Kroka Expeditions

★★★★★Jackie MacNeish

2025: Our 15 year old had an absolutely AMAZING time this past summer with Kroka. He continued to grow as a person, he forged life-long friendships, he gained wonderful experience in his favorite activities outside, and he was so very appreciative of all that his trip was. We continue to be incredibly grateful for Kroka and all the staff as well. His four leaders were absolutely kind, energetic, and professional. They went above and beyond to make sure that our son and his whole group felt safe and adventurous, appreciated and challenged. I honestly don't think there is anything that could have been better than this trip. With so much deep appreciation. 2024: Our son said to us that his two weeks at Kroka were quite possibly the best two weeks of his life so far! He loved each piece of the multi-element. Although he had done all the elements before, he had never hiked with a pack before and described reaching the top of mount Moosilauke as magical. He had never bike packed before and loved how he could carry his stuff with him - he felt self sufficient. He has never experienced the formation of a community quite like this before, and he thrived. He loved living simply. He loved sleeping out and being out in nature all the time. He learned and grew and had the adventurous, amazing experiences. We are eternally grateful! We all can’t wait for next summer. Our son loved his trip leaders. He really genuinely appreciated getting to know and understand his leaders, and came to appreciate all of his fellow adventurers as well. He isn’t always the most patient person, so when he came home saying he learned how to be more patient and to wait, I have to admit we were very excited. The kindness, energy, and professionalism of Kroka staff is absolutely above and beyond! I was feeling very nervous about sending my child off for his first two week expedition, but the way we were greeted, brought onto campus, welcomed into their camp, and included in their orientation as well as a part of our own orientation was absolutely reassuring and calming. I had zero worries then leaving my child with Kroka for his two week adventure. When we arrived at Kroka for our son’s first two week camp, we so appreciated that it wasn’t just a quick drop off. We were greeted by kind and helpful staff every step of the way, there was iced tea being served and musicians playing as we checked in. Everything was thorough and not rushed and also didn’t take a long time. Walking down through Kroka village, by the pond with laughing splashing children, along the winding stone path, through the raspberry bushes, along the wooded paths, to the three tent village that was for our son’s trip was magical. Everything was so clearly and intentionally thought out as well as beautiful and enchanting. The same was true for when we picked our son up. It was really fun to see their skit of their adventures as well as another groups, and then to meet all together, kids and parents, for the debrief and words of wisdom was simply amazing. All the care that the staff puts in is evident and greatly appreciated! We really could not be happier or more impressed with Kroka! Our son will definitely return for more summer programs and hopefully eventually the semester program as well. We love it!

★★★★★Rose Netherland

My kids have gone to camps with Kroka for over 3 years now. Every part of their experiences: the expeditions, the counselors and staff, and the other campers has been amazing. They work very hard to give the kids not only meaningful experiences, but lifelong skills both physically and emotionally. They put lots of effort into team building and promote a culture of understanding and kindness. Going to kroka has changed my kids lives by giving them opportunities to learn and be competent in the natural world. They bring their skills and passions home into their everyday life. I can't say enough good things about all the ways Kroka has influenced our lives. I've trusted my kids lives with them and I would do it again in a heartbeat. They put their all into quality programs that have enriched our lives. Their programs promote sustainable lifestyle, compassion and ultimately peace.

★★★★★McKinzie Kandel

Our son has been going to Kroka for 4 years now and it is the most magical part of his summer by far! The staff are incredibly reliable, dependable and kind. We feel 100% comfortable that our son is safe and having an adventurous time while at summer expedition with this great crew. My son wants to go every summer and even attend their semester program when he is 16 so as you can tell, we are big Kroka advocates. We love how disconnected the kids get to be; no watches, phones, technology. It is a time for them to truly unplug; connect with nature and themselves. Thank you, Kroka for another fantastic summer.

★★★★★Yvonne Peiris

Having heard about Kroka from an alumni who shared that his experience was transformative, I had high expectations. Both my husband and I were beyond awed by the level of consideration and care that went into creating such a magical experience for these children. The grounding, nurturing, slowing down-all needed especially today as our world continues to spiral around us. We dropped Noa off with sneakers on and picked him up barefoot, wandering through the woods. I didn’t expect for him to be this comfortable in nature after just a week but your magic wore off on him. So much so that he is now going fishing every morning at dawn, takes a break for day camp then fishes again till dusk after dinner. He sees the wonders in nature. I observe this as he gently strokes each fish he catches before he releases them back into the lake. On his return home, Noa asked if he could help chop wood for winter fires with his dad. This made my husband so happy! Noa has matured into a doer. He is so much more conscious and appreciative of the little things-thank you for teaching our child the gift of gratitude. I honestly cannot think of anything I would change with your Children of Kroka Village program other than-please teach me how to impart your magic on the rest of the world. We are all in need of such healing. Noa will be back next year, I’m spreading word about you far and wide. I firmly believe all children are in need of the philosophy you foster. We can’t wait for Noa’s younger brother, Beau to join and learn the gifts abundant in nature and being present. Special thanks to Jessie, Jamie, Colton and Sarah. Colton-thank you soooo much for playing with Noa. He loved that you were a giant child with them, darting through the woods playing Ohio tag. Jamie-thank you for your patience, wisdom and demeanor. Your calm was a centering force. Sarah-thank you for your magic. For guiding and nurturing Noa. Jessie-thank you for being there, orienting us and helping us trust our intuition that initially drove me to you. My husband and I are thankful for Kroka and your incredible staff in more ways/words than we can share here…

★★★★★Ashley Ortelli

Kroka has been such a gift to our family. Part nature school part environmental education part outward bound part summer camp part magic. Our son has been there 5 times between summer programs and school trips and he can't wait to go back again. It's a beautiful way to celebrate unplugged childhood and teamwork. I sincerely believe the recent leadership change has only improved Kroka and made their programs and management stronger. I only wish i could go too!!!