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Teen adventures · Boys

Miles of adventure.
A crew beside you.

Ride Maine’s back roads and trails, camp along the way, then celebrate with paddling and Acadia adventures. A demanding, memorable trip built around shared effort and fun.

Ask about this adventureExplore the itinerary
XC Challenge campers celebrating with their bikes
Ages13–17
Length8 days
GroupBoys
DestinationBackcountry Maine to Acadia
XC Boys Challenge

The adventure
at a glance.

For teens comfortable riding a bike, using gears and brakes, and spending active days outdoors. This is an endurance adventure with long rides; expert technical mountain-biking skills are not the focus.

New experiences, shared meals, camp games, and evenings together are all part of the trip. Staff help the group settle into camp life and find the right balance of encouragement, challenge, and fun.

The details below describe the established trip format. Confirm upcoming dates, tuition, and the final itinerary with our camp team.

See the experience

Step inside
the adventure.

A look at XC Boys Challenge through moments from our own camp trips.

Adventurelore film
From our adventures Watch on Vimeo ↗
What makes this trip different

The moments they’ll remember.

01

A journey by bike

Ride between lake campsites and through Maine landscapes, building toward a finish at Franklin Farm.

02

A group accomplishment

Rest stops, swims, meals, and playful traditions break up the miles and keep the group connected.

03

An adventure beyond biking

After the riding, enjoy paddling, camp games, and a day exploring Acadia National Park.

A sample itinerary

8 days.
A new story each day.

Based on our published trip itinerary. Weather, access, water conditions, and group needs may change the sequence or activities.

  1. Day 1

    Travel & the first trails

    Meet in Danville, travel into Maine with breaks, and enjoy an introductory ride before settling at camp.

  2. Day 2

    Lake-to-lake riding

    Ride toward Grand Lake Stream, pause for lunch and swimming, then continue to a lakeside campsite.

  3. Day 3

    Keep the wheels turning

    Ride toward the Unknown Lakes, with rest stops, time to swim, and an evening together at camp.

  4. Day 4

    The longest riding day

    Take on the trip’s biggest mileage day toward Rocky Pond, with breaks and a swim along the way.

  5. Day 5

    Finish at Franklin Farm

    Enjoy a final morning at the lake and ride the remaining miles to the farm, celebrating the group’s accomplishment.

  6. Day 6

    Paddling & camp time

    Recover with a relaxed start, games, and a choice of pond activities or beginner whitewater paddling.

  7. Day 7

    Explore Acadia

    Head to Acadia for hiking, climbing or rappelling opportunities, then spend time in Bar Harbor.

  8. Day 8

    Bring it home

    Pack up, reflect on the journey, and travel back to Danville with stops along the way.

Before camp

A little preparation.
A lot to look forward to.

Clothing & daily essentials

Ready to be outside.

  • Clothes and footwear suited to active outdoor days
  • Layers and rain protection
  • Swimwear, towel, and a change of clothes
  • Water bottle, sun protection, and personal essentials
Confirm before departure

Get the camp-specific list.

Ask which camping and activity gear is supplied and what to bring for sleeping, hiking, paddling, or biking. Equipment needs differ by trip.

Discuss allergies, medications, and participation needs with the office during registration so staff have the right information.

This is a starting checklist. Follow the final packing and preparation information for your specific session.

Parent questions

Feel good about
the next step.

How much riding should we expect?

The published itinerary includes several substantial riding days and a longest day of about 45 miles. Contact us to review the current mileage, terrain, fitness expectations, bike requirements, and any equipment options before choosing this trip.

Where does the trip begin and end?

Our published trips begin and end at Adventurelore in Danville, New Hampshire. Confirm check-in and return times, transportation arrangements, and any changes with the office for your session.

Is the itinerary guaranteed?

The itinerary shows the shape of the adventure. Weather, water levels, access, group needs, and logistics may change the order, locations, or activities. We can explain the current plan before registration.

What about homesickness, food, medications, or staying in touch?

These are good questions to discuss before signing up. Ask us about sleeping arrangements, meal planning, allergies and medications, communication with home, and how staff support campers away from home.

Help with camp costs.

Explore hometown assistance, EFA, and a short list of organizations that may help eligible families pay for camp. Parents and guardians contact each funder to confirm their selected camp qualifies.

Explore camp financial assistance Read our EFA information
Still comparing?

Another adventure might be the right fit.

Let’s talk about XC Boys Challenge.

We can help with age fit, experience, current dates, and registration.

Ask about this trip