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LEADERSHIP
SUMMER
CAMP COURSE

kayaking and water sports at wilderness adventure summer camp

In our Leadership Camp, participants embark on a transformative journey, engaging in diverse activities, acquiring essential leadership skills, and fostering personal growth throughout the experience.

WILDERNESS LEADERSHIP COURSE

SUMMER CAMP FOR FUTURE LEADERS
AGES: 15 - 17 YEAR OLDS
LENGTH: THREE WEEKS
Session Date: 7/6 - 7/26

PRICE: $5,190

The Wilderness Leadership Course (WLC) is a summer camp designed for high school students who want to develop their leadership skills in the great outdoors. It is a three-week long trip that recommends some experience in camping and/or backpacking, along with a desire to improve oneself as a leader.

Activities:

  • Low and High Ropes Features (Mountain Adventure Course)

  • Rock Climbing

  • Caving

  • Mountain Biking

  • Bike Packing

  • Swift Water Rescue

  • Whitewater Kayaking

  • Canoeing

  • Trip and Food Planning

  • Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

  • Wilderness Stewardship

hiking and backpacking in virginia

Leadership Development: Campers also rotate through various leadership roles, fostering growth in respect, attitude, work ethic, and communication. Engage in leadership development sessions such as Leaders of the Day, basic wilderness first aid, conflict resolution, and daily debriefing with leaders—both personal and within the group.

Closing Ceremonies: Finally, participants will join other groups for traditional Wilderness Adventure festivities, including an exhilarating ride on the Giant Swing, competing in the WA-Olympics, a spaghetti dinner, and a memorable night of storytelling around the Closing Campfire. The Wilderness Leadership Course is a fantastic journey where young leaders are forged in the heart of nature.

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hiking trails leadership course for teenagers

Introduction at Base Camp: The program commences at Base Camp, where participants receive a comprehensive initiation into group dynamics, leadership styles, backcountry camping, food planning and packing, kayak class and roll clinic, belay training, mountain biking, bike packing lessons, and basic wilderness first aid.

Participants are also given the opportunity to plan the remainder of the trip, taking turns leading the group. Two "Leaders of the Day" (LODs) are assigned each day, responsible for organizing, guiding, and encouraging the group through scheduled activities.

Adventure Activities: The next phase spans days and miles of classic Blue Ridge hiking, bike packing, canoeing, whitewater kayaking, caving, and rock climbing, culminating in the final phase unfolding in the New River Gorge in West Virginia. This segment provides access to hundreds of climbs, beautiful hikes, and thrilling whitewater activities. Participants are taught proper packing techniques, campsite selection, setup, breakdown, backcountry meal prep, stove operation, topographic map reading, orienteering, backcountry hygiene, self-care, group management, facilitation, and Leave No Trace Principles.

wilderness adventure at eagle landing leadership course summer camp
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WAITING LIST: Spots may become available. Please complete the waiting list form, and we will contact you as soon as possible if a space opens for your desired camp.

Rock Climbing

Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing features a 50-foot climbing wall where campers can learn new climbing skills. Our climbing experts conduct a thorough safety briefing, teaching campers to climb safely and rappel down. Additionally, some of our camp sessions take campers to famous climbing destinations throughout Virginia and West Virginia! We also offer a rock climbing-focused camp for those interested in taking their skills to the next level!

The Raider Bridge

The Raider Bridge stands out as one of the thrilling highlights of our Mountain Adventure Course, blending both low and high rope challenges. As campers traverse this dynamic course, they will engage in teamwork and problem-solving, confronting fears head-on while experiencing the exhilarating rush of adventure. Along the way, they’ll build resilience and self-confidence, creating lasting memories as they navigate the course side by side with their fellow campers.

Backpacking

Outdoor Discovery campers stay close to Base Camp, with an exciting overnight trip into the Jefferson National Forest, while older age groups embark on extended backpacking expeditions. Campers are taught how to hike effectively, manage trail campsites, and adapt to the dynamic challenges of the wilderness. Along the way, they build resilience, develop decision-making skills, and learn the importance of teamwork. Overcoming the obstacles of a backpacking expedition instills a profound sense of confidence, self-reliance, and trust in one another—lessons they carry far beyond the trail.

Kayaking

Kayaking at Wilderness Adventure provides campers with an ideal blend of skill development and adventure. Outdoor Discovery campers begin on our on-site pond, where they learn essential paddling techniques and water safety in a calm and supportive environment. As they progress, older campers can elevate their skills by embarking on thrilling kayaking trips along the scenic New River, where they navigate currents while enjoying breathtaking views.

Canoeing

Campers will have the opportunity to master essential paddling and steering techniques in a canoe as they glide along the tranquil waters of Craig Creek, which flows gracefully right next to our property. The calm environment of the creek provides the perfect setting for hands-on learning and exploration. For those in the older groups, the adventure continues with exciting excursions to the scenic New River, where they can embark on longer canoe trips and experience the thrill of navigating more expansive waters!

Mountain Biking

For our older campers (14+), mountain biking is an exhilarating part of the Wilderness Adventure experience. Classic Camps include a fun-filled biking day where campers hit the trails and learn basic biking skills. For those looking to take their skills to the next level, we offer mountain biking-focused camps:

  • Mountain Biking 101 (One Week): Perfect for beginners, this camp teaches fundamental skills like trail navigation, bike handling, and basic maintenance.

  • Ultimate Mountain Biking Camp (Two Weeks): A combination of 101 and 201, this camp builds advanced skills, tackling challenging trails and mastering technical maneuvers for the ultimate biking adventure.

Whether it’s a day on the trails or an intensive biking camp, campers build confidence, improve skills, and enjoy the thrill of biking in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Giant Swing

Wilderness Adventure has introduced an exciting new course element: the Giant Swing! This thrilling experience lifts campers high into the sky before they plunge more than 30 feet, soaring through the forest. Our experienced instructors prioritize safety as you take the leap. The Giant Swing is not only about overcoming your fears; it's also an opportunity to build confidence and trust in yourself and in your fellow campers.

Contact Us

11176 Peaceful Valley Rd

New Castle, VA, 24127

(540) 864-6792

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