospective parents to understand that many groups travel in remote areas where emergency services may not be easily or readily accessible.

Our Admissions Process is Collaborative

During our admissions process, we will review all submitted Allergy Questionnaires to understand the applicant’s allergy/intolerance. We will then consider whether or not the applicant’s allergy/intolerance may be reasonably accommodated. If our admissions team has any concerns, they will contact the parent. In this conversation, we will seek to learn more about the allergy/intolerance, and we will discuss the available grocery stores, emergency services, and medical facilities on the applied-for trip. These conversations generally have one of three outcomes:
1. The applicant is placed on the applied-for trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
2. We offer a different trip if the applicant otherwise qualifies.
3. We recommend waiting a year and re-applying.
Managing Food Allergies/Intolerances is a Partnership

Our commitment is to the health and well-being of each of our campers. Our goal is to partner with parents and campers—a partnership in which:
- We clearly describe our trips and policies;
- Parents clearly describe their child’s allergies or intolerances and their child’s maturity level and capability to self-manage their allergy or intolerance.
- We work together with parents in a collaborative and interactive process to determine if there are reasonable accommodations that can be made so that otherwise qualified applicants can participate in our trips.
- Students on an Overland trip take an active role in managing their allergies, including reading food labels as needed, eating only those foods with known ingredients, and seeking a leader if a reaction is suspected.
Meals: Vegetarians & Specialized Diets

Every summer there are many vegetarians who join our groups and who enjoy meat-free meals. We are happy to welcome these students as long as they understand they will share in the group’s meals but will simply have the meat portion withheld. For example: sandwiches at lunch with hummus, lettuce, tomato, and cheese (while the rest of the group has sandwiches with sliced turkey or ham); pasta at dinner with a tomato sauce (while the rest of the group has pasta with a meat sauce). We sometimes have requests from applicants with specialized diets—vegans, for example—to provide separate, specialized meals. As much as we might like to accommodate these applicants, the limitations of our kitchens, the size of available grocery stores, and the importance of group meals make it impractical to provide separate, specialized meals.
How often will there be access to showers and laundry? Will my child have to bring quarters and detergent for laundry?

Staying clean and comfortable is important at Overland!

Most trips have frequent access to hot showers. This ranges from nearly every night on some of our Introductory, Service, and Language trips, to every couple of days on many hiking trips, to longer stretches–three to five days, sometimes a little longer–on some of our more challenging trips. The goal on every trip, however, is to take showers when they are available!

In general, on every trip we do laundry once a week— this is typically in a laundromat with funds and detergent provided by Overland (and it’s usually a lot of fun!).
My child doesn't have experience being away from bathroom facilities. Will Overland's leaders teach and support the group?

Yes. We want each of our students to feel completely supported.

Every one of our trips will spend some of their time in areas with access to bathroom facilities, many of which include flush toilets, running water, and trash receptacles. Our youngest students, and those participating in service and language trips, will spend most of their time in settings like these.

All of our hiking trips will spend time away from areas with bathroom facilities. In preparation for a day hike away from facilities, or for a longer backpacking section, our leaders will teach the group about backcountry bathroom practices. In most cases, this will include digging a cat hole (a shallow six-inch hole) in a private location away from water sources. Leaders will also provide every group member a small bag to pack out toilet paper (and other paper products, e.g., pads and tampons).

Our leaders will also make sure that group members are supported with menstruation information, needs, and supplies (i.e., pads, tampons). We recommend sending your child with a supply of these items. If your child needs additional pads or tampons, the leaders can provide them.
What are Overland’s policies on phones, electronics, and communication?

Phones
To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails, or text messages to or from our campers. Your child will call home on arrival and departure with our phones and assistance, and in the case of an emergency. If your child brings a phone for use while en route to Overland, please do not send an expensive smartphone. Instead, an inexpensive prepaid cell phone will do. All phones will be collected on arrival and returned at departure. While we will take reasonable steps to prevent damage, theft, or loss, we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged, or stolen phones.

Electronics
Cameras are welcome but please do not bring any other electronics (e.g., iPods, iPads, Kindles or other readers, GPS or similar devices). All electronics (except cameras) will be mailed home on arrival (at your risk and expense).

Communication: We’ll Be In Touch With You If Needed
Our leaders in the field check in with our office regularly; they carry cell phones (and in some cases satellite phones). Anytime a camper is treated for an injury or illness by a doctor or other medical personnel, parents are notified by our office. A director will call the parents to explain the nature of the injury or illness, the sequence of events leading up to the injury, and/or the steps leading to the treatment. Parents are typically able to speak with the medical personnel, with the leaders, and with their child.
Can I send mail to my child during a trip?

Getting a letter, card, or postcard while on an Overland trip is always exciting.

Please keep in mind that sending mail to your child on an Overland trip is different than sending mail to a traditional camp because your child will be on the move. Our experience has been that mail often does not arrive on time, and sometimes even when it does, post offices, campgrounds, and other mail stops do not reliably deliver mail to our groups.

For these reasons:

1. Please do not send anything valuable – please send letters, cards, or postcards only. If mail is late, lost, or misdirected, Overland’s leaders and staff are not able to return to the post office (or other mail stop) to collect it.

2. Please use the US Postal Service first-class mail only; do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL (many of our mail stops accept US Postal Service mail only).

3. Please do not send overnight letters: many overnighted letters arrive before or after we arrive and are sent back. For this same reason, please do not send mail that requires a signature upon delivery.

4. Please allow one week for delivery to U.S. mail stops.

5. Please allow two weeks for postal delivery to international mail stops.
My child’s birthday is during the trip — can I send a gift?

We recommend that you send a letter, card, or postcard instead and save the gift for when your child returns home at the end of the trip (and, don’t worry; your child’s trip leaders will make sure there is a celebration!).
Can I send my child a care package during the trip?

We recommend letters, cards, or postcards instead of care packages. If, however, you send a care package, bear in mind that many don’t make it to the intended recipient (because we’re moving), and that many aren’t returned to the sender.
Where does this trip start and end?

Your child will fly to and from Albany International Airport (ALB), and we will provide a shuttle to Williamstown, Massachusetts.

If your child is not flying to the start of the trip, drop off and pick up is on the campus of Mount Greylock Regional School in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
Can my child receive credit for service hours?

You should check with your child’s school about whether or not Overland’s service hours meet their requirements. The approximate number of hours of service are listed in the sidebar. We will provide your child with proof of participation after completion of the service work.
What is Overland's Covid-19 policy?

Our full Covid-19 policy can be found here.
Please tell me about safety at Overland.

Safety and risk management are at the forefront of our decision-making–from trip planning to leader training to supporting our groups in the field.

We cannot guarantee absolute safety–no program can. All recreational activities include inherent risks. Therefore, we strive to manage the risks that we can, knowing we cannot eliminate them.

We work hard to recruit, train, and support our trip leaders so they can create the kind of trips that have made us successful since the 1980s.

Please click here to read more about our approach to risk management and our accreditation by the American Camp Association.
What is Overland's admissions process?

When we receive your application, if your first choice is available, we will:

(1) email you to thank you for your application,

(2) send you a link to access your Family Portal, and

(3) charge a deposit of $795 to your credit card.

If your first choice is not available, we will email you to discuss options.

For more information, and to access our application, please visit our Apply page.

Before you Go

Volunteer in local communities and hike, raft, and explore the Berkshires.

Students going on Service & Hiking New England should prepare for:

Full days of outdoor activities led by two caring Overland leaders
Day hikes to viewpoints and mountaintops
A weekend hiking, rafting, and camping trip
9 days of volunteer service for an average of 4 hours each day
A fun, supportive, and wholesome Overland experience

We expect you to arrive to your trip fully prepared for all activities.

Preparing for the Hiking

On Service & Hiking New England, you should be prepared for short afternoon hikes and a full-day hike to the summit of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in the state of Massachusetts (3,491 feet). For the Mount Greylock hike, you will hike on a well-established trails through the forest. The terrain can be challenging, steep and rocky, but you will take plenty of breaks as a group throughout the hike. In the month before your trip, you should get comfortable in your shoes and complete the pre-trip training (see below). Once on your trip, you'll find that enthusiasm and a positive attitude will help to make the trip a success for you—and for everyone in your group.

Pre-Trip Training:

4 weeks before your trip: take three 30-minute hikes or walks.
3 weeks before your trip: take three 1-hour hikes or walks.
2 weeks before your trip: take three 90-minute hikes or walks.
1 week before your trip: take three 2-hour hikes or walks.

Preparing for Service

Trips involving service work require a positive attitude and willingness to work hard as a volunteer. You should arrive eager to participate in a variety of service projects. In the mornings, you will participate in environmental stewardship. In the afternoons, you will work at a local food pantry or help out at a sustainable farm. The projects your group work on will depend upon the availability of service opportunities and the needs of the local community.

Preparing for an Overland Experience

Overland trips are wholesome, structured experiences with high expectations of each student’s behavior. You are expected to be enthusiastic, positive, helpful and supportive of your trip mates and your leaders. We ask that you leave your cell phone and electronics at home (cameras are always welcome), so you can fully engage with your group and your trip. Arriving ready for a challenge — and prepared to contribute to an enthusiastic group — will go a long way toward creating a successful trip. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss preparing for your Overland trip.

Covid-19 Information

This summer, we are asking all of our students

To be vaccinated for Covid-19, and, if eligible, to be boosted.
To test before their trips. The test can be a clinic-based PCR or rapid antigen test, or a home test. Please note: (a) We will not require families to upload the results of these tests (unless the family has received an exemption or exception to our vaccine or booster requirement); (b) If your child has had (and fully recovered from) Covid-19 within 90 days of their trip start, there is no need to do a pre-trip test.
To mask up when traveling to your trip. In airports and on planes, please mask up. This could help keep you—and everyone in your group—healthy for the duration of your trip.

Overland

Service & Hiking New England