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Adult Recess: The Underground Pool Party & Backcountry Escape
Carter Caves State Resort Park | June 16 – 17, 2026

YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS TRIP!

Ready to swap the daily grind for some "Adult Recess"? Join Hope Wanders for a two-day fundraising adventure that blends the grit of backpacking with the pure, unadulterated joy of floating through a cave.

This COED trip is designed to build a supportive outdoor community. We’re here to help you overcome hesitations—whether that’s carrying a pack for the first time or entering the mysterious depths of a cave—all while supporting our mission to get more people healing in the great outdoors.

The Trail Stats
This is a moderate trip. It’s perfect for someone with a solid base level of hiking fitness who is ready to level up to a backcountry overnight!

  • Total Mileage: 7.5 miles
  • Total Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
  • Day 1: 5 miles (The "Work" – a steady trek to our beautiful campsite)
  • Day 2: 2.5 miles (The "Reward" – a shorter hike out to get to the pool party!)

The Adventure Breakdown
Day 1: The 4C Trail & Backcountry Bliss
We’ll depart from Mason at 6:00 AM and head to the rugged beauty of Kentucky. Our mission is the 4C (Carter Caves Cross Country) Trail. We’ll cover 5 miles of lush forest and unique geology as we head to the Johnson Homeplace Backcountry site. This spot is legendary for its rock views and serene atmosphere.

  • Backpacking 101: New to the overnight life? This is the ultimate "shakedown" trip. I’ll be offering hands-on instruction for anyone trying out gear or learning the ropes of backcountry living.
  • Community Cookout: We’ll settle in for a "family-style" dinner. We provide the cooking sets and a fun recipe—you just bring the ingredients to help us cook a trail-side feast together!

Day 2: The Underground Pool Party
After a yummy trail breakfast and a 2.5-mile hike back to civilization, we trade the hiking boots for swimsuits. Imagine drifting through the cool, winding passages of a cave on a tube, surrounded by ancient limestone and the laughter of your new friends.
Worried about the cave? Don't be. There is no better way to conquer "cave jitters" than floating through a massive, cathedral-like space with a supportive group. We provide the tubes; you bring the sense of wonder.

Logistics & Details

  • Departure: Tuesday, June 16th @ 6:00 AM
  • Meeting Point: Tru by Hilton, 2720 Water Park Dr, Mason, OH 45040
  • Cost: $150 (Includes transport, guidance, backcountry permits, and cave party entry + tubes).
  • Gear Rental: Complete kits available for an additional $50.

| What’s Included | What You Bring |
| --------------- | -------------- |
| ✅ Transport from Mason | 🥾 Backpacking gear (or rent from us!) |
| ✅ Expert guidance & instruction | 🥪 Day 1 Lunch & Snacks |
| ✅ Cave Party entry & tubes | 🍲 Ingredients for shared Dinner/Breakfast |
| ✅ Shared cooking gear & recipes | 🥤 Hydration & a "can-do" attitude |

Supporting the Mission
Every "Adult Recess" trip supports Hope Wanders. We create spaces where everyone can find healing and strength in the outdoors. By joining this trip, you’re helping us grow a community that looks out for one another, on and off the trail.
Space is limited to keep our community tight-knit. Are you in?REGISTER HERE TODAY!!

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