Backpacking Expedition

Live your life by a compass not a clock

Course Description

This 8-day course is the ultimate backcountry adventure!  The first morning is spent in town on a low and high rope challenge course where you and your expedition team will meet and explore concepts in problem-solving, decision making, and relationship building.  We then head to our base camp to prepare for our expedition.  Lessons on rationing, bear safety, and packing a backpack will all be a part of our expedition preparation.  We’ll stay the first night at our base camp; testing out our tents and sleeping systems and the next morning we’ll depart for our off-trail adventure!  Throughout the expeditions, students will learn and practice expeditionary skills such as navigation, route finding, risk management, teamwork, and leadership skills.

“The backpack trip I went on a couple years ago was so good for my soul and really changed me! I went home from the trip and had to reorganize my room because it was so messy. The outdoors just taught me about having a routine and to stay on top of my stuff.”

Student Eligibility

Students for this course must be able to hike off-trail 3-5 miles a day over uneven terrain with a 30-40 lb pack.​ They also must have the cognitive ability to follow directions specific to managing risks associated with backcountry travel such as staying together in a group, using a camp stove, setting up tents and tarps, etc., etc.  

Our COVID mitigation plan requires students to submit a negative COVID-19 test result that is dated within 72 hours of the program start date.  Students will also complete a health screening consisting of a temperature reading with a no-touch digital thermometer and health questionnaire.