Each summer Chop Point offers exciting adventure trips that build memories for a lifetime. Geared to the experience level of the campers, each trip is a fun-filled, hands-on adventure where close friendships often develop. All trips are optional, and campers can choose to go on as many or as few as they’d like. There are no extra charges for the majority of our trips. Campers sign up for trips during the first few days of each session. Some trips are limited due to group sizes and minimum age requirements. You will find a general description below of the trips that we offer each summer. Our trip list for 2023 shows which sessions trips are offered in.
Suggested Equipment lists…
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- Hiking – rugged shoes, rain gear, light sleeping bag, polar-fleece jacket
- Canoe/Kayak – water shoes, rain gear, light sleeping bag, polar-fleece jacket
- Biking – rugged shoes, rain gear, light sleeping bag, polar-fleece jacket
Safety is a top priority. By Maine State law each trip must include a trained, certified trip leader. Chop Point teaches our staff the state-mandated course as part of their training. Life jackets are a part of all waterfront activities. Whenever possible, a cellular telephone is taken along. Satellite communicators were added to our program in 2018.
BIKING TRIPS— We are located within a 2 hour drive of some of the top riding in the Northeast in the Carrabassett Valley and just 4 hours from the Kingdom Trail network in Vermont. We will look to take multiday trips to these locations for the summer of 2023. We will also take excursions to some of our local trails in the Midcoast Area including South Bath, Bradbury Mountain State Park and the Topsham Ponds trail system. All of these options have trails for riders of many abilities and we will gear the outings to the interests and riding levels of the campers who are going. Bring your own bike or use one of Chop Point’s mountain bikes.
CANOE TRIPS—Canoes are ideal for exploring the rivers and bays of Maine. Before the first trip, a camper must pass a swimming test and receive instruction in canoeing safety. We will be looking to canoe not only on directly from camp on the Kennebec River but also travel a bit further from camp for our adventures. We will look to take trips on the Moose River and the St Croix river this summer.
HIKING TRIPS—This summer we will offer two types of hiking trips. Each session we will run an easy/ moderate trip to Tumbledown Mountain. This gorgeous location has panoramic views of Western Maine and has a pristine alpine lake which campers will have the opportunity to swim in. We will also offer more challenging hiking trips each session to the Mahoosuc Mountains in Western Maine first session and Mount Katahdin second session.
KAYAK TRIPS—Kayaking trips are taken in the shelter and safety of the coastal rivers and bays. Sea kayaks are a fast and efficient way to travel on the water in Maine; they offer a different experience than your traditional canoe. Our kayak trip typically is an overnight trip that camps either at a Chop Point property about 11 miles North of us on the river or at campsites on our property.
BOSTON—Tour the Birthplace of the American Revolution. We take a day trip to historic Boston. The trip may include: following parts of the Freedom Trail, touring historic buildings/museums/monuments, eating in the famous North End and shopping. This trip is geared for the more metropolitan camper. Cost $150
Possibly returning summer 2023, finalizing dates and pricing SAILING TRIP—Many feel that the only way to experience Maine is from the water by boat. The Schooner J&E Riggin, an 89-ft sailboat, offers the perfect opportunity for our campers to get that experience. Each summer we take one overnight trip aboard the Riggin. There are many islands and harbors to see during these trips. The boat is a beautiful sailing vessel and National Historic Landmark. Cost: $150
Day Trips
WATERFALL HOPPING—This trip was first introduced during the summer of 2021. We brought it back last summer and it was one of our most popular day trips of the summer. By popular demand, we are bringing this day trip back this summer. This trip requires several hours of driving between different swimming holes in western Maine where we will spend time swimming and cliff jumping. This trip is a great way to experience firsthand some of the beauty of Maine. Some waterfalls we may visit include Angel Falls, Smalls Falls, Frenchman’s hole, and/or Coos Canyon. Cost: $25
MONHEGAN ISLAND—We will run day trips each session to Monhegan Island. Monhegan Island is a small island off of the coast of Maine. This trip will involve taking a ferry, walking around Monhegan Island, exploring the coast, and seeing Monhegan Island Lighthouse. Cost: $65
MORSE MOUNTAIN—This shorter day trip requires a short 2 mile hike along a wide, dirt road to a secluded beach along the Maine coast. We will spend the day as a group hiking along the road stopping at some scenic overlooks then enjoy the beach.
WHITE WATER RAFTING—A three-hour drive to the head of the Kennebec River in the Forks begins a spectacular challenge of the Class IV rapids of the Gorge. Registered Maine guides using self-bailing rafts make this thrilling experience one to remember. An extra fee of $110 and a parental release form is required (You may leave the reservation number, meal choice and date of the trip blank we will fill that out before our trip).
All Camp Day Trips
We typically take a few day trips each session. We head to Reid State Park for a day at the beach with the entire camp. Other trips that we take over the course of the summer have included trips to Pemaquid Point, Camden Maine and Boothbay Harbor. We also take an afternoon to visit Freeport, Maine the home of LL Bean and many outlet stores.