Are you looking to dig deep into all things rock related?
The geology of Pendleton County is diverse, unique, and full of adventure. From the impressive fins of Tuscarora Sandstone lining the valleys, to the Greenbrier Limestone bands creating over 3,000 known local caves. On this camp we will dive into these vastly different ecosystems and rock features as we learn about the history of the place, and the people who were first to explore these spaces.
We’ll start at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center, setting expectations and getting acquainted with our gear for the week. The next day we will climb the famed Via Ferrata at nearby NROCKS. The via ferrata, or iron way, is a steep climbing route containing permanent rungs lined by a cable system allowing novice climbers the kind of exposure typically only attained by the more advanced. After climbing the Via, we’ll head underground into two distinct caves. Camping each evening from different primitive sites, we’ll have time and space to focus on connecting with our group while we eat dinner and relax around a campfire. The following days will be spent top rope climbing at two other local crags. Here, a range of climbs will be set up to ensure an appropriate skill level is met for all. We’ll learn to belay, climb, and rappel in a supportive environment while making time to discuss comfort zones and personal goal setting. In this way, we can use this experience as a tool for successfully facing personal challenges and fears. Along the way, we’ll partner with the USFS on a trail maintenance service project earning community service hours for our time working on the trails.
This camp will work to more deeply develop campers’ basic adventure and wilderness survival skills as well as fostering relationships with each other, and awareness of group dynamics. Our mindfulness and reflection exercises will help each camper identify their strengths, weaknesses, and preferences and the supportive environment will help them develop confidence in the value and importance of their unique offerings.
Dates & Rates
June 25 – June 30, 2023
$1,075/$925/$800
Drop off and Pick Up
Drop Off: Sunday, June 25th, 1pm
Location: Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Address: 18 Woodlands Way, Circleville, WV
Pick Up: Friday, June 30, 3pm
Location: Seneca Rocks Discovery Center
Address: Hwy 28/33, Seneca Rocks, WV
What Folks are Saying:
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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
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That was the best experience of high school and allowed me to flourish in my further experiences in high school. Absolutely transformed my idea of my own physical, social, and mental capabilities and made me feel much more confident!!!! I couldn’t recommend it more. ~Former Summer Camper
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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
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Through living and working alongside all the different people that come to this camp I was able to experience many different and new ideas, perspectives, and skills that shaped me as a person. – 2019 Summer Camper
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We are free to have fun and learn in our own ways while still effectively accomplishing the goals of the program. – 2019 Summer Camper
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I learned to trust myself more and not be afraid to advocate for myself. – Summer Camper, Leadership Camp
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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
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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