What to Expect ...

Day Programs Offer Different Activity and Location Each Day!

The Owl's Day Program combines Hiking, Caving, White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Rock Climbing and Camping 2 nights with laughter and play!

Program weeks have pick-ups and drop-offs in Branchville or Westport, Connecticut. Our staff and vans will meet the campers at the pick-up location at 8:00AM and drop them off each day at 4:00PM.  Each program group will be assigned to a separate van which will head off for their activity and destination each day, based on a tentative itinerary for the week. Participants bring their own lunches and water every day and The Mountain Workshop provides all activity-specific gear.

Camping 2 Nights

The Owl's group will be camping in a state campground on Wednesday and Thursday nights.  Camping and activity gear is provided - campers are asked to bring their own sleeping bags, in addition to their personal clothing and items.

Group Size

All programs run with a minimum of 6 and no more than 13 participants and two adult staff members.  All programs are offered as co-ed, with one male and one female staff member assigned to each group. This small group allows for full group participation, interaction and decision-making, as well as individual instruction.

Transportation

We travel in passenger vans for all of our programs.  We understand that the amount of time spent in the vans is a concern to many.  Although some activities and locations are further away and may require more travel time, our goal is to keep our travel to within one hour.

Participant Commitment

For most programs, previous experience is not necessary.  Attitude is everything! All activities are designed to be age-appropriate and instruction is provided for each activity.

Reasonable physical condition and a desire to participate is needed.

All participants share in The Mountain Workshop's Contract, agreeing to work individually and as a group towards goals set together, to adhere to behavior and safety rules and to give and receive feedback during daily "Group" meetings.  The group provides the opportunity to share insights, concerns, plans, successes, difficulties and appreciations.

Finally, unsafe or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.  With a serious infraction, parents are called. The camper, counselors, and parents will discuss the situation and if the unsafe behavior continues, parents will be asked to pick up their child without compensation.

Safety

Safety is our primary consideration at all times. It is the bottom line in all decisions regarding the outdoors. While outdoor activities do entail certain risks, we greatly reduce the chances of injury with strict guidelines and thorough instruction. Our staff is certified in First Aid, CPR, Lifeguard and/or Waterfront Lifeguard, Wilderness First Aid, and all are trained in the safety aspects of the activities according to the industry standards. We are extremely proud of our excellent safety record.