Women's Series - Experience Learning

Women’s Adult Backpacking

Part One: Intro to Camping & Backpacking — June 12 – June 14, 2026
Part Two: Seneca Creek Backpacking Trip — September 18 – 20, 2026

Part One: Foundations of Backpacking

Experience the beauty of the highlands around Spruce Knob, the highest peak in West Virginia, on this three-day, two-night introductory basecamp adventure.

This trip is designed for women who want to learn the foundations of backcountry living in a supportive and encouraging environment. Together we’ll build the skills needed to feel comfortable spending time in the wilderness — including campcraft, backcountry cooking, gear basics, and the fundamentals of backpacking.

While this trip is beginner-friendly, expect some uneven terrain and moderate uphill sections as we explore the area. Over the course of three days, we’ll hike approximately 6–10 miles total, returning to our basecamp each night.

Along the way, you’ll experience sweeping mountain views, share laughter and stories around camp, and build camaraderie with a group of like-minded women.

By the end of the trip, you’ll leave with new skills, new confidence, and the satisfaction of knowing you can thrive in the outdoors.

This trip is ideal for beginner backpackers and campers.

Part Two: The Backpacking Adventure

Anyone can join us for Part Two — Part One is not required.

In this second and final trip of the series, we take the next step and head deeper into the wilderness. Together we’ll embark on a 10–15 mile backpacking journey through the remote beauty of the Seneca Creek Backcountry, carrying everything we need for the adventure on our backs.

This trip is designed to build confidence and independence in the backcountry while experiencing one of the most spectacular wilderness areas in the West Virginia highlands.

Expect rugged mountain trails, quiet campsites under the stars, and the rewarding feeling that comes from traveling through wild places under your own power.

Meet your guide!

Your guide for this trip is Katrina Weyland. Katrina brings more than 20 years of professional outdoor experience and a deep passion for long-distance backpacking. She is a two-time thru-hiker, having completed both the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, and has spent more than 600 nights in the backcountry.

In addition to her work in the Appalachians, Katrina also guides trips out west with Andrew Skurka Adventures, leading backpacking expeditions in the High Sierra and across the canyon country of Utah. Her guiding style focuses on building confidence, teaching practical skills, and helping people discover what they’re capable of in the outdoors.

She is incredibly excited to share her love of wilderness travel and help others experience the joy, challenge, and freedom of backpacking in wild places.

What we provide:

– Backpacks
– Sleeping bag – Synthetic sleeping bag with a rating of 32 degrees
– Sleeping pad – Foam sleeping pad
– Tents – One-person North Face tents (weight = 3 pounds)
– Camp Stove/Fuel
– Water Filter
– Meals
– Snacks

Hikers are more than welcome to bring any of their own gear to use/try out on the trail. Our guide can always assist folks with newly purchased gear.

What you should bring:

– Trekking Poles (suggested but not required)
– Synthetic Long Underwear
– Light Weight Rain Jacket and Pants
– Down or Synthetic Jacket
– Synthetic long sleeve
– Trowel for backcountry bathroom use
– Odor proof food bag
– Individual hand sanitizer
– 2x 32 oz. Water Bottles

A more detailed packing list will be sent out ahead of the trip.

Location:

Please note both parts of this trip will begin and end at Experience Learning’s Spruce Knob Mountain Center. Please eat lunch before your arrival. There are not many places to stop close by. Find directions here.

Dates and Rates:

We have a 3 tiered pricing system. You choose which tier is appropriate for your personal financial situation. More information on tiered pricing can be found here.

Part 1: June 12-14, 2026
Tier 1: $625
Tier 2: $550
Tier 3: $500

Part 2: September 18-20, 2026
Tier 1: $675
Tier 2: $600
Tier 3: $550

More information about other Adult Adventures can be found here.

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
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
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 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
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
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
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