For a quick look into what the Summer Youth Program entails, here is your very own sample schedule; full of activities, nightly campsites, and enough fun in the day to sleep hard at night:

Day 1: Arrival and Gear Issue, Group Welcome, Camp on Base-Camp

Day 2: Low and High-Ropes, Bike Class, Camp at New Base-Camp Campsite

Day 3: Kayak class on the Pond, Bus to Sulfur Springs, Backpack to and Camp at Price Mountains

Day 4: Backpack the Dragonback and Camp on North Mountain

Day 5: Backpack on the Appalachian Trail (Dragon’s Tooth), Camp on the A.T.

Day 6: Re-Supply, Bike with Trailers and Camp on A.T. Crossing

Day 7: Bike with Trailers to Pandapas Pond and Camp

Day 8: Mountain Bike Pandapas Pond, Bus to, Canoe Down, and Camp at McCoy Falls

Day 9: Canoe and Camp at Pembroke

Day 10: White-Water Kayak Bluff City and Camp at  Bozoo

Day 11: Rock Climb and Camp at Bozoo

Day 12: In Bus to Cave at Tawneys, Camp at Fenwick

Day 13: Backpack to Base-Camp, Zip-Line, Outdoor Leadership Skills Clinic, Shower, Spaghetti Dinner, and Large Group Campfire. Camp at Base-Camp

Day 14: De-Issue Gear, Eat Breakfast, Say Goodbye!

Whew! It’s a hectic couple of weeks but with one adventure after another, it’s hard to want to sit still for long. Of course, this is just a sample of the Classic 2-week adventure trip, we also offer specialty trips focused on rock climbing, water activities, and leadership development. Whatever the trip you choose, good-times are guaranteed.

For more information on our Summer Youth Program including prices, registration, and further questions visit the webpage

Often times we are so busy wrapped around the world of the Summer Youth Program, we forget that other people may not know exactly what the Summer Youth Program entails. So here is the quick lowdown on what may be the most exciting, engaging, and wild summer camp out there.

Simply put, the Summer Youth Program is 1-2 week youth backpacking trip that sends your kids tromping through the Jefferson National Forest living off of what they carry. Guided by two experienced and educated leaders (1 female, 1 male) (leader profiles coming soon!), groups of up to 12 kids do everything the Blue Ridge Mountains has to offer. All the while living out of tents, cooking our own meals, and basking in the wonder and glory the natural world provides.

The trips start off with a couple of days camping at base camp and participating in both high and low rope activities to build teamwork and group coherence.  We also like to give the campers half-days to practice some hard skills on the rock climbing wall and kayak pond to better prepare them for what is to come later in the trip.

Once we hike out of base camp, the true fun begins. From there we backpack across scenic ridge lines, cave through darkened corridors, play under beautiful waterfalls, mountain bike established trails, rock climb natural rock, scream down natural water slides, cook our own food, avoid poison ivy, fight bears (just kidding), play a lot of games, canoe some rapids, camp on islands, surf some white water waves, don’t shower, play more games, build campfires, wake up early, have a “happy meal,” and top it off with a ride down our 900-foot zip line. Whew, did you catch all that?

Wilderness Adventure is unique from most all summer camps. We don’t clock out at 5 and send the kids to their cabins for arts and crafts. For the entire two weeks we are 0n trail. We sleep in tents, live as simply as we can in a modern world, and spend all of our time ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our campers. Don’t think of us as a survivalist camp, we do spend 99.8% of our time outdoors, but we do it in style. Whether it be our freeze-dried gourmet meals, our well-maintained and provided equipment, or experienced and friendly staff; Wilderness Adventure is the perfect place to get your kids away from the video-games, the stresses of adolescence, and have them dive deep into the natural world of life on trail.

Wilderness Adventure is an experience most campers never forget. Whether it is finding confidence in their own actions, understanding their ability to be on their own, or just having fun in the sun; the majority of our campers always come back for more. We offer programs for almost all adolescent ages. We have a less hiking intensive week-long program for the young-ins (ages 8-12), one and two week programs for the older kids (13-17), Wilderness Leadership Courses, Leadership Training Programs, and specialty trips that focus on specific adventure activities. Check out the website for more details today and come join us in Virginia as we continue to explore and grow in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

There are still spaces available for this Saturday’s Wine & Dine featuring AmRhein’s Wine Cellars.  Register by this Friday (1/18/13) at 5pm and you can get our last minute 20% discount.  This gives you the full package for a Gourmet 5-Course Meal, 5 half glass tastings, overnight lodging and breakfast the next morning for only $140/couple.

AmRhein’s Wine Cellars is a Virginia family owned and operated, estate-grown winery, specializing in wines with a German influence. Our vineyards were first planted in 1995 and our first crush occurred in 1999. We now have three vineyards (Bent Mountain, Franklin County and Botetourt) boasting 40 acres and yielding 20 varieties of grapes. Our wines have won numerous awards, and are considered to be some of the finest on the East Coast. With over 15 wines in classic styles of both reds and whites and in our own exclusive blends, AmRhein’s tempts every palate!

To entice you to join us we have released our menu early!  Below are perfectly paired dishes specifically chosen by Chef Brady Martin, Hospitality Manager Jenny Rutledge and Program Director, Julia Boas to highlight the nuances and unique flavors of each wine & dish.  For questions, to make reservations, or to discuss accommodating dietary restrictions call 540-864-6792.

JANUARY 2013 WINE & DINE MENU:
Featuring AmRhein’s Wine Cellars

**Simple Appetizers & Breads from On the Rise Bakery will be served during the cocktail hour from 6pm-7pm.  The first course begins promptly at 7pm.**

Sauvingnon Blanc (white):  Paired with Hand-made gnocchi with a goat chevre cream sauced topped with chopped pistachios and seedless red grapes.

Passion(red):  Pecan crusted, fried brie atop local bakery “On the Rise” Crositini.  Side of spring mix greens with a whole grain mustard & honey vinaigrette.

Pinot Gris Reserve (white):  Crispy Veal Picatta with white wine lemon butter sauce on a bed of pancetta braised Brussels sprouts.

Veranda (red):  Pan Roasted Quail in a Red Wine Gastrique served with a Wild Mushroom Ristto

Cloud 9:  Refreshingly Crispy Sparkling Wine & Limoncello Cocktail, served with lavender infused creme brulee

Please visit the full web page to view more details about all three upcoming Wine & Dines.  More of a beer drinker?  Join us for the best craft brew event in the region!  10+ large tastings of award winning brews, buffet style pub fare, overnight lodging and a full hot breakfast all included for just $75/person.  Bring a friend and its only $125 for two people!

Please call 540-864-6792 or email us anytime to make a reservation, ask questions or just to learn about everything we do here at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing.  Roanoke’s local Conference, Retreat and Adventure Center!

Don’t worry if you missed the 25% Early Bird special, because you can still save up to $599 (on 4 week course) by registering before January 15th, 2013.  View our chart below to see see the savings per trip:

7 day Course:  Full Tuition $795/ 20% off $636
14 day Classic:  Full Tuition $1595/ 20% off $1,276
14 day Specialty:  Full Tuition $1,695/ 20% off $1,356
28 day WLC:  Full Tuition $2,995/ 20% off $2,396

There is no risk in signing up early because you do not have to select a date until April 1st, and you can get a full refund until April 1st if you decide that we are not the perfect program for your child.  To view our full list of dates click here.

Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing is the most prestigious summer adventure camp on the east coast.  We have been successfully and safely leading youth trips for over 20 years.  Our staff go through one of the longest and most rigorous trainings in the industry, and we have an immaculate safety record to prove it.  Our programs are designed to allow our participants to have fun, while also challenging themselves.  We offer them what is known in the industry as “perceived risk”, but the actual activities are just as safe as participating in organized sports at school. But don’t just take our word for it!  Read this letter from our former staff member about working for other organizations:

Testimonial letter from a former employee:

20 Feb. 2011

To The Exceptional Staff at Wilderness Adventure:

First, I hope this letter finds you all well, and that WAEL is flourishing! I’m writing to you to thank you, and the organization itself, for impressive integrity and genuine care for employees.

I worked for WAEL Summer 2008. I had just spent 6 months in Africa, and Pete hired me in January. Already I had a good impression of the company thanks to his easy going nature and bright personality. When I arrived, I was met with such warmth and kindness it was wonderful. I didn’t know how remarkable the welcome was until years later, after I had something to compare it to. The staff training embodied everything that WAEL was about—close bonding, all skill levels coming together and sharing, skills that would last, practices that are tried and true, etc. They truly fostered an environment where everyone felt comfortable, welcome, and included. Furthermore, the concept of the staff manual being a critical resource was so helpful. We would be taught everything we needed during training, then if at any point we forgot something, we had the staff manual to rely on. Because of that consistency, I always felt comfortable in any situation. Furthermore, as long as we followed the policies in the staff manual, we knew we would have full support of the company in the event of an accident or something of the sort. WAEL truly does have an impressive, unique training period. It is to be recognized as outstanding and its meticulous organization does not go unnoticed….

Overall, I simply wanted… to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your hard work. While you may not hear it often enough, you have a unique and exceptional program that really does change people’s lives. As someone who has seen the interworkings of multiple companies, I can certainly vouch for the superior quality of WAEL’s treatment of its employees. I thought it was important to write you a letter telling you to keep up the good work! You have only my best wishes and encouragement!

Truly,
Sam Hoeffler
Trip Leader 2008

To register you may call 540-864-6792 and speak to one of our trip leaders or instructors yourself, or use our convenient online registration form.  We are also still hiring for 2013 summer staff.  Our organization was voted in the top 50 places to work NATIONWIDE by Outside Magazine two years in a row!

We hope to see you all out on the trail!

-Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing staff

Cold weather has moved in from the mountains and our massive firewood collection has finally been dented. The tell-tale signs of winter approaching have spread throughout base camp and we are keeping as busy as ever. Winter @ Wilderness Adventure is all about staying comfortable in the cold and here in New Castle, Va, we have numerous outlets to get that blood flowing, those couches snug, and that cocoa warm.

Whether it is our traditional group hosting (fun activities, hearty meals, and bonfires to boot), or maybe you would prefer to sleep in as part of our cozy bed and breakfast packages, Wilderness Adventure has the right ticket to keep you warm. Business does slow down relative to the summer so this is the time to enjoy our scenic atmosphere with limited distractions, ample time, and a warm beverage.

For those with a more refined palette there is nothing quite like a local Virgina wine paired with dishes such as fig & blue cheese stuffed pork loin wrapped in bacon, or raspberry & chocolate mousse in a crispy pastry shell to get the blood warmed.  If wine isn’t your thing, we also do two international craft beer tastings in February and March.  This will be our 3rd Annual Wine & Dine Series and our 2nd annual Beer Tasting Extravaganza.  Don’t miss out on the laughter and amazing food from Chef Brady Martin (formerly of Table 50).

Take a break from the snow-shovel and slippery traffic lanes, give your heater a rest and forget the cold toilet-seat, come hang out with us and the snowbanks for awhile. Come enjoy some home-cooking away from home, stoke the logs, and enjoy the best part of winter, the coldness that brings people together.

Check out the website and call/email today for booking options/questions/and general inquiries – 540-864-6792

-Wilderness Adventure Staff

Ring in the New Year at Wilderness Adventure with owner/founder Colonel Gene Nervo as your host!  The all inclusive fee of $75/person covers a gourmet dinner, champagne, music & dancing, lodging and breakfast the following morning.  No need to worry about driving home just relax and enjoy your evening in our elegantly rustic lodge.  Double bedrooms and room with multiple twin beds are both available.  So come as a couple or a group of friends and save $25 for every two people.  Click here to view pictures of our lodges.

Beer and wine are both available for sale in our dining room, however you are also welcome to provide your own spirits of choice.  DJ Earl Brown will be playing festive music for dancing with the best of beach music, R&B, classic soul, big band swing and more.  Reservations are required so please call 540-864-6792 or email us to ask questions or make your reservation.  Limited space of 50 guests maximum so hurry while there is still room!  We can accommodate all dietary restrictions so feel free to contact us to discuss the food or wine menu.  We look forward to seeing you all on New Year’s Eve.

Happy Holidays!

The WAEL family

As many of our returning campers know the absolute best discount of the year is our 25% off special that expires in mid November.  We like to reward those who plan early, which allows us to staff and plan accordingly for our summer months.  It also assists us in getting through the slow season of December & January.

What’s in it for you?

Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing is the most prestigious outdoor adventure program on the east coast.  Our trip style programs allow children to build character and confidence, so much more than a traditional camp.  By following Colonel Gene Nervo’s (founder/executive director) 4 principals of success which focus on respect, communication skills, positive attitude and work ethic our campers get to have fun while unintentionally learning valuable life skills.  You can give your children an amazing experience for just 3/4 of the original price if you register by this THURSDAY!

There is no risk in signing up early because you do not have to select a date until April 1st, and you can get a full refund until April 1st if you decide that we are not the perfect program for your child.  To view our full list of dates click here.

To register you may call 540-864-6792 and speak to one of our trip leaders or instructors yourself, or use our convenient online registration form.

If you have looked through our summer adventure camp webpages and still aren’t convinced that Wilderness Adventure is an investment in your child’s future, don’t just take our word for it.  Check out our testimonials page, and email us for a copy of our 2013 reference list with kids of all ages from all over the US and internationally.

We hope to see you all out on the trail!

-Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing staff

Still not quite sure what the Summer Youth Program is and want to talk to a parent about their experiences with Wilderness Adventure? Want to try and coordinate some carpooling to limit those excess carbon emissions? How about just a quick testimonial about how great our program is?

Well luckily over the years we have had created a long list of parent volunteers who can help you out. In an effort however to not share their information all over the world-wide-web, we keep the files securely locked up in our outdoor offices. If you would like a copy today, please email eric@wilderness-adventure.com and he’ll be sure to get you the most recent copy!

Go out and Play!

This pretty much sums it all up…

Check out the latest from our Youtube channel: “Bike Repair w/ Dan the Man.”

Pond Jumping, mustache wearing, and bike repair, this video has it all.

The best part of our jobs at Wilderness Adventure is taking kids on trail during our Summer Youth Program. Spending two weeks out on trail can be just as fun for the leaders just as much as it is for the children. And here now to showcase this: the first edition of “A Day in the Life” which details one day out on trail, one day hanging with the kids, and one day at a time.

Leaders Log, 07/16/2012

Breakfast this morning was extra delicious. It could have been the oatmeal and the fact that the kids are now becoming fluent in cooking their own meals over the MSR Whisperlight, but I suspect it may have something to do with current date in the schedule. We had just finished a solid four days of backpacking all throughout the Jefferson National Forest. We hiked out of base camp, hiked up a mountain, and then spent two days hiking across a scenic ridge line all to end at a beautiful Natural Water Slide. And that is where we find ourselves now, eating the sweet oatmeal of victory and waiting for an air-conditioned ride to the next destination.

After some intense hiking, this is one of my favorite days of our journey. We are about to get picked up by a fellow staff member who will drive us to Cascades Water Fall. Cascades provides a nice reward for our hard work. It’s about a two mile day hike (no backpacks!) that leads to an amazing swimming hole and waterfall. It is a great way to blow off some steam, clean up a bit, and relish in the fact that we are all now official mountain men and women.

What’s really great about the day at Cascades is that the group really starts to come together. After spending a few days struggling with backpacks on, when we had to step up to encourage and support each other, and now that we made it here; the group is all singing and rocking  together and having a good time.

After relaxing in the falls for a bit and stretching out our legs, we hiked back to the van and headed to the new campsite. The evening was pretty relaxed and after setting up our tents, and playing an hour or two of Predator and Prey (ultimate tag!), we sat down to eat some grub. After eight days of cooking our own meals, dinner time has become less chaotic and has more of a rhythm. It’s a busy time but we are well rewarded with some delicious Mountain House freeze dried goodness.

Once the darkness settled, everybody’s natural clock kicked in and the first yawns appeared. We stoked up the fire and sat relaxing after yet another exciting day on trail. We played a few rounds of a Wilderness Adventure favorite “Mafia” and sat watching the flames flickering. The night ended when we retired to our tents, and as I lay here thinking about the day, I know I’ll be dreaming of tomorrow’s adventure; Canoeing McCoy Falls on the New River and playing at Jump Rock.

-BDL

Summer 2012 may be over, leaving behind memories and good times, but next summer is just on the horizon. Sign up now and show your kids the beauty of the natural world, the experience of self-discovery, and the power of their own two hands. Check out the website for more details and sign up early for the best discounts. See you all out on trail!

Last week we were happy to host a beautiful wedding and the four days of celebrating it. Steve and Elli had around 40 guests who stayed throughout or three cabins and lodges. They celebrated their wedding in style while partaking in all of our adventure activities, enjoying dinner in our decorated pavilion and lodge, and having a beautiful ceremony on our spacious and scenic property.

The four day celebration started out with some of the main wedding guests trickling in and getting themselves acquainted with base-camp and  surrounding trails. We split up the bride and groom and took their inner-circle of friends on little adventures. The men took a hike to a natural water fall to play in the water and the women canoed the Craig Creek in search of fun in the sun. Maybe it was a good way to take their mind off the next big step, or was some time away from each other only to make the heart grow fonder, but if anything, it was a good time.

The night before the wedding, our main pavilion got transformed into a stage to present an (almost) traditional Indian Sangeet. For those of you that don’t know, a Sangeet is a performance prior to a wedding for all the wedding guests and family to entertain the bride and groom. The pavilion was looking impressive and the show rocked on late into the night.

The wedding itself had a wonderful menu including pistachio soup, tofu lasagna, and ice-cold mojitos. And as a new twist to our usual cuisine, the entire four days our world class chefs at Wilderness Adventures whipped up nothing but requested vegan meals. And as a personal opinion, the chefs stepped up to the challenge and made not only delicious meals all weekend, but made sure they met the interest of our vegan visitors.

Everything leading up to it was fun and exciting, but the wedding ceremony itself was truly beautiful. With a little praying to the rain gods, the ceremony stayed (mostly) dry and the staff here at Wilderness Adventure hope that Ellie had the wedding of her dreams.

Come check out your dreams here at Wilderness Adventure, we can (and have) handled anything from weddings to day-hikes and everything in between.Call or book your adventure today!

Giving your child the experience that comes with an adventure trip is priceless; the feeling of accomplishment, the fun to be had unplugged from computers and video-games, and the opportunity to experience the most the Jefferson National Forest has to offer under the supervision and direction of skilled and certified adventure leaders. As it is though, these experiences do cost money, and to help you out afford memories that will not be forgotten, the staff here at Wilderness Adventure want to help by offering our early bird discount.

The set dates and discounted rates is as follows:

25% – If registered by 11/15/2012

20% – If registered by 01/15/2012

15%- If registered by 03/15/2012

10%- If registered by 05/15/2012

For more information about tuition, trip dates, and other available discount opportunities please follow this link:

http://www.wilderness-adventure.com/camp-dates/

These will be the largest discounts available, so don’t hesitate, and send your kids on an adventure of a lifetime.