Innovation meets adventure
Outdoor Engineering
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Ages: 13-16
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One Week: $1,920
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Focus: Engineering, creativity, teamwork, outdoor exploration
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Experience: No experience required, curiosity encouraged
Outdoor Engineering Camp is designed for campers who love figuring out how things work and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. This one-of-a-kind program blends engineering, technology, and creativity with the outdoor experiences that define Wilderness Adventure.
Here, innovation doesn’t happen in a classroom—it happens on the trail, by the river, and around camp. Campers explore how science and engineering come to life in real-world environments, learning through experimentation, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Hands-on projects, real-world learning
Build it. Test it. Improve it.
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Design and build underwater rover robots
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Learn and use 3D printing technology
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Explore bicycle mechanics and repair
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Construct primitive shelters
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Practice navigation and orienteering
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Solve team-based engineering challenges
Projects are collaborative, hands-on, and designed to spark creativity while building practical skills campers can apply beyond camp.
Adventure Beyond the Workshop
Adventure Activities
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Rock climbing
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Kayaking
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Canoeing
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Mountain biking
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High and low ropes challenges
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Caving & exploration
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Outdoor education & Leave No Trace
Outdoor Engineering Camp balances creative problem-solving with classic Wilderness Adventure experiences. Campers take breaks from building and designing to climb rock faces, paddle rivers, explore nature, and gather around the campfire at night.
Our staff is WA-some
Safety & Supervision
Safety comes first—always. Every activity is led by dedicated experts hired for their experience and expertise, and all staff are Wilderness First Aid–certified. Campers receive a thorough safety orientation at the start of their session, and every activity is age-appropriate and supported by proper safety equipment.
An on-site infirmary and attentive supervision throughout the day ensure campers are supported as they challenge themselves and have fun.
Skills that go beyond camp
Think Critically. Work Together. Lead Confidently.
Through projects and outdoor challenges, campers develop:
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Creative problem-solving skills
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Teamwork and collaboration
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Communication and leadership
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Confidence in trying, failing, and trying again
Whether campers are interested in engineering, environmental science, or outdoor leadership, this program helps them think boldly and approach challenges with confidence.
A Week of Outdoor Engineering
Sample Itinerary
*This is an example itinerary based on past years' trips. For exact information on this year's itinerary, please contact us!
1
Design Begins
Campers arrive, settle in, and jump right into engineering mode. The afternoon introduces 3D printing, where campers watch printers in action, explore how materials and settings affect strength, and take home a small printed souvenir. The day wraps up with orienteering—learning to read maps, understand terrain, and navigate camp using compass skills — that sets the tone for a week of real-world problem-solving.
2
Power, Motion, & Problem-Solving
The morning focuses on electrical engineering as campers build a working DC motor from scratch and connect it to a waterwheel to generate power and light an LED. In the afternoon, campers head to the climbing area, where rock climbing and challenge activities introduce concepts like ergonomics, biomechanics, and risk management. The evening brings a second 3D printing session and an engineering campfire discussion exploring different engineering fields and career paths.
3
Structures that Work
Campers dive into architectural and civil engineering by designing and building survival shelters using natural and engineered materials. Groups analyze insulation, site selection, and airflow before testing their designs in a hands-on heat-retention challenge. In the afternoon, teams apply engineering principles to raft building—designing, constructing, and testing floating structures while learning about buoyancy, stability, and load distribution.
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Robotics in the Real World
The morning is dedicated to robotic engineering as campers assemble SeaPerch underwater robots. In the afternoon, they test their robots in the pond or creek, simulating real-world environmental applications like invasive species removal. Time on the water continues with paddling and discussions about fluid dynamics, propulsion, and the physics behind efficient movement through water.
5
Gears, Grit, & Trail Time
Mechanical engineering takes center stage as campers learn bicycle mechanics, diagnose common problems, and explore concepts like gear ratios and efficiency. In the afternoon, those skills come to life on a guided mountain bike ride through trails around base camp. Along the way, campers tackle real repair scenarios, including fixing a flat tire, before ending the day with a ride on the Giant Swing.
6
Underground Science
The day begins with a guided cave exploration, where campers study geology, cave formations, ecology, hydrology, and safe navigation underground. In the afternoon, campers join other WA programs for the WA Olympics—a series of fun, skill-based challenges that highlight teamwork, problem-solving, and Wilderness Adventure’s core values of Respect, Attitude, Work Ethic, and Communication.
7
See You Next Year!
After breakfast, campers return gear, reflect on a week of building, testing, and exploring, and head home with new skills, confidence, and a fresh way of looking at how engineering and the outdoors connect.
Is my camper ready?
More info on Outdoor Engineering
Outdoor Engineering is a great fit for campers who:
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Enjoy building, experimenting, and problem-solving
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Like working as part of a team
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Are curious about how things work in the real world
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Want a camp experience that blends thinking and doing
Challenge/fitness level
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All skill levels are welcome—no prior engineering experience required
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Projects are scaled for age and ability
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Challenge by choice: campers are never required to participate in an activity they are uncomfortable with
Included in tuition (no hidden fees here):
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All lodging and meals
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Guided activities
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All equipment and activity gear
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Transportation throughout the program
Not included in tuition:
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Personal clothing and items (packing lists available for enrolled campers)
Let's find your adventure.
Got questions or ready to dive in? The WAEL team is here to help - you're in good hands.