All Outings
Except where noted, our outings are for 9 youth ages 12 to 18 and two adult chaperones. Chicago Voyagers will supply the outing leader and volunteers. We also supply the equipment for the outing. Lists of what to bring for the outing are available.
Each outing includes activities designed to engage youth and help them with an area of development. These can be customized. Examples of areas of focus for these activities include group problem solving, giving feedback, trust and leadership.
Each group is responsible for providing transportation to the outing location. You will meet the outing leader there unless the outing is outside the metro area.
Don't forget to print and have the parents sign the Participant Release. Click here for our fees.
Our paved trail bicycle ride takes place in beautiful Busse Woods Forest Preserve. The woods are located
just 15 minutes outside the Chicago City limits in Elk Grove Village. Our ride will last two
to two and a half hours, with a break in the middle for a snack, which is provided. We will ride
by lakes, through the woods, across a bridge and past a grove with elk.
Location: Outing begins at the Rolling Meadows Public Storage @ 2401 Lois Dr (click for directions). Please park on the street. We will be right inside and will be on the lookout for you. Call your outing leader if no one greets you. We will fit bikes and helmets at the storage and ride two blocks to the trail. Please have everyone arrive dressed for the weather.
Check out the Busse Woods Trail Map.
Our mountain bike rides take place in the beautiful and expansive
Palos
Forest Preserve - the best in Chicago. Rides last two to two and a half
hours; with a snack break in the middle. Adventerous youth will particulary
enjoy this adventure over the hills and through the forests!
Location: We will meet at the Pulaksi West Woods in the Palos Forest Preserve, Palos Height, IL.
Click Here for a map/directions to our meeting place
Also taking place in Busse Woods, our canoe outing is led by a certified ACA instructor. We start with a land lesson which includes safety and technique. We move to the water and explore Busse Lake, watching for beaver and egrets while we practice canoe skills. If the group wants to practice rescues, we can do that, too.
Location: Busse Lake is located in Elk Grove Village just 15 minutes outside of the Chicago city limits. We will meet at the boat ramp parking lot located on the left just before the boating rental center. See this link to create directions
During the winter, we can explore our local Forest Preserves by cross-country ski. There is nothing like a winter jaunt in the woods to see wildlife.
Location: Outing begins at REI Oakbrook Terrace (click for directions)
Outing is at Fullersburg Woods. Map from REI to Fullersburg Woods.
This outing is a day trip to Starved Rock State Park in Ottawa, IL. Located just two hours from Chicago, Starved Rock is one of the most beautiful natural places in Illinois to visit. We will hike the bluff over the Illinois River and then explore the canyons and waterfalls which are part of the park.
If the weather is bad or you just want some programming done at your agency, we can come to you for a two hour program of team-building activities. Not only will your youth learn about themselves and learn how to interact better with others, but they will have fun doing it.
This outing combines two of these three activities: teambuilding, biking, and canoeing and can accommodate up to 22 youth and adults. Youths can pick one activity or make a whole day of it so everyone to experience both!
Location: Busse Lake is located in Elk Grove Village just 15 minutes outside of the Chicago city limits. We will meet at the end of the circle just past grove 24 (turn left at the sign which says "Boating center ahead, no picnics beyond this point." See this link to create directions.
This 3 hour adventure on Lake Michigan is conveniently located near downtown Chicago on 30' to 40' sailboats. Our leader will greet your group at Monroe Harbor and talk about goals, safety, and expectations, as well as the importance of working together and communicating effectively. We will start with a group activity in one of the natural areas at the lakefront. Remember that this is a working cruise, and everyone will get the chance to learn new skills, help to sail the boat, and also some history of the area, geology, and the environment. We do this within a safe distance to shore and are treated to some truly beautiful views of the lakefront and the city skyline. If the wind, weather and waves cooperate, people from the group will also get the chance to take the helm and chart a course! This outing can accommodate 5 youth and 1 adult chaperone.
| Multi-Day Programming |
Local camping, mid-week or a weekend, are planned individually. These are perfect to introduce your youth to camping without being too far from home. Let us know if you are interested in such an adventure. Camping can include any of the above single day activities. |
Caving is normally part of an overnight adventure. Explore the underground world without light. Be prepared to get wet and dirty and to squeeze through small openings. |
Rock Climbing and Rappelling Trips
Rock blimcing and rapelling are also normally part of an overnight adventure. Confront fears & test perseverance on the bluffs of Devil's Lake State Park, WI. |
Sparta-Elroy Bicycling is also part of an overnight adventure. Considered the first rail-to-trail in the United States, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail remains one of the most popular trails in the country. With three rock tunnels (up to a mile long!) along its 32.5-mile route, the trail is a favorite Wisconsin bicycling destination. |
Winter Overnight Winter is a great time to get outdoors. We stay in a cabin for this outing - we will cross country ski or hike in the quiet winter woods. |
Copyright © 2008-2011 TFK Chicago Voyagers