What makes the Oregon Adventure Special?
If you only have two weeks, why spend it in a van? When we designed this program and our other two-week offerings, it was our highest priority to minimize time consuming travel. With only two weeks, we wanted our students to maximize their time adventuring. Because of our permits in the Three Sisters and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Areas, we can offer an amazing variety of experiences with minimal vehicle travel. No other program can offer so much adventure with so little travel in this wonderful Oregon environment.
Is rock climbing dangerous?
No. Just like all the activities, when done correctly it is very safe. We work with some of the best professional guides to insure thorough instruction and high level of safety. You will learn the techniques of climbing and how to use the right equipment to maximize safety and have a great time. Climbing is one of the most rewarding activities we do and for many a highlight of their trip.
What kind of food will we eat?
Your fellow trip participants, with help from your leaders, will create the menus for your trip. Everyone will be involved in this process to ensure a wide variety of food choices that provide a balanced diet to fuel our bodies. We shop in regular grocery stores and teach you how to plan for and obtain great food for backcountry travels. The food is delicious, healthy, and there will be plenty of it.
I’ve never backpacked before; will I be able to handle this trip?
The Oregon Wilderness that we backpack in is perfect for the first time participant. Gentle rolling mountains and a variety of route options make it the ideal place to learn to backpack. You will learn how to pack your pack so it is more comfortable to carry, how to pick the best campsites and much more about backcountry travel. By the end, you will be a seasoned backcountry traveler ready to take on other beautiful mountain ranges.
What are things that I could do before the trip starts to physically prepare myself?
Any reasonable fit and active teen will be successful on the Oregon trip. If you are playing a sport this spring that will provide you with the preparation you need. At least four weeks before your trip you should begin to break in your boots. Start out with small walks around your neighborhood and work your way up to three-hour hikes. Your Oregon experience will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken in boots.
Will I be able to call home during the trip?
Yes. Upon arrival, at the start of your trip, you will be asked by your leaders to call home and let your parents know you have arrived safely. You will also have the opportunity to send home as many letters as you want and your parents will be able to follow your trip through a series of updates that your leaders will write during the summer.
How will I get to know more about my leaders before the summer starts?
Before the summer starts your leaders will be sending you a letter introducing themselves. They will include information about their background as well as some details about the group you will be traveling with this summer.
What will my group be like?
Your group will be the most important and memorable part of your Wilderness Ventures experience. Your group will have 10 students with two leaders, one male and one female. Our groups are co-ed and made up of students from all over the country and internationally as well. The other students in your group will be just as excited as you are about the Oregon trip and the activities you’ll be doing.
Where do we sleep while camping?
On all of our backcountry trips we sleep in lightweight tents. You will be assigned a tent partner and together you will carry the tent in your backpack or raft.
Will we be taking showers and doing laundry?
Yes! After each activity we will be taking showers and doing our laundry. It’s also a great time to write a letter home to tell your family and friends about the backcountry section you just completed.
