The capstone Wilderness Adventure experience
Wilderness Leadership Course
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Ages: 15–17
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Three Weeks: $5,450
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Focus: Leadership development + advanced outdoor skills
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Best for: Teens with prior camping/backpacking experience
Wilderness Leadership Course (WLC) is the next step for teens who want more than “camp.” This is a three-week expedition built for high school students who are ready to lead, make decisions, and grow through real responsibility in the backcountry.
WLC blends big adventures—mountain biking, climbing, paddling, and long-distance travel—with structured leadership training. Campers don’t just participate… they learn how to run the day.
Leadership skills for life
Leadership training in the outdoors
WLC teaches leadership the way the outdoors teaches everything: by doing it. Campers train in:
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Group dynamics and communication
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Decision-making and risk management
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Expedition planning and navigation
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Accountability, empathy, and conflict management
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Leading peers with confidence and respect
This isn’t classroom leadership. It’s leadership that matters when you’re tired, wet, hungry, and your team still needs you to show up well.
Learn to lead in real time
Leaders of the Day
As the course progresses, campers take turns as Leaders of the Day (LODs). Each day, two campers co-lead the group—planning the schedule, organizing roles, keeping the team on track, and helping guide decisions.
LODs don’t replace instructors for technical activities. They lead the flow of the expedition: communication, pacing, group culture, and responsibility. WLC staff coach from the side and step in for instruction or safety—then give meaningful feedback so campers improve the next time they lead.
More than "How to Camp"
Advanced Outdoor Skills
WLC goes deeper than any other program. Campers build strong competency in:
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Kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing, caving, high- and low-ropes courses, and outdoor knowledge.
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Advanced camping systems and backcountry cooking
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Food planning, packing, and group meal execution
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Belay systems and rope skills (instruction-based)
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Paddling progression, including rescue skills and kayak rolling practice (where appropriate)
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Bikepacking fundamentals and trail logistics
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Wilderness first aid concepts and backcountry decision-making
Campers leave more capable—not just more confident.
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The WAEL difference
Camp life
WLC is intentionally demanding in the best way. Campers travel, cook, set up camp, problem-solve, and navigate challenges together. Between the big activity days, there’s time for reflection, campfire connection, and the kind of laughter you only earn after a hard day outside.
By the end, the group doesn’t feel like a “camp group.” It feels like a crew.
For more than 30 years, Wilderness Adventure has been guided by four core values:
Respect · Attitude · Work Ethic · Communication (RAWC)
WLC is where those values become habits—through leadership practice, hard-earned confidence, and a team that learns to take care of each other.
Our staff is WA-some
Safety & Supervision
WLC is led by experienced staff trained in Wilderness First Aid and expedition leadership. Campers receive thorough orientation on safety systems, emergency procedures, and expectations before responsibilities shift toward the group.
Staff coach leadership growth, manage risk, and maintain a strong culture of safety—so campers can take on real responsibility with the right support.
A Week of Wilderness Leadership Training
Sample Itinerary
*This is an example itinerary based on past years' trips. WLC is a three-week program. This example shows a typical week. For exact information on this year's itinerary, please contact us!
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Launch the Journey
Campers arrive, get issued gear, and meet their crew. After introductions and a group welcome, the week starts with building the team culture—expectations, communication norms, and how the group will operate when things get hard. The evening includes camp setup, a backcountry cooking session, and the first “leader-style” campfire discussion to set the tone for the course.
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Leadership Foundations
The day begins with a leadership workshop that’s actually useful: how groups function, how conflict starts, and what strong communication looks like in the field. Campers rotate through team challenges and low ropes elements, then practice running camp systems—kitchen setup, clean-up standards, and role assignments. Two campers are introduced as Leaders of the Day (LODs) and start learning how to run the flow of a full day.
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High Challenge & Feedback
Campers take on a high ropes course where trust and clear direction matter as much as courage. The LODs keep the group moving, manage time, and help the crew stay locked in. Later, the group shifts into a practical skills block—navigation, planning, and decision-making—followed by a structured debrief where campers get real feedback on leadership, teamwork, and how they showed up.
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Paddling Progression & Risk Management
The group spends the day on the water building paddling skills and rescue awareness. Campers learn to read current, move as a team, and manage spacing and safety decisions. Leadership focus: risk management, keeping the group together, and speaking up early when something feels off. The evening ends with campfire reflection and a reset for the next phase of the week.
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Expedition Travel Day
This is a true “expedition day”—packing systems, travel planning, and moving to a new campsite. The LODs lead navigation and pacing, manage breaks, and keep the group functioning when everyone’s tired. Campers practice advanced campcraft and outdoor living skills, then end the day with a longer debrief on decision-making, attitude, and how leaders protect team morale.
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Technical Skills + Independance
Campers level up technical skills—bike maintenance and trail systems, belay systems concepts, or advanced outdoor skills depending on the week’s schedule. The goal is confidence through competence: knowing how gear works, how to troubleshoot, and how to teach others. That night, the group runs camp with less leader input, practicing independence and ownership in a supportive way.
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Big Challenge & Reset
Saturday is a full day—often a longer hike, a big ride, or a major water day—where the crew puts the week’s leadership and teamwork into practice. After returning to camp, campers clean up systems, reset gear, and reflect on progress as a group. The week ends feeling earned: stronger friendships, sharper skills, and a clearer sense of what kind of leader each camper is becoming.
Is my camper ready?
More info on Wilderness Leadership Course
Go With The Flow is a great fit for teens who:
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Have prior camping/backpacking experience
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Want real responsibility and personal growth
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Enjoy challenge, travel, and active days
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Are ready to lead and be led with maturity
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Want to build skills that matter beyond camp
Challenge/fitness level
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This is one of our most challenging programs
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Campers should be ready for long days, changing weather, and real teamwork
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Challenge by choice still applies—but WLC expects effort, participation, and a strong team mindset
Included in tuition (no hidden fees here):
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Lodging and meals throughout the course
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All guided activities and instruction
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All group gear and technical equipment needed for the program
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Transportation throughout the session
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.