Sending a child off on a new experience isn't easy. You want to be sure they'll be safe. You want to know who they will be with. You want them to be happy. As professionals we understand, and offer the following information on Trailmark safety, leadership and other key issues, to help alleviate your concerns. We welcome you to contact us directly at any time with any questions. We get letters from happy campers and parents alike, and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Trailmark Safety
At Trailmark, safety is our number one concern. Our staff are Red Cross CPR & Lifeguard Certified, Wilderness First-Aid certified, and many hold a Wilderness First Responder which is an 80 hour first-aid certification. All staff are required to maintain a current ACA canoe/kayak certification. Activities are carefully selected to be challenging but not dangerous. All are intensely supervised by expertly-trained staff. Helmets are worn by every participant during biking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. Life jackets are worn for canoeing, sailing, kayaking and whitewater rafting.
While we take all safety precautions, there is a risk factor in any kind of adventure activity. As a result, we employ a full support staff, available around the clock in nearby sites, to handle any and all unforeseen incidents swiftly and professionally. And, be assured, our itineraries include no survival or solo experience; your child will always be part of a supervised group.
Piece of Mind
Simply put, we are here day or night for our participants and their families. If you have special requests we will help anyway we can. We are prompt, we are organized and we are professionals dedicated to safety first. We have certified field leaders handling all our activities and the students are never left unsupervised.
We believe that challenging yourself teaches life-long lessons and builds character. With small group sizes our leaders are able to really learn about each participant and what they are about and help them to thrive.
Come this summer and make new friends, see amazing places, challenge yourself and join the Trailmark family!
Trailmark Trip Leaders
Trailmark trip leaders are experienced, talented, high-energy and supportive. And, they're hand-picked from hundreds of applicants each year. We believe they are the best in the business. All have received first aid, CPR and summer training, and many have worked with Outward Bound and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). We only select leaders who have extensive experience, and the sensitivity and maturity to handle the needs of teenagers. Our leaders come from diverse geographical and educational backgrounds, and are both men and women, with an average age of 26. Before the Trailmark summer begins, leaders participate in an intensive pre-camp training session, to prepare and review the summer's activities and itineraries, as well as teen-counseling issues. There will be one trip leader for every four to six campers.
Outdoor Specialists
To enhance the safety and quality of our activity instruction, Trailmark also staffs specialists in many activities. Many of the rock climbing and white water rafting sections have additional staff to bring instructor to participant ratios to 1:4.
Your Trailmarker's Success
Trailmark's success stems from your child's success. We are dedicated to building skills, self-esteem and self-motivation. Our goal is that by the end of the trip, your child will be more confident and feel more successful than he or she has ever been. Just ask the thousands of successful Trailmarkers around the country. Contact us for their phone numbers.
Above and beyond the Trailmark Experience
Simply, we're there day and night for you and for your children. If you have a question, we'll answer it, quickly. If you need special flight arrangements, we're happy to help. Upon request, we will send you a fully-detailed itinerary of your child's trip. We're prompt, we're organized and we're professionals dedicated to your family.
Trailmark Transportation
For all New England trips, we meet in Ridgefield, CT. Trailmark will provide van transportation from Boston's Logan Airport for all Maine programs. For all western trips please see individual programs for airport rendezvous.