Mountain Stewards Summer Camp

At Experience Learning we believe in the power of wild places to inspire, engage, and empower us all. At our summer camps kids completely disconnect from technology and focus on building connections with the people and world around them. Then we step back and give campers the luxury of space and time to truly explore, adventure in, and enjoy the wild and wonderful forests, caves, and streams of West Virginia.

Our Mountain Stewards summer camps are expedition-style programs with a stewardship focus. We offer different camps for ages 8-adult and all experience levels. As we explore each group will take part in age-appropriate service projects. These projects add to the sense of empowerment and satisfaction that our campers experience. Browse our options and please contact us if you have questions about the best fit for your family.

We are free to have fun and learn in our own ways while still effectively accomplishing the goals of the program. –2019 camper

Through living and working alongside all the different people that come to this camp I was able to experience many different and new ideas, perpectives, and skills that shaped me as a person. — 2019 camper

adventure

We support our campers in doing things that are hard, we provide a safe space for taking on a challenge that might feel scary. No child is forced to take part in the adventure component but we work all week to prepare participants to be able to take on the challenge. This is often where a child truly feels personal growth and a deeper connection to his/her peers.

environment

We investigate the ecosystems around us and how we fit into those systems, working towards a true understanding of how, “It’s all connected!”

community

By bringing campers beyond their comfort zones we allow new skills, leaders, and roles to emerge. We take the time to reflect, to talk, and to listen to each other. We’re breaking down barriers, reducing the gap and chasm between people in a world that is increasingly divided.

stewardship

We take the time to do a significant community service project because we know that our young people can, and will, be a positive force of change in the world. This results in a week that is balanced between inward struggle and growth and outward looking and thinking about others that many campers find deeply satisfying. And when a group of kids accomplishes something significant on their own, it is thrilling, empowering and, yes, FUN!

What Makes Our Camps Special:

No Counselors: We hire instructors. Our instructors are college graduates who run our educational programming during the school year. They are highly trained experts in outdoor education, adventure, wilderness first aid, and beyond-the-classroom learning.

The Real Thing: We eschew contrived experiences in favor of authentic adventures and kid-guided, instructor-enriched explorations.

Small Groups: No camp program has more than 14 participants, with a maximum child:instructor ratio or 1:7. We only run two programs each week so your child is one of 28 rather than one of hundreds of campers.

Service Learning: After we learn how to take care of ourselves in the wild, we look a little further and spend time thinking about and working on taking care of the world around us.

Bring a Coat: Located at 4000’ elevation, Spruce Knob enjoys some of the coolest weather in the region. Our programs offer a respite from the summer heat and humidity.

Forest Explorers

Forest Explorers (ages 8-11)

June 6-11, 2021 – early bird week
June 13-18, 2021
July 5-8, 2021
The Forest Explorers will explore the streams and woodlands around our campus while camping on the shoulder of Spruce Knob. These 4-5 day programs are the perfect introduction to Mountain Stewards Summer Camps and sleep-away camp in general! More info >>

Mountain Trekkers

Mountain Trekkers (ages 11-14)

June 6-11, 2021 – early bird week
July 5-8, 2021
June 20-25, 2021 – all-girls and all-boys
These 4-6-day Mountain Trekkers programs introduce campers to backpacking, canoeing and beginning rock climbing. We will hike and camp our way to the best swimming holes, caves, and wilderness experiences that the Seneca Creek Backcountry has to offer. More info >>

Mountain Trekkers (all girls)

Mountain Trekkers (all girls, ages 11-14)

June 20-25, 2021
This 6-day Mountain Trekkers camp introduces female campers to backpacking and beginning rock climbing. We will hike and camp our way to the best swimming holes, caves, and wilderness experiences that the Seneca Creek Backcountry has to offer and with an all girls focus this becomes a special time of exploring the world around us while connecting more deeply with female peers. More info >>

Mountain Trekkers (all boys)

Mountain Trekkers (all boys, ages 11-14)

June 20-25, 2021
This 6-day Mountain Trekkers camp introduces male campers to backpacking and beginning rock climbing. We will hike and camp our way to the best swimming holes, caves, and wilderness experiences that the Seneca Creek Backcountry has to offer and with an all boys focus this becomes a special time of exploring the world around us while connecting more deeply with male peers. More info >>

Rivers and Rocks

Rivers and Rocks (ages 14-18)

June 13-18, 2021
The river in this year’s Rivers and Rocks program is the incomparable Red Creek that traverses Dolly Sods and the Rocks are the storied Seneca Rocks. Spend four days backpacking through the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area then head down the valley to do guided climbing at one of the premier natural rock climbing locations on the east coast! More info >>

Wilderness Running Camp

Wilderness Running (ages 14-17)

July 11-16, 2021
Explore the wild and wonderful forests of West Virginia’s Seneca Creek Backcountry. Campers will take part in a realistic wilderness and back country trail running experience as we discover this wild land by running on (and off!) trails, exploring caves, enjoying cascading waterfalls, and base-camping in a central location to access all of it on foot! More info >>

NICA Adventure Camp

NICA Adventure

July 16-18, 2021
Open to NICA members from any state, this mountain bike-fueled, co-ed adventure camp will combine bike skills and wilderness exploration. More info >>

Leadership Adventure Camp

Leadership Adventure (ages 17+)

June 26 – July 16, 2021
Our Leadership Adventure Program will be driven by you, the participants. Beginning with Kite Fest, your team will plan a course of adventures including backpacking, caving, climbing, canoeing, and more. We’ll provide everything you need – but you have to show up for the challenge. Be ready to learn new skills, understand risk, and see firsthand what it takes to plan an expedition. You will also partner with other conservation agencies on in-depth stewardship projects. More info >>

The staff were terrific helping us coordinate what camp would fit us best. So patient and understanding. My daughter had a wonderful week and learned so much and made memories and friends. Great experience! – Kristin Potts
In this program I was able to be my own leader, which has allowed me to see the ways in which I can improve myself and the ways in which I am strong. – Summer Camper, Leadership Camp
I learned about who I am as a person and that if I look within myself I can find some of the strength and courage that I’ve felt was missing from me. – Summer Camper, Leadership Camp
I learned to trust myself more and not be afraid to advocate for myself. – Summer Camper, Leadership Camp
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
I learned so many interesting facts about the world around us that I will definitely take with me, but I also learned how wonderful it can be to be a part of a group in which everyone gives their all and wants to have a great time no matter the challenging situations or the rainy days. – camp participant
The mountain stewards camp is a wonderful, fun, confidence and skill building experience every kid should go through! – Sandy Frank
I love the freedom at this camp. It doesn’t feel like a structured camp with strict rules. We are free to have fun and learn in our own ways while still effectively accomplishing the goals of the program. – camper