Introducing Summer Program Diplomas: an incentive for dedicated Kroka students, the Junior Guide Diploma is a recognition of exceptional commitment to Kroka values over several years of expedition. Students who receive their Diploma at Kroka are role-models for younger students and are likely candidates for Kroka Semester, Apprenticeships, and staff roles.

Eligible students receive:

  • A handmade wooden canoe paddle with Kroka logo
  • A beautiful printed Junior Guide Diploma 
  • Recognition with your photograph on Kroka’s “wall of fame”
  • Invitation to participate in end-of-summer staff adventure race
  • Invitation to the alumni community and annual reunion
  • 10% off of tuition for a Kroka Semester!

How it works

  • Students choose a specialty from one of our seven Adventure Schools (Whitewater, Rock Climbing, Caving, Mountain Biking, Ocean, Wilderness Skills, and Rites of Passage)
  • Complete one intermediate-level expedition (2 weeks) in the chosen school
  • Complete one capstone expedition in the chosen school (3 or 4 weeks)
  • Complete two additional intermediate-level expeditions in two different schools
  • Demonstrate competency in the seven core skills of a Kroka Guide
School
Qualifying Expeditions

Whitewater

Intermediate:
Paddler’s Journey Up North

Advanced:
Canadian Expedition

Climbing / Caving

Intermediate:
Climber’s Journey Up North
In Search of Lost Caverns

Advanced:
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Red River Gorge Climbing

Mountain Biking

Intermediate:
Singletracks

Advanced:
Green Mountain Bikepacking Expedition

Ocean

Intermediate:
Bold Coast Sea Kayaking Expedition

Advanced:
Cedar to Sea Expedition

Rites of Passage

Intermediate:
Boys Rite of Passage
Wild Girls

Advanced:
Heart of Katahdin
Ocean Odyssey for Young Women

Wilderness Skills

Intermediate:
Bushwack!

Essential Skills of the Junior Guide:

  • NAVIGATION – successfully lead a group for a day using map and compass
  • FIREBUILDING – use a bow drill to start a fire by friction
  • COOKING –prepare a meal from scratch over the fire
  • CAMPCRAFT – demonstrate site selection, tent and tarp setup
  • HANDCRAFT – use handwork skills to create a useful product for expedition
  • LEADERSHIP – model group leadership, problem solving, and conflict resolution
  • COMMUNITY SERVICE – complete a service project with meaning and purpose
  • STEWARDSHIP – demonstrate positive environmental impact in the wilderness

Students who complete the requirements above: will be recognized at program closings and acknowledged during our end-of-summer celebrations.

Interested in learning more about the Junior Guide Diploma? Email summer@kroka.org