Explore our exciting program options!
We are excited to be offering three different trip options this year for LandSea.
LandSea Kalamazoo
Location: Pretty Lake Camp, Kalamazoo, MI
Spend six days with your small group exploring all that Pretty Lake Camp has to offer. Build friendships with new people, explore hiking and biking trails, participate in service projects, reflection components, and have opportunities to participate in team-building activities and a high ropes course.
Group Size: 10-12
Backpacking/On-Trail Component? No
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: 8-10
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: 8-10
Backpacking/On-Trail Component? Yes
Number of Days of Program: 18
More details!
LandSea Kalamazoo
Six-day, camp-based experience at Pretty Lake Camp outside of Kalamazoo, MI. You’ll stay in tents with your small group of 6-8 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, a high ropes course, 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. The July session is a great option for incoming, fall-season athletes!
Location: Pretty Lake Camp Adventure Centre, Mattawan, MI
August 31 – September 5, 2023
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 18 – September 5, 2023
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 18 – September 5, 2023
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: All nights are spent in the same location
Activities: Opportunities for day hikes with light day packs over fairly even terrain, Activity areas and high ropes course, Paddling on Pretty Lake with a certified lifeguard
Other details: Access to showers, running water, and flush toilets
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, no portaging (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 short portaging (canoe carrying).