Adventure Retreat at ROWE
A 3-night small-group adventure for kids ages 8–10 • August 27–30, 2026
Three nights, twelve kids, two co-directors, and a chunk of the Berkshires to call our own. Your child will hike to the top of a mountain, sleep under the stars in a backcountry lean-to, and run whitewater on the Deerfield River with the pros at Zoar Outdoor. In between, they’ll share meals, songs, and fire-circle stories at a beloved 100-year-old camp.
It’s small on purpose. With a 4:1 camper-to-adult ratio and a tight group of twelve, every kid gets seen, every kid gets pushed a little, and every kid comes home with a story they’ll still tell at Thanksgiving.
The experience
Mountain summit hike. An all-day push to the top, with a celebratory snack at the summit. Big views, sore legs, lasting memories.
Lean-to overnight. One night sleeping in a backcountry shelter. Camp dinner over the fire, songs, and an early wake-up with the sun.
Whitewater rafting. A full day on the Deerfield with Zoar Outdoor, Massachusetts’ most respected outfitter. Helmets, guides, and big smiles.
Camp time at ROWE. Cabin nights, rec-hall meals, chapel circles, and unstructured outdoor time kids don’t get enough of.
The details
When: Thursday, August 27 – Sunday, August 30, 2026
Where: ROWE Camp & Conference Center, Rowe, MA
Who: 12 campers, ages 8–10 • 3 adult leaders (4:1 ratio)
What’s included: Lodging, all meals, the lean-to overnight, Zoar rafting day, group gear, t-shirt
Investment: Pricing to be announced — final per-camper price will be posted once accommodations are confirmed. Partial scholarships available on request.
Drop-off / Pick-up: Parents drop off Thursday afternoon and pick up Sunday after breakfast.
About ROWE: Founded in 1924, ROWE sits on more than 50 wooded acres in northwest Massachusetts, bordering Pelham Lake Park. Screen-free, intentionally welcoming, and known as one of the safest, most caring camps in New England.
Spots are limited to 12 kids and we’re filling on a first-come basis. Email Paul at [email protected] to hold a spot or ask questions.
We’d love to take your kid into the woods.
Meet your CO-DIRECTORS
PAUL GROSS
Co-Director
Paul is a dad of two and the founder of CoMetrics, a Boston-area company. He’s spent two decades chasing kids and adults around the outdoors — backpacking trips, ski mountains, summer camps, and weekend lean-to overnights. Brings the logistics brain, the gear stash, and a deep love for getting kids comfortable outside their comfort zone.
CASEY TOWNSEND
Co-Director
Casey is the Executive Director of the Natick Community Organic Farm, where he leads year-round, hands-on outdoor education for kids of all ages. He’s been teaching young people about food systems, sustainable forestry, and the natural world since 2007. Patient, calm, and kid-magnetic.