Spring adventures have long been a tradition at Hampshire Country School (HCS). This year’s adventure to Acadia National Park involved 17 students, 6 faculty, and incredible choices for different interests. The annual adventure location is revealed to students when they return from Spring Break. It is selected based on the current cohort of students, their interests and abilities, and the perfect amount of intentional stress to help students reach beyond their comfort zones. 

“The goal is not to have the perfect trip from a student’s perspective, but to have a trip with the perfect level of challenge,” says Head of School, Beth Venable. “This year the struggles had more to do with adapting to colder than expected weather, not consuming enough food for activities, short coin-op showers, and disappointments with last-minute changes to the schedule. All of these are struggles that can be generalized to regular life and create an appreciation for the regular routine and amenities of school or home. Best of all, a shared experience is unifying for a group and we returned to campus with a group more at peace with each other and their place in our community.”

This year’s physical activities included biking on the famous Acadia Carriage Roads, hiking around Jordan Pond, cycling the 3-mile climb to the top of Cadillac Mountain, exploring the sand bar at dusk, building castles at Sand Beach, hiking to Thunderhole, and tide pool critter hunts in Otter Cove. There was a large group of students interested in birding who were excited to be in this region at this time of year and especially enjoyed the peregrine falcon watch led by park rangers. As a whole community, a tall ship sail was enjoyed as well as gift shopping and blueberry ice cream in Bar Harbor, and the opportunity to challenge picky palates with fresh lobster. 

About Hampshire Country School

Hampshire Country School is a Place of Possibilities for up to 20 high-ability, neurodivergent boys entering upper elementary or middle school. The nonprofit boarding school and Timbertop summer camp programs offer understanding, light-heartedness, and structure to educate boys in a family-style, supportive, and calming learning community. Our nearly 2,000-acre campus and working farm in southern New Hampshire allow for plenty of time and space for students to learn and grow at their own pace.