About these expeditions

Because of their duration, our groups are usually re-supplied by horsepacker or by air drop. On expeditions of two to four weeks you learn and practice backcountry skills over and over again. During the course of your experience with us, you will learn to do everything yourself, from cooking a delicious meal to selecting a perfect campsite. Through this process you will learn by your successes and your mistakes. In the end, you will gain a high degree of self-confidence and satisfaction and will become a competent outdoor adventurer.

Curriculum

Our leadership curriculum not only emphasizes the development and perfection of "hard" outdoor skills but also teaches you how to lead others in your group-skills which will translate into real life situations, in school, at work, or in sports. Our emphasis on the "how's" of leading and the importance of the group experience clearly separates us from other nationally known outdoor leadership schools.

How We Differ From The Large Non-Profits

1. Similar Age Groupings
We believe very strongly that students with different age related life experiences should not be grouped together. Therefore, we do not place 16- or 17-year-olds with students of college age or beyond. On our advanced leadership expeditions, sixteen-year olds are only grouped with other older high school students. Similarly, our students finishing the eighth and ninth grades are grouped separately as are our college age students.

 

2. Twenty-Four Hour Leadership
Our leaders do not teach daily courses then remove themselves from your group for dinner and to sleep in another campsite. Instead, they live with your group on a twenty-four hour basis. Because we believe strongly that leadership involves much more than just acquiring "hard" outdoor skills, our leaders are always present to act as role models and to facilitate your group. This twenty-four hour leadership role is significant in the development and success of your group in building a close knit community, where each individual will be accepted and valued.

3. Solos and Judgment
While one of our goals is to foster the highest level of student responsibility and independence in the wilderness, we believe strongly that extended solo experiences or group solos can oftentimes lead to poor judgment, resulting in injury or tragedy. "Hard" skills are easy to teach but judgment is an acquired skill which can only be achieved over time. Therefore, while you will be given responsibility to make many major decisions regarding navigation or stream crossings, etc. you will always have the opportunity to consult your leaders as your group negotiates wilderness terrain.

What You Need to Provide

All you need to bring is a backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad (we also offer equipment rentals), hiking boots, personal clothing and lots of enthusiasm for these challenging and fun activities.