Starting the Year Together: CVA Orientation Trips
Before settling into the rhythm of a new school year, CVA students head out on Orientation Trips that take each class beyond campus and into some of Maine’s most memorable places. From paddling and climbing to exploring the outdoors together, the trips give students the chance to build connections before the school year gets underway.
Middle School - Rafting the Magalloway
Living in Carrabassett Valley means the Middle Schoolers didn’t have to travel far for their orientation trip. Just an hour away, they took to the Magalloway River with raft guide Stew of Salmon Stew Outdoors. Our four 8th graders geared up to tackle a 2.5-mile stretch of whitewater featuring Class III+ rapids. They had a fantastic time surfing Mailbox Rapid, taking a swim at Splat Rock, and blasting through Cabin Rapid. Even though everyone was thoroughly soaked, they ran the section of river three times.
With half the group completely new to rafting, the adventure brought them together as a unit while giving them the perfect challenge to take on as a team. When their time on the river came to an end, they set up camp near Aziscohos Lake, where they cooked burgers and hot dogs and spent time together around the fire. When they couldn’t track down marshmallows, they improvised by toasting “Sno Ball Brownies” for dessert.
9th Grade - Sailing with Ocean Explorers
The ninth grade class set out for Camden with Ocean Explorers, owned and operated by CVA coach Jeni Conover. The students spent the trip cell phone-free, divided between a motorboat and sailboat as they traveled from Camden Harbor to Warren Island. Guided by Jeni and Ocean Explorers staff member Tom, they took turns steering, using navigation tools and a compass, and spotting buoys along the way.
On Warren Island, the class camped, played games, cleared invasive plants with guidance from park rangers, and built a campfire without matches before enjoying dinner and s'mores. They also spent time at the shore watching the sunset, fishing, swimming, and relaxing together.
The next morning began early with sunrise, followed by a breathing exercise and workout led by Jeni. Many students braved the cold for a jump off the pier before breakfast and the trip home. Before leaving Camden, the class also hiked Mount Battie for views overlooking the harbor.
The ninth graders impressed their leaders throughout the trip with their positive attitudes and the way they worked together. Jeni described the group as “kind, engaging, positive, funny, and helpful,” adding, “How lucky the CVA community is to get those 13 humans for four more years!”
10th Grade - Rock Climbing in Acadia
Acadia National Park provided the setting for the 10th grade orientation trip, where students spent two days climbing, hiking, and getting to know their classmates in a new setting. The group took on the park’s cliffs, including Class 5.7 routes that brought them high above the ocean. Guides Ryan, Adam, and Morgan introduced the student-athletes to the fundamentals of climbing and belaying, helping them gain confidence as they worked through each route.
On the second day, the group tackled the Precipice Trail before returning to the cliffs for more challenging climbs. Evenings at Smugglers’ Den Campground offered a chance to slow down and spend time together. After hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner, students traded their phones for old-school card games, creating plenty of opportunities to connect and unwind.
The trip gave the 10th grade a chance to challenge themselves, spend time together outside of school, and build stronger connections as they head into the winter season.
11th Grade - Adventure Bound Ropes Course & Rafting
The junior class traveled to Adventure Bound in Maine for their Orientation Trip, beginning with a day on the ropes course alongside CVA alumnus Kagan. The theme of the day was “Challenge by Choice,” encouraging students to push themselves outside their comfort zones while working together to complete a variety of obstacles. It was a great opportunity to see the strength of the juniors' bond as a class and how well they work together.
On Sunday, the group took on a different kind of challenge, rafting 12 miles of the Kennebec River through The Forks. Joined by CVA alumna Tallie Pilsbury ‘20, the students quickly became a fine-tuned paddling team as they worked together to navigate continuous Class III and IV rapids, including Rock Garden, Big Mamma, Whitewasher, and Magic Falls. Along the way, they tackled rocks, surfed the river, and even helped rescue overturned rafters.
Cold temperatures added another challenge to the weekend, but CVA's winter-loving students were up for it. From the ropes course to the river, it was a fantastic trip filled with teamwork, new experiences, and plenty of adventure.
12th Grade - Moosehead Canoeing
It is a tradition for our Senior Class to embark on a three-day canoe trip as they begin their final year at CVA. Chip Cochrane of Allagash Canoe Trips led the way, bringing decades of guiding experience along with a background as a former CVA coach and World Cup downhill racer for the U.S. Ski Team.
On a windy morning, the seniors loaded their canoes with all of their belongings, gear, and wannigans, setting their sights on Mount Kineo. After a short paddle, camp was set up, and a group of six took on the steep climb to the Mount Kineo Fire Tower, where they were rewarded with 360-degree views of Moosehead Lake.
The next morning, the group broke camp at 6 a.m. while Chip cooked eggs and bacon over an open flame. The group covered 17 miles that day, crossing the lake before reaching the West Outlet, where the paddling took on a little more adventure with a series of rapids. Working in duos, the student-athletes navigated around rocks and strainers along the way. Only one canoe overturned in the process, and the river claimed one shoe.
On the final day, calm conditions on Indian Pond had the group energized to session a Class III rapid off the East Outlet. The paddlers made their way through the rapid, one canoe at a time, before wrapping up the trip with gratitude for Chip and the great attitudes of the Senior Class, who together made their final orientation trip one to remember.
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Starting the Year Together: CVA Orientation Trips
Before settling into the rhythm of a new school year, CVA students head out on Orientation Trips that take each class beyond campus and into some of Maine’s most memorable places. From paddling and climbing to exploring the outdoors together, the trips give students the chance to build connections before the school year gets underway.Read More -
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