What makes the Oregon Explorer Adventure special?
The Oregon Explorer trip is designed specifically for students completing the 6th grade. It is a fun trip that provides participants with a taste of outdoor adventure. They will be given a broad introduction to the Three Sisters Wilderness, Crater Lake National Park, Smith Rock State Park, and participate in various activities, giving them a better understanding of their own likes and dislikes. Participants on this trip will also always have access to bathrooms and have the opportunity to shower on most days. It is the hope that participants completing this trip will discover a love for the natural world that they will want to continue developing by visiting other wilderness areas and pushing themselves further beyond their comfort zones in the future.
What is the student to staff ratio on this trip?
There will be twelve students and three staff on this trip. However, when we are learning specialized activities like whitewater rafting, surfing, and rock climbing additional guides will be joining us to teach us these new skills.
What’s the weather like in Oregon?
Most people think of the Northwest and think that it rains every day all year long. This is not true at all. While the winter months are wet and rainy in the Portland area, we take advantage of the two months in the year when the weather is at its best. June and July are typically beautiful with sunny days and cool nights, perfect for our adventures in the surrounding areas that make the Northwest such a beautiful place.
What will my trip leaders be like?
One of the strongest components of Wilderness Ventures is the leaders. We take great pride in our leaders and spend a great deal of time and energy in choosing each one. The average age is about 25. Your trip will have at least one male and one female leader. These are some of the most dynamic, intelligent, and interesting people in the world. Each has a love for the outdoors, and a passion for teaching and working with young adults. They are great role models and have an incredible ability to facilitate each trip from backcountry travel to group dynamics. Most are teachers in traditional schools, outdoor/environmental programs or other teaching related programs. Our return rate is very high so most of our leaders have worked with us for multiple seasons. You will have a great time getting to know your leaders and will benefit from their vast experiences.
Will I get 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.
What will I be sleeping in this summer?
This summer you will be sleeping in lightweight 2-3 person tents. You will be assigned a tent partner by your leaders before you arrive. You will also have the chance to sleep out under the stars any night you wish.
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 camping expeditions. The food is delicious, healthy, and there will be plenty of it.
I’ve never traveled on my own before. How do I meet up with my group at the beginning of the summer?
There are a number of options to meeting up with your groups in Portland. If you choose to fly on your own your leader will have your flight information and meet you at the airport. If you are nervous about flying alone your parents can sign you up as an unaccompanied minor and an airline representative will help you with any connections and meeting up with your leaders. Every summer a number of students will come out to Portland before the trip starts and have a family vacation before their parents drop them off with their group at the airport on arrival day.
