On this unique course, students will spend 10 days learning about both rock climbing and packrafting in two distinct course segments
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Section1 - Rock
The team will spend the first 5 days traveling between rock sites in a wilderness area, learning fundamental outdoor climbing techniques from a team of experienced instructors. Students will have a chance to practice movement, belay, rappel and communication skills on a variety of interesting rock walls. The Rock Section curriculum is designed to introduce students to rock climbing skills in a slow and deliberate way, and it caters to those with little to no experience climbing outside.
Section 2 - River
For the second half of the course, students will transition to a remote stretch of river where they will learn the ins and outs of packrafting on moving water. Curricular topics will include: river safety and communication, paddling techniques, reading moving water, and basic partner- and self-rescue techniques. The team will travel together through a spectacular river corridor with rare and beautiful volcanic rock formations. This sectionis intended to introduce students with little or no whitewater experience to the fundamentals of navigating swiftwater.
While on the Rock & River Adventure, students will learn and practice Leave No Trace® camping principles, explore area ecology, and engage with place-based land history lessons and curriculum. Each student will have multiple opportunities 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. If you have additional questions please check out our FAQ page or reach out to enroll@montanawildernessschool.org
