The Montana Backpacking Adventure is an introductory backpacking course specifically designed for students entering grades 9-11. This 10-day adventure focuses on teaching students to become competent in fundamental backpacking skills such as cooking, camping, and map and compass navigation while developing a variety of leadership skills as members of an expedition team. Students will be challenged physically—at appropriate introductory levels—and will hike with moderately heavy packs in a beautiful alpine environment with some stunning views of surrounding ranges. The expedition team will engage in lessons about area ecology, backcountry cooking, navigation, and Leave No Trace® land stewardship principles. Instructors will engage the group in a leadership development progression, emphasizing how to communicate effectively and work together to accomplish common goals. 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.
