Wilderness-based Programs

Wilderness-based Programs offer participants the opportunity to go beyond the classroom through a combination of cooperative living, hands-on science activities, self-sufficiency, and group learning. By immersing themselves in the landscape, experience, and each other, students will form bonds and foster confidence that will last a lifetime.

We work hand in hand with schools to tailor our programs to each group’s specific goals. Traditionally, this involves multiple points of contact. We begin with a parent and student meeting at your school where we present a slideshow to help prepare for the trip

Field-Based Programs

Field Based Programs

Field-based wilderness programs offer the opportunity to truly rely on each other to eat, navigate and to stay warm and dry. These experiences strengthen or refine communication skills along the way and help develop relationships between group members. These courses excel at promoting personal growth and the development of grit, determination and compassion. more info >>

Residential Programs

Residential wilderness programs are ideal for younger populations and shorter stays. Our Spruce Knob Mountain Center, with on-site dormitories, is the perfect venue for increasing environmental literacy and learning to read the landscape. For some groups this makes the outdoor classroom more accessible and enjoyable. more info >>

Off-Site Programs

Off-site wilderness programs are a great option for schools who want to focus on their local environment. We run programming in wild areas throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and focus on each area’s unique characteristics. Expeditions are self-supported in nature and generally offer an adventure component such as rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing, or whitewater rafting. Our most popular programs are based on the Appalachian Trail, Delaware Water Gap, and Potomac River. more info >>

Mountain Stewards at Experience Learning is a fantastic week-long summer camp for kids who like the outdoors (or who WILL like the outdoors after this wonderful experience!) Stewardship of our natural resources, self-reliance, leadership, and fellowship, are all integral to this program. My daughter LOVES this camp, and that makes me a happy dad. Experience Learning also has great programs for learners of all ages. I recently completed an excellent Wilderness First Aid course at their wonderful Spruce Knob Mountain Center. Check it out! – Mark Wenzler
Experience Learning and their staff make our school trips possible. From scouting things out before hand, to keeping everyone fed, safe, entertained and informed during the trip, none of it would be possible without their professionalism. They create a safe environment that allows students to push themselves out of their comfort zones and take risks while being fully supported. All of this translates to huge growth at home both in and out of the classroom. – Evan Schlissel, Winston Prep NY
We are currently in the process of exploring a Trout in The Classroom project because of the interest that was piqued during the AWSM activities. – Julie Colaw, 5th grade science teacher, Petersburg Elementary School
The leaders at Experience Learning do an extraordinary job of utilizing “outdoor education” to create opportunities for our boys to learn, grow, and develop an appreciation for our world beyond traditional classroom environments, which is valuable on too many levels to fully celebrate. – Mike Wallace, Gilman School
Experience Learning has for a long time been dedicated to understanding our students, and on each trip builds a program to meet our goals. The experience we have each year creates a channel for learning that helps students further understand and internalize skills for planning, organization, problem solving and risk taking, and shows how these skills lead to success and happiness. We also have a wonderful time, and the experience is a staple of school culture and our collective memories. – Greg Koehlert, headmaster, Winston Prep
Hands down Experience Learning’s Water Sampling trip (AWSM) for my 5th graders this past year has been the highlight of my career thus far! – Megan Bacorn, teacher
Our trip to SKMC has now turned into an annual event that is not only highly anticipated, but essential to bringing together the social dynamics of our class as we prepare for a year of working together. Additionally, my students feel empowered and connected to each other from our adventures that carries on through our schoolwork. – Jen Osha Buysse, teacher, Morgantown Learning Academy