Note that all activities are governed by the weather, although we go out, rain or shine. Exactly which trails we use and where we camp will depend on rain, wind, lightening and other conditions.

Day 1 - The guides and llamas meet each group at the trailhead. (Click here for directions to the Black Balsam Parking area.) Everyone gets acquainted and selects their llama buddy. Guides load gear on llama packs and give campers an orientation to group rules and trail guidelines. Eat lunch at the trailhead or hike an hour to a picnic spot.

Hike for 3-8 miles each day, depending on abilities of the participants. Lead and get to know your llama partner. Observe mountain views, plants, birds, animal footprints or other natural features. Stop to have snack and drink water. Learn how to read a trail map and use the compass. Arrive at a campsite in mid-late afternoon, usually a mountain meadow or a clearing near a small stream. Follow guide's instructions to help unpack gear and food from llama packs. Learn to put up your tent so it won't leak. Help with camp chores, like getting water from a nearby spring or setting up the camp stoves. Feed and brush your llama. Eat dinner and help with cleanup. Discuss the day's successes over a cup of hot chocolate. Later, younger campers may chase fireflies or participate in games like Mountain Lion, Hide and Seek or Simon Says. Adult campers may want to watch the sunset, swap tall tales of the outdoors or sing fondly-remembered camp songs. Everyone can watch the stars come out - the sky seems very big when there are no city lights around. Snuggle into your sleeping bag for a good night's rest. Listen for owls as you fall asleep.

Day 2- Wake up and get dressed. Pack up clothes and sleeping bags. Eat a hot breakfast, like pancakes or grits and plan personal goals for the day over hot tea or cocoa. Feed llamas. Take down tents and clean up campsite. Learn how to pack the llama packs so they don't fall off. Help to load and pack the llamas. Look at trail map to see where group will be hiking and talk about any special obstacles you might encounter. Assign campers' roles for Scout, First Aid Assistant, Sweep, Environmentalist, etc. Lead llamas and begin hiking. Learn to identify animals by their footprints and droppings we find along the trail. Practice teamwork by navigating obstacles, wash outs on the trail or stream crossings. Hike to top of a mountain for great views and photo opportunity. Discuss group teamwork progress and challenges during the mid-day lunch break. Continue hiking in the afternoon. Make up songs or raps about the llamas. Arrive at next campsite and repeat the campsite set-up with more independence by campers. Wade in nearby creek under adult supervision. Feed and brush llamas. Learn to spin llama wool and braid bracelets as souvenirs. Assist with dinner preparation and cleanup. Discuss camper's learning and successes from the day. Conduct a llama beauty contest or camper talent show. Participate in a Night Hike, learning to listen for night sounds. Get in tents and lights out.

Additional activities may be included for trips that have a more therapeutic focus. The last day for all trips is usually planned so that the group arrives back at the trail head and vehicles around noon or early afternoon. The groups will pose for a group photo, unpack gear, eat lunch and say goodbye to their llamas before departing.