Adirondack Leadership Program at Gordon College’s La Vida Center

Adirondack Leadership Program at Gordon College’s La Vida Center

Send your child on their greatest adventure yet! ​On ALP, campers will have the opportunity to explore questions like ”Who am I?” and “What kind of leader do I want to be?” It‘s what many teenagers are searching for as they navigate their friendships, school and family. Through exciting adventures like climbing 30-ft rock faces and eating lunch on mountain tops with expansive views around them, your child will learn leadership skills that will prepare them for future challenges.

For nine days, campers will explore the Adirondack Mountains in New York by backpacking or canoeing, learn to work together as a team, and get an opportunity to practice their own leadership skills while also receiving feedback from their peers and trip leaders. Our staff is highly trained to facilitate an educational and meaningful experience. ALP is a licensed camp in the state of New York. La Vida has an impeccable safety record and has been running expeditions since 1970.

Research has proven that La Vida helps participants form meaningful friendships, develop resilience and acquire leadership traits that contribute to success in their future. 

Evaluations from past participants:

“I’m not much of an outdoorsy individual. I’m far more likely to 'camp' next to a wood stove with a good book. However, going on La Vida was one of the best decisions I’ve made, as there are so many things to learn from the experience.” Charlotte, 2016 participant

“This trip allowed me to closely bond with my groupmates and create lasting friendships, all while reveling in nature’s beauty without the burden of everyday distractions.” Colin, 2018 participant

ALP Sample Schedule

Day 1: Registration at Gordon College at 8 a.m.; ALP participants depart for La Vida Base Camp by 8:30 a.m.
Days 2-3: Team training at La Vida Base Camp; ropes course, rock climbing and other team-building activities
Days 4-6: Canoe or backpacking expedition (8-day trips have two fewer days of travel time). Groups travel to a different campsite each day. Group discussion and personal reflection are incorporated into each day.
Day 7: Solo and reflection. Participants have the opportunity to rest, pray, fast, read their Bible, and set goals.
Day 8: Expedition end and celebration at La Vida Base Camp
Day 9: Final challenge and drive to Gordon. Participants are picked up at Gordon College around 8 p.m.

La Vida Adirondack Leadership Program

Research has proven that La Vida helps participants form meaningful friendships, develop resilience and acquire leadership traits that contribute to success in their future. We have been running expeditions since 1970 and are a well-respected camp in the Adirondacks.

La Vida opened my eyes to many things. It opened my eyes to see God and his creation, myself, and the greatness in other people around me. In the months following my trip, I viewed the world in a different light and became a better person because of it. 
     -Amelia, 2015 participant

Session Dates:

  • June 25–July 3
  • July 10–July 18
  • July 24–August 1
Phone: 
978.867.4887
Tuition: 
$700 for 9-day trips. Financial aid is available.
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