Level II Backpacking in New England with The Venture Out Project

New in 2024: Join The Venture Out Project (TVOP) on this queer backpacking adventure! TVOP serves the queer community by running outdoor adventures specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. Beginners to seasoned backpackers will feel welcome and comfortable on this New England adventure. You’ll learn the foundational skills of packing, map reading, camp set-up, backcountry cooking, and get to sleep under the stars! 

All of TVOP’s 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.

The scholarship includes the expedition fee for this 6-day backpacking adventure, as well as a $500 travel & gear stipend. This scholarship is valued at over $2,500.

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

  • Our Level 2 Backpacking Trip pushes participants to backpack at a mileage of 3-6 miles/day, with elevation changes of around 1,000-1,500 ft/day. Participants will carry their own packs weighing approximately 40 pounds, carrying both personal and group gear. We will take short breaks a couple times per hour, break for lunch, and will likely set up camp around 4pm each day. These trips balance skill building and community building. 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.

  • August 10-15, 2024

  • Participants should be able to backpack at a pace of 1 mile per hour or faster for about 6 hours per day. Instructors will ensure all participants know how to successfully and safely travel in the backcountry and the group travels together.

    • Expedition fee for TVOP’s Level II 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