PINKHAM NOTCH, New Hampshire ??” Gain a new perspective on outdoor adventure this summer with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the nation’s oldest conservation and outdoor recreation organization. Go hut-to-lodge hiking, spend a week at Family Adventure Camp, volunteer for a weeklong trail crew, or learn new skills in specialized outdoor programs for teens.

This summer, AMC’s special programming and multi-day lodging deals make it even easier to plan a week of outdoor adventure amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.

AMC lodges, huts, and camps in the White Mountains and Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Maine’s North Woods, and Delaware Water Gap of New Jersey offer something for everyone??”beginner hikers tackling a first big mountain climb, families looking for new ways to explore the outdoors, and experienced backpackers who have traversed many miles of trails.

AMC is expanding its popular family camp program to all AMC lodges this summer and introducing Family Adventure Camps, created especially for families with kids ages five to 12. Led by AMC staff during select weeks in July and August, Family Adventure Camps will be based out of five AMC destinations in New Hampshire, Maine, and New Jersey and feature a full schedule of daily, family-friendly programming, including nature hikes, arts and crafts, campfire sing-a-longs, outdoor skills, evening programs, and more.

For older kids, AMC offers Teen Wilderness Adventures geared toward ages 12 to 18. This expert-led program gives teens an opportunity independent of their families to gain outdoors experience, build confidence, and make new friends. Teens spend five to 28 days immersed in outdoor activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking in beautiful Maine and New Hampshire locations.

Individuals and families who want to plan their own multi-day
itineraries can also take advantage of AMC’s spectacular locations, outdoor adventure, and unique blend of recreation and education??”and save up to 15 percent off standard rates with an extended visit. To receive this discount, stay for three or more nights in New Hampshire’s White Mountains at any combination of AMC Huts, Highland Center at Crawford Notch, and Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch. Plan a multi-day, backcountry hut-to-hut hiking adventure, or sandwich a hut stay with nights at AMC’s frontcountry lodges. The AMC Hiker Shuttle offers a convenient, inexpensive way for hikers to get to area trailheads, including trails to the entire AMC Hut network, and it links AMC Highland Center and Joe Dodge Lodge. Both frontcountry destinations, Highland Center and Joe Dodge Lodge, provide guests with a range of amenities and comforts before they head out or after their return from a backcountry hut adventure.

Another option offered by the AMC is an outdoor service vacation. AMC Volunteer Trail Vacations encourage participants to make a meaningful contribution by helping to maintain trails in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, White Mountains of New Hampshire, and Baxter State Park in Maine. Volunteer with AMC on one-day to three-week long trail crews and gain a deeper appreciation for trail upkeep while learning new skills. Programs are available for all levels and abilities, including beginners.

Rates and Reservations:
For more information about AMC special summer programming and multi-day lodging deals, visit www.outdoors.org/lodging/summerguide.cfm or call (603) 466-2727 to book a reservation. All AMC programs and destinations are open to AMC members and non-members, with additional discounts available to members. All-inclusive stays include lodging, family-style dinner and breakfast, daily activities as scheduled, and free use of equipment with stays at AMC Highland Center.

Family Adventure Camps
Brand new to the outdoors? Choose the Highland Center at Crawford Notch and take advantage of free gear available to borrow. Looking for a more remote adventure? Check out Little Lyford Pond Camps, a traditional Maine sporting camp located in the heart of the 100-Mile Wilderness. Joe Dodge Lodge offers adventure at the base of Mount Washington, and at Cardigan Lodge, families can explore New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. New Yorkers can escape the city at Mohican Outdoor Center in the spectacular Delaware Water Gap.

To learn more about Family Adventure Camp, including locations, dates, and a sampling of activities, visit www.outdoors.org/adventure_camps. Adult member rates start at $295 and $328 for non-members, depending on the location. Child member rates start at $195 and $217 for non-members. Enjoy the benefits of AMC membership, including significant member savings for family stays with the purchase of a $75 family membership.

Teen Wilderness Adventures
AMC’s Teen Wilderness Adventures offer youth ages 12 to 18 rewarding adventures that teach wilderness skills and build confidence. Specialized programs for 12 to 13-year-olds, as well as women-only adventures, are also available. Expert-led courses range from 5 to 28 days, and adventures immerse teens in just one activity or programs that combine activities, including rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking.

To learn more about Teen Wilderness Adventures, including different programs, dates, locations, and rates, visit www.outdoors.org/education/twa/index.cfm. Select summer programs start at $599. Receive a five percent discount with registration before March 1, 2006.

Hut-to-Lodge Hiking
Stay at any combination of White Mountain Huts, Highland Center at Crawford Notch, and Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch over three or more nights and save up to 15 percent. Mix and match destinations to create a vacation to remember with just the right combination of challenge and comfort. For additional details, visit www.outdoors.org/lodging/extended-stays.cfm. Extended stay, all-inclusive rates for adult members start at $50 per night and $60 for non-members, based on the location. Child rates start at $32 per night for members and $39 per night for non-members.

Suggested itineraries include:

Family Waterfall Adventure
Highland Center + Zealand Falls Hut + Highland Center Sandwich a trip to picturesque Zealand Falls between two nights at the Highland Center. Zealand Falls is a short hike ideal for beginners??”and it’s always a hit with kids.

Northern Presidential Traverse
Joe Dodge Lodge + Lakes of the Clouds Hut + Madison Spring Hut This challenging, three-night adventure starts out at Joe Dodge Lodge, then heads above treeline for two nights of alpine flowers, terrific views, and the chance to summit Mount Washington.

Volunteer Trail Vacations
Each year, the AMC depends on more than 2,500 trail volunteers who contribute their time, energy, and enthusiasm through participation in one-day to three-week long trail programs. Crews work in beautiful locations in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and programs are available for all levels and abilities, including teen, women, and other special crews, for a unique vacation experience.

The fully tax-deductible program fee, which starts at $6 per weekend for short programs and $55 for long programs, depending on the location and length, helps defray the cost of food, shelter, and leadership for the volunteer crews. For more details, including locations, dates, and trail crew age guidelines, visit www.outdoors.org/conservation/trails/volunteer/index.cfm.

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is the oldest conservation and recreation organization in the United States. With 90,000 members in the Northeast and beyond, the nonprofit AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers and trails of the Appalachian region. The AMC supports natural resource conservation while encouraging responsible recreation, based on the philosophy that successful, long-term conservation depends upon first-hand enjoyment of the natural environment.