The Missouri River Canoe Adventure (MRA) travels through the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and historical lands of the Blackfeet, Gros Ventre, and Assiniboine peoples. Students will follow in the paddle strokes of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery, experiencing a stretch of wild and scenic river that looks much the same as it did during their famous journey in 1805. The stunning scenery and fantastic geology of the Upper Missouri watershed will provide an engaging natural classroom for MRA students to learn about themselves, one another, and the history of this fascinating waterway. Over the course of this 12-day expedition, the group will engage in lessons about place-based ecology, conservation efforts on the Northern Great Plains, and current land use issues in Montana. Students will learn to work as a team in a remote setting, and they’ll develop skills in backcountry wilderness travel, paddling, cooking, communication, and decision-making along the way. While traveling down river, the expedition team will practice Leave No Trace® land stewardship principles, enhancing their awareness of how to best care for the land. Each student will have an opportunity to lead the group as the Expedition Leader of the Day to gain experience with newly acquired leadership skills. For more information about MWS core curriculum and expedition progression, check out Expedition Life.
