Program Descriptions

The following programs are designed to fit into a daily schedule featuring a variety of activities. Typically, each program block lasts between one and two hours. Some of these programs can be extended depending on the goals of your group. The program groups should have no more than fifteen participants.  Please note that all activities are tailored to meet the needs and goals of your group.

Archery

Whether they’re picking up a bow for the first time or are modern day Robin Hoods, students of all ages enjoy aiming for the bull’s eye at our archery range. Students are instructed in the proper use of a bow, in terms of safety procedure and technique, by a qualified Crossroads Connects instructor. All equipment is provided.

Beach Excursion

We have a 15 passenger bus to transport a group to the Duxbury beach, only 6 miles away!  At the beach we can have time to search for the perfect rock, shell, or learn about marshes and ocean life.  The Beach could also be used as an alternative location for sports and games.

Boating

The waterfront dock at Keene Pond provides access to our canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, rowing boats, and our giant 12 person north canoes.  Students learn the basic skills of paddling and water craft control, in addition to water safety, as they float on the beautiful pond.

Challenge Course

Using the experiential model of education, the challenge course experiences promote personal and group development through mental and physical problem-solving exercises. Your group will be presented with a variety of challenges such as stepping onto and maintaining balance on a large ‘whale watch’ platform. Each challenge is a tool for learning by doing, processing experiences, and creating team cohesion through cooperation and fun. The leadership, strategy and goal-setting skills learned in these situations readily transfer to the ‘real life’ challenges facing your students in their school and community.

Climbing Wall

Students have the incredible opportunity to climb to the top of our 30 foot wall. Students are given a safety orientation, roped into a climbing harness, and belayed by a Crossroads Connects instructor. When time allows and it fits in with the goals of your retreat, participants can be taught to belay each other. Using the climbing wall is a great way for students to build their self-esteem, as well as boost each other as they encourage others to reach their goals.

Creative Arts

Our art and craft building is available for a variety of creative projects. Whether you bring your own resources or arrange an all inclusive activity, such as mural painting, the Crossroads Connects Directors are more than happy to assist in making your ideas come to life.

Journal writing/Drawing/Reflection

These programs allow students to have time to appreciate nature, themselves and others in their own ways. After hiking through the woods or partaking in their daily activities, students have the opportunity to express their thoughts about nature and their experience through drawing, writing, or painting. This program is a great way for participants to have a little down time to reflect during a fun-filled and active camp experience.

Orienteering

Students learn skills of how to use a compass by practicing bearings and paces. Students gain self-confidence as they become familiar with the use of a compass and put their new found skills to work by participating on the orienteering course throughout our camp.

Sports and Games

The Spread field is a spacious area containing three baseball diamonds, a soccer pitch, two full size basketball courts, and plenty of recreational space for a variety of outdoor sports including frisbee and football. We also have a sand volleyball court on site.

Swimming

Our two outdoor pools are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting) for swimming laps or for fun and games. Crossroads Connects Lifeguards are required to supervise at all times when groups are in the pool areas.

Survival Skills

There are many skills to learn using our many acres of land as the classroom. Choose from options including: fire building (safety concerns, function, proper set-up); how to build a shelter to fit an entire group (tepee, debris hut, lean to); how to build a litter out of nature and carry a member up a hill; basic knot tying; learn “leave no trace philosophy;” how to understand weather patterns and clouds; take a ‘solo’ for 20 minutes and write down things observed or heard; or make a gift out of nature for another.

Total Team

Students love this active team-building adventure program. Students start out with challenges on our spread field and progress to more challenging ones.  All activities are designed to facilitate cooperation, communication, and leadership skills.

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