Beyond the Classroom Programming

Beyond the classroom education is at the core of Experience Learning programs. We believe providing students collaborative learning opportunities through real outdoor adventure to be one of the best ways to build confidence and discover potential. We also offer several options for adult education and professional development.

For more information about how we can tailor our programs to fit your specific needs, please contact Melinda, our Program Manager, at 304-606-3233 or email us: info@experience-learning.org.

Field-Based Programs

Field Based Programs

Field-based wilderness programs offer the opportunity to truly rely on each other to eat, navigate and to stay warm and dry. These experiences strengthen or refine communication skills along the way and help develop relationships between group members. These courses excel at promoting personal growth and the development of grit, determination and compassion.

Residential Programs

Residential wilderness programs are ideal for younger populations and shorter stays. Our Spruce Knob Mountain Center, with on-site dormitories, is the perfect venue for increasing environmental literacy and learning to read the landscape. For some groups this makes the outdoor classroom more accessible and enjoyable.

Off-Site Programs

Off-site wilderness programs are a great option for schools who want to focus on their local environment. We run programming in wild areas throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and focus on each area’s unique characteristics. Expeditions are self-supported in nature and generally offer an adventure component such as rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing, or whitewater rafting. Our most popular programs are based on the Appalachian Trail, Delaware Water Gap, and Potomac River.

Community Based Programs

Our community-based programs focus on connecting students to the natural, human, and cultural assets of their community. Students spend their time immersed in locally-relevant activities and incorporate community members in teaching and sharing.

Virtual Learning Lessons

Community Based Programs

Explore our series of at-home lessons geared towards getting kids outside to investigate and explore whatever outdoor space they have available. Lesson Archive >>

WFA/WFR

The Wilderness First Aid or WFA class builds a solid foundation in the basics of backcountry medical care. Our Wilderness First Responder or WFR class is a comprehensive and in-depth look at the standards and skills of dealing with emergency response in the backcountry. We offer both courses each year on our Spruce Knob campus through SOLO.

Teacher Professional Development

Each summer we offer a 3-day teacher professional development workshop. The workshop is different every year. Our 2018 class explored ways to increase civic and community engagement in the classroom.

We are currently in the process of exploring a Trout in The Classroom project because of the interest that was piqued during the AWSM activities. – Julie Colaw, 5th grade science teacher, Petersburg Elementary School
The leaders at Experience Learning do an extraordinary job of utilizing “outdoor education” to create opportunities for our boys to learn, grow, and develop an appreciation for our world beyond traditional classroom environments, which is valuable on too many levels to fully celebrate. – Mike Wallace, Gilman School
Hands down Experience Learning’s Water Sampling trip (AWSM) for my 5th graders this past year has been the highlight of my career thus far! – Megan Bacorn, teacher
Experience Learning and their staff make our school trips possible. From scouting things out before hand, to keeping everyone fed, safe, entertained and informed during the trip, none of it would be possible without their professionalism. They create a safe environment that allows students to push themselves out of their comfort zones and take risks while being fully supported. All of this translates to huge growth at home both in and out of the classroom. – Evan Schlissel, Winston Prep NY
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
Our trip to SKMC has now turned into an annual event that is not only highly anticipated, but essential to bringing together the social dynamics of our class as we prepare for a year of working together. Additionally, my students feel empowered and connected to each other from our adventures that carries on through our schoolwork. – Jen Osha Buysse, teacher, Morgantown Learning Academy
Experience Learning has for a long time been dedicated to understanding our students, and on each trip builds a program to meet our goals. The experience we have each year creates a channel for learning that helps students further understand and internalize skills for planning, organization, problem solving and risk taking, and shows how these skills lead to success and happiness. We also have a wonderful time, and the experience is a staple of school culture and our collective memories. – Greg Koehlert, headmaster, Winston Prep