TOP Summer Leadership Program

Each summer, the Thetford Outdoor Program offers several opportunities for Thetford Academy students to have immersive outdoor leadership experiences and adventures. TOP Summer Leadership programs are announced each winter and open to all TA students in grades 7-12, and to students from our sending schools in the Upper Valley.

TOP Summer Leadership opportunities include canoeing on the Connecticut River, rock climbing in the Adirondacks, Garden Camp, GLOW Outdoor Adventures (for students who identify as girls, young ladies, or women always or sometimes), and right here on campus, a student Trail Crew that works each year to help develop and maintain Thetford Academy’s extensive trail systems.

Each summer, TOP also hires student interns to help support our summer programs. This is a great opportunity for students who have participated in past TOP summer programs to advance their leadership skills and build valuable work experience.

Trail Crew

June 17 – 21, 2024

This week-long work experience engages students in all aspects of trail maintenance and development. Students will work building and improving trail networks in the Thetford Hill State Forest, and on TA’s vast, 295-acre forested campus. The crew meets Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with four days of work and one-day team activity and hike. Students must be entering 9th grade and complete an application and interview to be accepted into the trail crew.

Students are compensated $100 for the week.
Trail Crew application

Connecticut River Canoe Trip

June 17 – 22, 2024

Students will spend a week paddling a local section of the Connecticut River. Along the way, they will camp at primitive campsites, develop paddling and leadership skills, and learn about the natural world.

This program is currently full. To be on the waitlist please email [email protected].

GLOW (GIRLS, LADIES, OR WHOEVER) Outdoor Adventure

June 24 – 28, 2024

GLOW (Girls, Ladies, or Whomever) is an exciting outdoor adventure that serves as an affinity space for all students who identify as female and/or non-binary. Participants will go canoe camping, rock climbing, hiking, and more. This is an opportunity to develop leadership skills and confidence in the outdoors while having fun in a safe and inclusive environment.

There is a $400 fee for this program to cover food, staffing, and equipment costs. Scholarships available.

Rock Climbing in the Adirondacks

July 8 – 12, 2024

Students will travel to Keene Valley in the Adirondacks and base camp at a local site. Each day the group will travel to different climbing sites and participate in top rope climbing. Along the way students will develop leadership skills, rock climbing and belaying techniques and learn about the unique geology of the Adirondacks.

There is a $450 fee for this program to cover food, staffing, and equipment costs.

Garden Camp

July 29 – Aug 2, 2024

Enjoy the great outdoors by way of TA’s school garden and the agricultural resources of the greater Upper Valley. Students will spend time working and learning in the garden at TA, with afternoon garden-inspired crafts, activities, and local field trips.

There is a $250 fee for this program to cover materials and staffing costs.

TOP Summer Internships

Each summer, TOP hires student interns to help support our summer programs. This is a great opportunity for students who have participated in past TOP summer programs to advance their leadership skills and build valuable work experience. In 2024, we will be hiring interns for trail crew, the Connecticut River canoe trip, the rock climbing trip, the GLOW adventure, and garden camp. Students who are currently in 9th-12th grade are eligible to apply.

Upcoming Events

April 2024

Wednesday April 17 – Friday April 19

8th Grade Trip to Montreal

Friday April 19

All Day: Course Registration DUE - Classes of 2027
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: TA Show

Saturday April 20

11:00 am – 12:30 pm: BB/SB vs Vergennes

Monday April 22 – Friday April 26

No School ~ Spring Break

Tuesday April 23

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: HS Track Meet @ Lebanon
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: BB/SB @ Lake Region
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: JVBB/SB vs Lake Region

Wednesday April 24

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm: MS BB/SB @ Windsor

Thursday April 25

4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: VBB @ Windsor

our VALUES

Excellence

We set high expectations. We challenge all members of the school community to reach their highest potential.

Commitment

We value initiative, courage and dedication. We take personal responsibility for the goals we set and work hard to achieve them.

Cooperation

We work and learn together. We see teachers as coaches, students as team members, families as partners, and learning as practice and action.

Caring

We provide individuals with personalized support and guidance. We care about each other and the larger community.

Diversity

We respect differences among people. We welcome the contribution of varied perspectives to a rich and flexible school culture.