Activities

    The schedule is mostly free time, but people are rarely bored. There's always somethin' to do in the houses, from hot tubbin' to game playing to relaxing to nice music or a book. The folks who come on the trip are always nice, so everyone should feel free to get involved in going's-on.

Outdoor Activities

    The downhill ski resort is Wisp. They have skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, as well as instruction for beginners. In years past, the slopes are open at night for night skiing. Tubing – a cheaper, less taxing way to enjoy speed on snow - does sell out during weekends and Holidays so reserve your times in advance. Check out Wisp’s web page for current rates and times: www.skiwisp.com

    Cross-country skiing and hiking can be done at nearby state parks: Herrington Manor, New Germany, Swallow Falls and Deep Creek Lake (hiking, no skiing). Information about all of them can be found at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/wmaryland.html We’ve created a summary here. There's even other parks listed there that I don't know anything about. Most parks allow leashed pets. Note that Monday there will be a hike at Swallow Falls & Muddy Creek Falls, so you might want to avoid going there if you want to go Monday.

    You can rent skis and boots Saturday morning at Wisp or one of the state parks, but, since that's when everyone else will be doing it, it’s highly recommended that you pick them up Friday night. There are a couple of places in town where cross-country skis & boots can be rented, and many are open from around 6pm – 9pm Friday night. They’re all along the main drag: 219, which we come down. We’ve used High Mountain Sports (301-387-4199) before. These places will also rent snowshoes, which can be used on trails at state parks or just to tromp around the area. Of course, renting equipment beforehand & bringing it with you uses up even less vacation time!

    Organizing rides to the slopes or other outdoor areas is done by word of mouth. Everyone will note their activity preference on the registration and the results are sent to everyone by email before the trip. We highly recommend making contact & chatting with folks that share your activity preference (especially if they’re in your house) by email before the trip, so you can either organize rides Friday night or, even better, since Friday night is busy with unpacking and introductions and maybe even a game, before the trip starts.

Indoor Activities

    In addition (but, wait, there’s more!!!), houses can host events for anyone on the trip who's interested. We've had an Aquarius birthday / pajama party, movie night, co-ed spa day, crafts house and games night - who knows what we'll have this year? We usually have one den parent designated to help with these, but the inspiration comes from the participants themselves.

Beautiful Hike Monday

    And lastly (whew!), every Monday after we exit the houses, there's a hike at Muddy Creek / Swallow Falls. It's a short hike - maybe an hour at a very relaxed pace. The more snow & ice there is, the more beautiful the hike, but also the trickier the trail. Den parents will have directions.

Perpetual General Schedule:

Friday:	1 PM one of the houses opens early 5 PM all houses are available 5 PM 'till we fall asleep check-in & gathering in one house (includes selection of dinners, organization of rides to slopes, and any other necessary organization)
Saturday:	whenever people wake up, eat breakfast, make lunch, pack (don’t forget water!) once people are ready people head off to slopes (not all at once, but in small groups) 6 PM (approximately) dinner (preparers must return earlier than 6!) the rest of the night hang out, talk, play games, generally have a good time!
Sunday:	(repeat Saturday)
Monday:	whenever people wake up, eat breakfast, make lunch, pack 12 PM must vacate houses (we're usually out by lunch) when people congregate hike at Swallow Falls afternoon, after hike split

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