Name: Almost Heaven Star Party with the Northern Va. Astronomy Club
Start: 2020-08-14T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2020-08-18T23:59:59+00:00
Location: Spruce Knob Mountain Center

Registration will open on January 1st, 2020

Mountain Trekkers

ages 11-14
June 7 – 12, 2020 Rock-Based (advanced)
June 14 – 19, 2020 River-Based (advanced)
June 28 – July 2, 2020 Traditional Program (intermediate)
July 26 – 29, 2020 Traditional Program (beginner)

This program will introduce our Mountain Trekkers to backpacking, caving, canoeing, or rock climbing (depending on trip choice). All groups will start and end in the dorms at our Spruce Knob Mountain Center, with much of the week spent backpacking in the Seneca Creek Backcountry on a multi-night expedition. Along the way, we’ll spend time honing our craft and trying new things; from survival skills to nature art with opportunities to swim and relax along the way.

In addition to our traditional programs, we are offering two advanced options where campers will finish the week with off-mountain adventures.

Our River-Based camp will practice canoeing skills on Spruce Knob Lake, before they depart on an overnight canoe trip on the South Branch of the Potomac River. While our Rock-Based camp will step it up a notch as they explore a more technical cave and wrap up the week with a day of top rope rock climbing alongside a trained mountain guide.

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 he thought he could.

Drop off and Pick Up Information:

Drop off Sunday, June 7, 12pm Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Pick Up, Friday, June 12, 4pm, Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center, or optional shuttle to Strausburg, VA

Drop off Sunday, June 14, 12pm, Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Pick Up, Friday, June 19, 4pm, Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center, or optional shuttle to Strausburg, VA

Drop off Sunday, June 28, 12pm, Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Pick Up, Thursday, July 2, 4pm, Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center

Drop off Sunday, July 26, 12pm, Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Pick Up, Wednesday, July 29, 4pm, Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center

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!

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
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 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
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
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
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 mountain stewards camp is a wonderful, fun, confidence and skill building experience every kid should go through! – Sandy Frank
I learned to trust myself more and not be afraid to advocate for myself. – Summer Camper, Leadership Camp

Mountain Trekkers

Drop off and Pick Up Information:

Stewardship Flashback

What Folks are Saying:

Wilderness First Aid

Gravel Race Up Spruce Knob

Almost Heaven Star Party with the Northern Va. Astronomy Club