Explore our exciting program options!
We are excited to be offering three different trip options this year for LandSea.
LandSea Kalamazoo
Location: Camp Merrie Woode, Kalamazoo, MI
Spend six days with your small group exploring all that Camp Merrie Woode has to offer. Build friendships with new people, explore hiking trails and paddling, participate in service projects, reflection components, and a short overnight backpack or paddle trip on the property.
Group Size: 10-12
Backpacking/On-Trail Component? Option
Number of Days of Program: 6
LandSea Basecamp
Location: Adirondack State Park & Massawepie Lake, Upstate NY
The Basecamp option is our “sampler-plate of the Adirondacks” program. Stay by Massawepie Lake in upstate NY and take day trips and three to four-day overnight trips with your small group exploring via hiking, canoeing, climbing, service projects, and end with a day of rafting on the Hudson River.
Group Size: 8
Backpacking/On-Trail Component? Yes
Number of Days of Program: 18
LandSea Expedition
Location: Adirondack State Park & Massawepie Lake, Upstate NY
Backpacking and canoeing are the two major components of Expedition. Each group will travel and set up new campsites each night and will also have the opportunity to participate in a climb-and-rappel day, a service-and-reflection component, and finish with a day of rafting on the Hudson River.
Group Size: 8
Backpacking/On-Trail Component? Yes
Number of Days of Program: 18
More details!
LandSea Kalamazoo
Six-day, camp-based experience at Camp Merrie Woode outside of Kalamazoo, MI. You’ll stay in tents with your small group of 8-10 incoming students and 2-3 leaders who are current students at K. Your group will have opportunities to participate in activities around camp such as hiking, team-building activities, paddling, service projects, overnight backpacking or paddling, and reflective components. The pace of the Kalamazoo trip is easy-going and your group has opportunities to choose your activities for the day.
This is a great trip for those who want a focus on a community experience, desire to try something new while still having some creature comforts (such as running water and bathrooms), and transition to college with a week-long experience.
Location: Camp Merrie Woode, Plainwell, MI
September 4 – 9, 2024
Take a peek into our Kalamazoo program (note: this was filmed at a previous camp which included high and low ropes activities that are not part of the 2024 LandSea Kalamazoo trip)
LandSea Adirondack: Basecamp
The Basecamp option is designed for those seeking a group camping experience. Skill building, such as campcraft, canoeing, hiking and backpacking, will be emphasized. The pace is more casual than on the Expedition trip. There are opportunities for day trips within the 2,000-acre Basecamp and into the Park, as well as expanded service projects. The experience culminates in a three- or four-day overnight trip. Similar to the Expedition, Basecamp groups have the opportunity to participate in a climb-and-rappel day, a service-and-reflection component (options include up to a 48-hour Solo, group reflection, trail maintenance and service), and finish with a day of rafting.
Location: LandSea Adirondacks takes place in the 6-million-acre Adirondack State Park in northern New York State. Comprising 85 percent of the protected wilderness lands in the Eastern United States, Adirondack State Park has the largest system of hiking trails in the country, 3,000 lakes and ponds, 1,200 miles of rivers, and the state’s highest mountains. Naturally, the Adirondacks are a great place for LandSea, and students will challenge themselves on the rivers, lakes, trails, and peaks of some of the premier wilderness destinations in the Eastern U.S.
August 22 – September 9, 2024
LandSea Adirondack: Expedition
An extended backpacking and canoeing trip in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate NY. Your small group will set up a new camp each night and have the opportunity to participate in a climb-and-rappel day, a service-and-reflection component (options include up to a 48-hour Solo, group reflection, trail maintenance and service), and finish with a day of rafting.
August 22 – September 9, 2024
Take a peek into our Adirondack program:
Check out the complete documentary about LandSea Adirondacks here
Religious Observance and LandSea
We recognize there are times when the dates of LandSea may occur during major religious, spiritual, or cultural holidays and events. If you have questions about how your religious or spiritual practice might be accommodated within the confines of the trip, please contact the Outdoor Programs office.
Choosing a Trip Difficulty
No prior experience is necessary in order to participate in LandSea. We strive to offer a variety of itineraries with varying degrees of difficulty. This guide can be used in order to find the difficulty rating that best fits the experience individual participants are looking for.
Mild to Moderate: Kalamazoo Trips
Sleeping: Nights are primarily spent camping in the same location. A short overnight backpack or canoe trip is available.
Activities: Opportunities for day hikes with light day packs over fairly even terrain. Overnight backpacking or paddling opportunity can be an option. Paddling and swimming on site with a certified lifeguard.
Other details: Running water and flush toilets are available. Occassional use of showers.
Moderate to Difficult: Adirondack Basecamp Trips
Sleeping: Most nights are spent in the same location at Massawepie Camp in bunks in large, canvas-covered tents; Some nights are spent along trail in the backcountry.
Hiking: Lighter packs for overnight excursions, opportunity for day hikes and summits with day packs. Mixed elevation and mileages.
Canoeing: Lower mileage paddled during a day, short portages (canoe carrying).
Other details: Access to pit toilets when staying at camp at Massawepie Lake.
Difficult to Strenuous: Adirondack Expedition Trips
Sleeping: Camping location will change day-to-day as participants hike or canoe to a new campsite; Group sleeps under a tarp that protects from wind and precipitation.
Hiking: Carrying packs day to day, including days with low elevation change and greater mileage with some possible opportunities to summit mountains with or without full packs. Elevation changes of 2,000-3,000 feet possible on the most challenging routes.
Canoeing: Average mileage with canoeing along ponds and rivers in the Adirondacks. Some longer portaging (canoe carrying) may be required.