All expeditions have a minimal access shelter at times. Therefore, time spent in the outdoors exposed to the elements is far greater than when in a traditional camp setting.  At times, tarps, rain jackets or fabric tents are all that stand between the campers and insects, animals and elements.  We limit climate exposure by primarily offering trips in the summer months, and we train our guides on handling various weather conditions (lightning, heat and sun, high winds and rain), and managing animal /plant encounters (food storage, identification, first aid).
Each trip has a unique packing list. Please look over the list carefully and call if you have any questions.  We ask that you help us with exposure protection by providing the clothing and items requested.  It may seem silly to have a hat and gloves in summertime, but we need to be prepared for seasonal extremes like a wet cold front.  Synthetic fibers like polyesther do much better in the backcountry than cotton. Wet cotton holds moisture against the body and can take warmth away. Synthetic fibers, however, wick moisture away from the body, keeping you warmer and more comfortable.  Other important articles for protecting against wet and cold exposure are rain proof jackets, fleece wear, and a hat and gloves.

Trip and travel programs generally travel to places of remote beauty where cars and the general public cannot reach.  We recognize the responsibility we have to preserve these areas of remote beauty, so we practice “Leave no Trace” principles throughout the experience, so others may enjoy the same remote beauty in the future.  We desire to teach young people an ethic of care for what God has created as we minimize our impact on trips.
We also recognize the difficulties ceated by travelling in places that vehicles and the general public cannot easily access.  While we do carry a cell phone on trips for emergencies, we believe that having trained qualified staff is of the highest importance (see Wilderness Guide).

We recognize that hiking a mountain or canoeing a river are not typical activities for most young people.  Our trips do not require prior experience, but it is important that you understand the nature of trip programs.  Most trips include terrain that is rocky, uneven, and full of elevation changes.  At times, the trails we use are not at all like a path in a park.  All trips require campers to be mobile and reasonably fit in order to participate.  They also may require specialized footwear, such as boots with ankle protection or sandals to dry out "pruny" feet.
Because of difficulty and terrain, we have developed the intensity guide so campers can self-select their trips.  Some trips, like Explorers and West Virginia expeditions, camp in one place. This allows the group to rest on a daily basis. The intesity of these trips is moderate.  Other trips like the White Mountain Expedition move accross extremely rugged terrain at the pace of the slowest member, so the intensity of this trip is considered strenuous.

Some people may be surprised by the time on the road required for a particular trip. Iin most cases, the places we choose are not off the main road and not even in the state of Pennsylvania.  The fact is, we need to travel to find the features we are looking for in a trip: beauty, remoteness, accessibility, activity options.  Generally, the trips that we do within a week will travel less distance than the ones we do over eight days.
We recognize the need for safety while on the Interstates and back roads.  All guides go through a driver training course, receive behind-the-wheel experience in the types of vehicles being used, and give permission for us to check their driving records.  The expeditions program commonly uses one of two 15-passenger vans with the back seat removed and a 24-passenger bus.  In order to operate the 24-passenger bus, an operator with a CDL and passenger endorsement is required.  Each vehicle is well maintained and inspected prior to each trip