TVOP serves the queer community by running outdoor adventures specifically for the LGBTQ+ community.

Our Level 1 Backpacking Trip pushes participants to backpack at a mileage of 2-4 miles/day, with elevation changes of less than 1,000 ft/day. Participants will carry their own packs weighing approximately 40 pounds, carrying both personal and group gear. We will take short breaks multiple times per hour, break for lunch, and will likely set up camp around 3pm each day. Community building is both organic and structured through evening conversations, ice breakers, and group travel. Our goal is always community development, safety, and enjoyment first, distance traveled second.

All New England trips meet at Basecamp at Beaver Falls in Halifax, VT (Wabanaki and Elnu Abenaki Ancestral Lands). Together, we’ll shuttle to the beautiful mountains of Vermont or New Hampshire - exact hiking location dependent on weather and season, and will be announced to participants after registering.

June 7-10 2024

Participants should be able to backpack at a pace of 0.5 miles per hour or faster for up to 6 hours per day. We teach you everything you need to know about backpacking - prior experience with backcountry travel is not needed!

• Expedition fee for TVOP’s Level I Backpacking Trip

• Minimal shuttling to trailhead

• Top-notch trail footwear from LOWA Boots, a trekking backpack from Deuter, and trekking poles from LEKI

• Food is included though you are invited to bring your own favorite trail snacks

• Gear: sleeping bags, tents, stoves, bowls, utensils

• Gear rentals - folks participating have access to TVOP’s "Gear Cabin" to borrow or try out gear free of charge

• Big Ticket Item - after the trip, participants will be able to select one "Big Ticket Item" from TVOP to take home (i.e. tent, jacket, sleeping bag)

• The Summit Scholarship award does not cover:

  • Travel to and from this adventure (flights, carpool to basecamp etc)

  • Travel insurance or mandatory rescue insurance

  • Extra hotel nights in town in case of early departure from the trail

  • Beverages and personal expenses

  • Personal items, clothing & toiletries

  • Guide gratuity