During the warmer months, Deer Lake offers many exciting opportunities for groups of all ages. Many of our programs can be run in a single day, but we also offer overnight outings throughout the year.

COPE: Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience
The main focus of COPE is to build a sense of leadership, group communication, cooperation and trust, as well as self-esteem, decision making and problem solving skills. Low and high ropes course events may be utilized, which, by design, stress these areas of group dynamics. The Deer Lake COPE Course offers a fun and challenging experience to all involved. Younger groups, or those with time restraints will find great challenges among our low elements, while some crews may have what it takes to tackle our high course.

COPE: High Ropes Course
One of the highlights of our COPE course is our high element course. After learning to trust their crewmates, participants are ready to challenge themselves on our elevated obstacle course. Proper belay techniques and safety are stressed as individuals move from element to element and the final challenge: the zip line.

COPE: Giant's Ladder
Alternatively, your crew may want to challenge itself on our Giant's Ladder. In this high element, two partners must make their way together up a ladder whose rungs grow further and further apart.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling
Rock climbing is one of our most popular activites. Deer Lake has two dedicated natural rock climbing sites, offering all levels of climbing experiences. We also have access to off-site climbing locations for those crews that want to further challenge themselves. While beginner crews learn the basics of belaying, knot tying and safety, more advanced crews may learn how to set up their own rock climbing sites with a focus on proper anchoring techniques and site considerations.

Canoeing, Kayaking and Rowing
Deer Lake offers kayaking and canoeing courses for groups of up to fourteen members. Basic water safety is reviewed and participants are familiarized with all of the equipment they will be using, as well as their boats. Paddle around our mile long lake and lagoon, or take a longer trip to nearby Foster's Pond or even down the Connecticut River. Our guides will teach you everything you need to know about boat-to-boat rescues, overnight trekking and weather concerns.

Mountain Biking
Learn proper riding techniques as you bike around our trails or plan a trip that will take you to rock climbing or paddling sites in the area. Saftey is always our main concern, and our mountain biking course will also help you better understand how your bicycle works and how to care for it at home or on the trail. Practice on rough terrain here in camp before setting out on bigger adventures.

Swimming
If you plan on visiting for any extended amount of time in the summer, you'll probably want to include a trip to our waterfront in your plans. Our waterfront is staffed by BSA and Red Cross certified lifeguards and offers three levels of swimming areas. The buddy system and other saftey concerns are explained and utilized thoughout your visit.