What to Expect

It's okay to feel nervous!
You may or may not have cell phone coverage, try and wrap up communications with loved ones as you leave the airport. It's best to keep your phone on airplane mode, or better yet, totally off.
If you discover you have forgotten something- ask us, more than likely we have it.

This can feel overwhelming! We just want to be sure you have everything you need. Please bring everything on the packing list that we assign for your trip. If you're unsure about something, bring it anyway and we'll let you know if it's okay to take it into the field.

We take frequent breaks: water, bathroom, etc.
We travel at a pace that everyone feels comfortable with- this may be a bit slower or faster than you usually travel, remember this is a group trip.
On TVOP-led trips, we like everyone to have a chance to lead. There are many "jobs" that we will need help with and will ask you to volunteer. Some of these jobs could be cooking, cleaning, managing water treatment, etc.
We encourage you to converse while on trip but please feel free to take time to yourself if that suits you better.

We try to get to camp in the early afternoon. You’'ll choose your spot and set up your tent - we’re around to help if this is something you’ve never done before!
After picking and setting up our tents, you are free to enjoy time to swim, read, write or play games with others.

Each of the campsites will have a water source- we will provide you with the necessary water purifying drops/tools so that it is safe to drink.
All meals and snacks will be provided from the start of the trip on Day 1 through the last shared meal on the final day. Breakfast and dinner are prepared at our campsites, lunch is on the trail/water. On all trips, we will do our best to accommodate most dietary needs: you can specify those during the registration process.
You will have access to plenty of snacks throughout the trip. (Cliff bars, Larabars, hand fruit, trail mix, etc.) We encourage you to keep a couple of snacks handy to have either while we’re traveling or before/after meals each day.
If you have special snacks you like to eat, please bring them!

We practice Leave No Trace: an ethical code of conducted practiced by the outdoor to community to ensure the preservation of the wild.
We pack out toilet paper if not using an outhouse. We'll prepare a special kit for you and show you how to do this at the beginning of the trip.
How do we brush teeth with no running water? It's easy! Use a little water from your waterbottle, and when you're ready to spit, spray it in many directions. We'll give you a demo.