MRTA summer camps are for kids and teens whose idea of fun includes sleeping in a tent, waking up to birdsong, and gathering water from a stream. We will glide down the river in a canoe, experience the exhilaration of reaching the top of the mountain, try new challenges, and have fun in a group of like-minded kids and caring, skilled, adult mentors. If you are excited about living without screens, sharing your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment, eating healthy simple food around the fire, and living in and with nature, you will have a blast!
About our camps
Distinct teaching philosophy
We believe that young people thrive when trusted with real-life responsibilities for themselves and each other. We have high, yet attainable expectations and hold each other accountable. Students enjoy the responsibilities of navigating, cooking, setting camp, splitting firewood, and the freedom to explore the natural world around them. They choose to take healthy risks while developing sound judgment and common sense. We strive for relationships rooted in trust and we put community first. We believe that taking healthy risks is essential to achieving the full human potential and encourage students to try new things while being mindful of individual differences. We ensure that students are supported, yet never pressured.
We help students develop a relationship with nature by finding clean water, gathering wild edibles, cooking on the fire, bathing in the streams, and having opportunities for stillness and observation. We accept the gifts of nature and reciprocate with gratitude going beyond “Leave no Trace”. Our practices are rooted in the Scandinavian philosophy of Friluftsliv (free living in nature). We believe that the risk of overprotecting children is much greater than the risk of allowing children to grow experiencing the challenges inherent in outdoor work, play, and adventure sports. If your idea of parenting is having your child return from a week away full of wild stories, sun-tanned and wind-burned, scratched by tree branches, with a pile of dirty clothes, then you’ve found the right camp!
Guiding staff
Mad River Path Adventures is designed and led by Misha Golfman. Misha is a master guide and a founder of Kroka, a renowned wilderness expeditions school. Misha has taught for Outward Bound and Mahoosuc Guide Service and was named Vermont’s Guide of the Year in 2000.
2026 guides also included an AmeriCorps service member Abby Bell, an assistant instructor, Clara Rose Schwartz, and guides from Kroka alongside Misha.
Nourishing food
We work together to prepare simple and delicious fire-cooked meals made from scratch with wholesome local and organic ingredients. We eat a full breakfast and dinner, complemented by a trail lunch and energy-supporting snacks throughout the day. We value our shared meals, as times to nourish our bodies and celebrate the gifts of food and companionship amongst the group.
No screens
An intentionally small group size of 10-12 students and two leaders allows the development of close mentoring relationships between the students and their instructors.
Service to others
Whether berry picking for the food pantry or working on erosion control along the Path, each group of students contributes to the common good, experiencing the value of service, the power of teamwork, and the joy of giving to others.
Small group sizes
An intentionally small group size of 10-12 students and two leaders allows the development of close mentoring relationships between the students and their instructors.
Rare backcountry emergencies
Backcountry emergencies are rare because of well-thought-out itineraries, careful preparation, and our vast experience working with groups in remote settings. When things do go wrong, we are well-prepared to respond. Misha is a Wilderness First Responder with decades of handling backcountry emergencies. We carry an extensive first aid kit, appropriate emergency communications equipment, and a detailed evacuation plan.
