Forest Explorers

entering grades 3 – 5

Nothing is virtual about this camp, it is a hands-on adventure where we will journal on real paper, talk to other kids in person, get our hands and feet wet in wild streams, and not look at a screen of any sort the entire time.

Forest Explorers is a foundational program for young campers, both new and returning. Your child will be supported as they are introduced to overnight camping experiences and living in the outdoors. We will explore valley and summit ecosystems, catch stream critters, learn survival skills, visit swimming holes, and practice navigation skills on Spruce Knob. Together we will learn what it takes to set up camp, care for ourselves and each other, while overcoming the challenges of being away from home and making new friends.

The program will begin at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center where we will get to know each other through games and self-awareness activities. We will prepare for and execute an overnight backpacking trip in the nearby national forest. A final celebration back at the yurts will wrap up the Forest Explorers experience.

Dates & Rates

Session One:
June 18 – June 23, 2023
$975/$825/$675

Session Two:
July 9 – July 14, 2023
$975/$825/$675

Session Three (short):
July 16 – July 19, 2023
$650/$550/$450

More information on tiered pricing can be found here.

Drop off and Pick Up

Session One:
Drop Off: Sunday June 18, 1pm
Location: Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Address: 18 Woodlands Way, Circleville WV 26804

Pick Up: Friday June 23, 3pm
Location: Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Address: 18 Woodlands Way, Circleville WV 26804

Session Two:
Drop off: Sunday July 9, 1pm
Location: Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Address: 18 Woodlands Way, Circleville WV 26804

Pick up, Friday July 14, 3pm
Location: Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Address: 18 Woodlands Way, Circleville WV 26804

Session Three (short):
Drop off: Sunday July 16, 1pm
Location: Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Address: 18 Woodlands Way, Circleville WV, 26804

Pick up: Wednesday July 19, 3pm
Location: Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Address: 18 Woodlands Way, Circleville WV 26804

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
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
We are free to have fun and learn in our own ways while still effectively accomplishing the goals of the program. – 2019 Summer Camper
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
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
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
The mountain stewards camp is a wonderful, fun, confidence and skill building experience every kid should go through! – Sandy Frank
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