Wilderness Treks

Expeditions into the wilderness are designed to take students along pre-planned routes approved in advance by the U.S. Forest Service. Students and Field Instructors function as a self-sufficient unit responsible for caring for the needs of each student, as well as for the group. Not only do Field Instructors have considerable outdoor experience and safety certifications, they also have significant experience in working with adolescents in a wilderness environment.

To live comfortably in the mountains of North Carolina, students are equipped with state-of-the-art camping equipment including lightweight sleeping bags, ground mats, and an internal frame backpack. Clothing varies from season to season, but typically would include top-quality fleece and wool clothing in winter, rain gear, high-quality hiking boots and appropriate garments for layering to accommodate the changing climate.

A typical day begins with instructor communication to base camp via satellite phones, a hot breakfast cooked over a camping stove and an activity from the daily curriculum. Depending on the terrain and fitness of the group, students hike several miles before and after lunch before settling in at a pre-chosen camp site. Camp set-up, dinner preparation and discussions around the campfire end the daily activities. Students sleep in tents to protect them from the elements.