About Us
Message from our Founders ::
Our Staff & Leadership ::
Our Philosophy
ACA Accreditation ::
Self-Sufficiency
:: WAEL Base Camp ::
Equipment
A Message from the
Founder...
In April of 1990, my wife and I along with the help of our seven children, purchased nearly 500 acres in southwest Virginia where we hoped to start our dream...an all-outdoor wilderness summer youth program. Later that summer, we built the first of our “Base Camp” facilities here in New Castle, Virginia and began working on what would be the foundation of our program: our summer adventure camp.
Our goal was to create a wilderness program for young people that offered both an adventure and a challenge; our vision was to establish an all-outdoor program that, in addition to being fun and exciting, developed positive character and leadership traits - physically, mentally, and morally. Through primitive camping and outdoor adventure activities, the program offers challenges and opportunities that young people seldom experience. The program tests their abilities to work together as a team and care for each other in a rugged outdoor environment. The wilderness experience and the adventure activities help participants build confidence, character, self-esteem, and leadership while developing skills that far exceed any they ever imagined possible.
Every evening groups have a campfire under the stars; every day participants enjoy a different adventure. Whether it's through rock climbing or caving, canoeing or kayaking, mountain biking or backpacking, or any of our other exciting adventure activities, participants have the experience of a lifetime. In addition to adventure activities, daily classes are presented on outdoor living skills such as fire by friction and cordage making as well as outdoor education topics that include plant identification, map and compass skills, and first aid. Participants return home with increased knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm, and a greater appreciation for the amenities of life.
Never in our wildest dreams did we anticipate that our program would grow to become one of the premier adventure programs available to young people. We strived to create a program that would offer young people experiences that would help them build character, a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and strong communication skills to carry with them throughout life. It was our hope that participants would also leave with a heightened sense of respect for themselves, their environment, and the people that surround them. Today we feel confident that we have accomplished our goal as we have now seen thousands of participants come through our programs leaving us with kind words and a sense of assuredness that brings many of them back year after year.
My wife Pat and I are convinced that it is our staff members who are largely responsible for the success of our program. Each year we work hard with our year-round staff to painstakingly seek out and select from the finest of qualified, caring, energetic, and competent leaders and instructors. Our leaders at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing come from around the world each carrying with them a wealth of experience in adventure and outdoor leadership.
As we enter each new season, Pat and I find ourselves indebted to our magnificent staff and to the many participants who have accepted the challenge over the years.
Sincerely,
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Our Staff &
Leadership
We
are proud of our dedicated, highly trained staff. Emphasis is placed on
thorough instruction and 24-hour supervision. All leaders and activity
instructors must successfully complete a rigorous 16-day training and
certification program. Staff members are selected from among many qualified
applicants based on their experience working with youth as well as their
outdoor skills, medical qualifications, personal background, and an in-depth
personal interview. The average age of our staff is approximately 26. Click here to learn more about our current staff. |
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The Philosophy
It's not so
much what we do but how we do it that makes a difference. WAEL lays a
foundation for individuals to grow in character through fun and exciting
adventure activities in an all-outdoor environment. Through careful instruction
and positive encouragement from our experienced leaders and activity
instructors, participants are motivated to face challenges that require both
teamwork and individual effort. Our philosophy is "challenge by choice";
participants are encouraged, not forced, to do our activities. By achieving
personal goals, they develop strength, character, and confidence to carry with
them throughout their lives.
 Whether it's
simply introducing outdoor adventure or traveling to the remote regions of the
world, Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing offers four distinct programs that
allow participants to accomplish their personal goals. We have designed our
programs for individuals to progress throughout the years. Similarly, within
each course, participants advance from beginner to more heightened levels
through increased instruction and teamwork. The Outdoor Discovery program is for our first timers
(both in the outdoors as well as summer camp experiences) and is designed to
allow for a gradual transition from the comforts of home to the outdoors. Our
Classic Adventures offer an introduction to outdoor
adventure activities, backpacking, and primitive camping. Our
Specialized Trips allow participants to practice
and perfect their skills in select adventure activities. Or, participants can
travel the world with Earth Explorations
(e2), learning and practicing new skills while gaining an understanding and
appreciation for different cultures and environments.
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ACA
Accreditation
ACA accreditation means that WAEL submitted to a
thorough (over 300 standards) review of its operation by the American Camp
Association (ACA) - from staff qualifications and training to emergency
management. ACA collaborates with experts from The American Academy of
Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure
that current practices reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in
camp operations.
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Self-Sufficiency
Our trips for ages 13-17
are designed to promote self-sufficiency and as such we feel that it is ideal
to minimize time spent in a vehicle. On average each trip requires 1 ride in a
vehicle...we leave the rest to the group (i.e. hiking, biking, kayaking &
canoeing). Less time sitting in a vehicle means more time doing activities. We
use 15 passenger buses and vans with tow-behind trailers (not roof
racks).
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WAEL Base
Camp
We have
base camp facilities that are a critical component for the success of our
programs. We host over five miles of trails connecting our 15 campsites,
challenge courses, climbing wall, rappelling tower, 900' zip line, and ponds.
Our base camp property and facilities allow participants to learn the basics
of each activity in a less technical, more instructional environment before
heading into the surrounding wilderness. Our instructors and leaders introduce
outdoor skills and adventure activities from a beginner level while taking the
necessary time to help individuals further develop and improve their skills.
Groups depart our base camp armed with the tools that will enable them to have
an exciting and rewarding adventure.
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Equipment
Unlike other programs, we provide all the activity and camping gear for participants in our Outdoor Discovery and Classic Adventures Trips (including tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks). You will only need to bring your clothes and a few personal items.
For our Specialized Trips we provide just about all of the gear you will need (including tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks). The items you may need to provide are directly related to the specific trip (e.g. a climbing harness for a climbing trip, a bike helmet for a biking trip, or a PFD for a river-based trip). The reason is that if you are going to be spending a lot of time in something we’ve found it to be much more comfortable to be in our own gear
Due to the nature of a travel program, WAEL does not supply personal equipment to participants in our Earth Explorations program, however all group equipment (tents, stoves, etc) is provided; you will need to provide your own personal equipment which includes a sleeping bag/pad, backpack, rain gear, and water bottles. A detailed list will be sent upon registration and/or request.
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800-782-0779 • P.O.
Box 760
New Castle, VA 24127 •
info@wilderness-adventure.com
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