Once you have submitted your application, Soul Trak will review it and send a follow up email with additional information and next steps.

Required enrollment paperwork for this program includes:

• Participant Agreement

There are no required orientations or workshops prior to attending this Summer Experience. Just make sure to attend your Goodbye Group to receive your equipment and travel itinerary, and to meet the other Summer Searchers who will be traveling with the same program!

Over seven days, you will develop foundational backpacking skills, including shelter setup, food management, hiking, and Leave No Trace principles. You will learn about the history, ecology, and conservation efforts that sustain the Appalachian Trail while enhancing your emotional and social competencies.

Departure Information: 

Arrive at Magnolia Bakery, NY Penn Station, Moynihan Train Hall, by 6:00am on July 20th; NYP (NY Penn) to BAL (Baltimore, MD); 79 Carolinian, 7:04am-9:43am 

Students may bring 2 carry-ons and 1 personal item for free. Summer Search staff will meet students at the meeting location and ensure they board safely but will not travel with them. Soul Trak staff (wearing branded Soul-Trak t-shirts) will meet students at the exit from the platform at Baltimore Penn. Soul Trak staff will then drive students approximately 1.5hours to the Soul Trak site location. 

Return Information: 

July 27th, 2:34pm-5:25pm, BAL (Baltimore, MD) to NYP (NY Penn); 106 Northeast Regional 

Soul Trak staff will escort students to Baltimore Penn. Once they arrive at NY Penn, students will be able to go home on their own, or they may be picked up by a parent/guardian. Summer Search staff will not be meeting students on their return. 

This is a camping trip — you will be sleeping in tents, and you will not have access to a bathroom. Don’t worry! Summer Search will provide any equipment you’ll need (including biodegradable soap) and the program staff will teach you how to feel at home in the outdoors.

This program will be NYC Summer Searchers only. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet and get to know other students in our program!

You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive at Basecamp with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available.

Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call Summer Search if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service, and we can reach out on your behalf in case of emergency.

In case of emergency, please use our 24/7 hotline - Summer on Call. Learn more about this service here.

No spending money is necessary for this program, but you may keep cash or credit cards on you if you’d like — you may want to buy snacks along the way!

Click here to view the Soul Trak x Summer Search packing list. A guide to the equipment we provide can be found on our FAQs + Resources page, along with other helpful links and info — check it out!