The Rock & River Adventure is a new & exciting course offering students entering grades 9-11 in 2023! On this unique expedition, students will spend 10 days learning about both rock climbing and packrafting in two distinct course segments.
Section1 - Rock
The expedition 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. Here, students will have a chance to practice movement, belay, rappel and communication skills at 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
The second 5 days will see students transition from the rocks to the river, where they will learn the ins and outs of packrafting on moving water. The team will engage in lessons about river safety and communication, practice paddling techniques, and travel together through a spectacular river corridor with rare & beautiful volcanic rock formations. Technical paddling skills taught will include: reading moving water, hazard assessment, and basic partner and self rescue techniques. This section is intended to introduce students with little or no whitewater experience to the fundamentals of navigating swiftwater. While on the Rock & River expedition, 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.
