Mountain Trekkers

entering grades 6 – 8

Nothing is virtual about this camp, it is a hands-on adventure, real-life reset, and a prime opportunity to evaluate outlooks and priorities for the middle-school aged camper.

This program will introduce our Mountain Trekkers to a combination of backpacking, climbing, caving, hiking, and stewardship. All groups will start at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center and end at our Sweetwater Farm Trail Center. We will take a multi-night backpacking trip over the course of the experience. Along the way, we’ll spend time honing our craft and trying new things; from survival skills to natural art, solo hikes and group activities, with opportunities to wade in headwater streams and relax along the way.

New this year, we will also be offering a four day paddle trip that will take campers down a section of the Cheat River Water Trail. This trip will pick up and drop off in Parsons, WV.

The Mountain Stewards [Mountain Trekkers] camp is a wonderful, fun, confidence and skill building experience every kid should go through! — Sandy Frank

This camp builds a safe and supportive environment around your child through group-strengthening activities, evening assessments and affirmations, and increasing their understanding of the wild world around them. Within this support structure each child is able to grow more comfortable within the woods, the group and their own self. A camper will often find the confidence to spend a night in the cave or to climb higher than they thought they could.

Campers will participate in stewardship projects earning community service hours for their time working on the trails.

Stewardship Flashback

In 2018, our Mountain Trekkers gathered trash (including this crazy wheeled cart) from the Seneca Creek Backcountry where they were exploring. They discovered a remarkable volume of debris in this remote forest region. Transporting all that trash OUT of the forest became a challenge and an adventure of its own!

Dates and Rates

Session One (girls):
June 10 – June 14, 2024
$815/$690/$565

Session Two (coed):
June 16 – June 21, 2024
$975/$825/$675

Session Three (coed paddle):
June 23 – June 26, 2024
$650/$550/$450

Session Four (boys):
June 30 – July 5, 2024
$975/$825/$675

More information on scholarships and tiered pricing can be found here.

Pick up and Drop off

Session One (girls):
Drop Off, Monday, June 10, 1pm, Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Pick Up, Friday June 14, 3pm, Sweetwater Farm Trail Center

Session Two (coed):
Drop Off, Sunday, June 16, 1pm, Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Pick Up, Friday June 21, 3pm, Sweetwater Farm Trail Center

Session Three (coed paddle)
Drop Off, Sunday, June 23, 1 pm, Mill Race Park (Parsons, WV)
Pick Up, Wednesday, June 23, 3 pm, Mill Race Park (Parsons, WV)

Session Four (boys):
Drop Off, Sunday, June 30, 1pm, Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Pick Up, Friday, July 5, 3pm, Sweetwater Farm Trail Center

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
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 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
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
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
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 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