High School Summer Camp - Experience Learning

Rivers & Rocks

entering grades 9 – 12

Nothing is virtual about this camp, it is a real-world adventure in all its stunning and gritty glory, far from wi-fi and cell signals, and a prime opportunity to evaluate outlooks and priorities for the high-school aged camper.

In 2022 the Rivers and Rocks program for high school students will take on two separate trip locations – the Cheat River Water Trail, and the Otter Creek wilderness areas. We will explore, play and camp near the sweeping vistas, open plains, and high elevation bogs dotted with beaver dams and insectivorous plants. Along the way, we will partner with the United States Forest Service (USFS) on a trail stewardship project.

After four days in the backcountry, we will make their way to Seneca Rocks to learn belaying, climbing, and rappelling techniques, and to assist the USFS with another project.

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.

Campers will participate in stewardship projects earning an average of 15 service hours per week-long session.

Stewardship Flashback

In 2021, the Rivers and Rocks program completed tread work and drainage repairs on Blackbird Knob with the USFS in the Dolly Sods Wilderness. They also got to do some rehab work on the switchback shortcuts in the Seneca Rocks area.

Dates & Rates

Cheat River Water Trail Canoe Expedition:
June 19 – June 24, 2022
$900/$750/$600

Otter Creek Backpacking Expedition:
July 10 – July 15, 2022
$900/$750/$600

More information on tiered pricing can be found here.

Drop off and Pick Up Information:

Cheat River Water Trail Canoe Expedition:
Drop Off, Sunday, June 19th, 1pm, Location TBD
Pick Up, Friday, June 24, 3pm, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center

Otter Creek Backpacking Expedition:
Drop Off, Sunday, July 10, 1pm, Location TBD
Pick Up, Friday, July 15, 3pm, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center

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
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
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 to trust myself more and not be afraid to advocate for myself. – 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
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
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
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

Rivers & Rocks

entering grades 9 – 12

Stewardship Flashback

What Folks are Saying: