Rock Camp Adventure

Expedition Overview

Dates: August 2 - 11, 2021
Age: 15 – 18 years old
Group size: max 8-10 students/2 instructors
Length: 10 days
Tuition: $2,300

10-day adventure through developing climbing techniques, leadership and outdoor skills in navigation, camping, backcountry cooking and teamwork.

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Packing List 
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Expedition Highlights

Hiking in remote Montana mountains
Developing outdoor climbing techniques
Developing traditional climbing gear placement and multi-pitch climbing
Navigation, orienteering, and wilderness travel skills
Wilderness decision-making and communication skills
Experiencing abundant wildlife and ecosystems

Expedition Description

This is an introductory expedition to backcountry rock climbing. In addition to learning backpacking and camping skills, students will focus on developing outdoor climbing techniques including traditional climbing gear placement and multi-pitch climbing, and will have the opportunity to apply these skills to technical ascents. Students will also engage with MWS' core curriculum to expand their understanding of and connection to wild spaces This course is accessible to students who are new to rock climbing as well as those who have climbed indoors and are looking to transition their climbing skills to outdoor crags. For more information about MWS core curriculum and expedition progression see Expedition Life.

Expedition Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Teamwork and communication skills

Learn positive communication skills with diverse group members to create a healthy community, build trust, and make sound decisions in the backcountry together
Develop an expedition philosophy, apply it to the course, and understand how it can transfer back to the student’s home environment

Safety and wilderness based decision making

Backcountry hazard evaluation and risk reduction guidelines and tools
First aid awareness for backcountry settings: identification and treatment of common backcountry illness and injuries
Learn to collaboratively make decisions in remote environments that prioritizes individual and group safety

Conservation Ethic

Use basic observational and interpretive skills to demonstrate an understanding and respect for the natural environment
Discuss the history, facts and potential solutions to pertinent environmental and social issues affecting the wilderness in the expedition area
Reflect upon and discuss the conveyance of wilderness conservation ethics into personal life and build a capacity for commitment and stewardship to wild places
Develop comprehensive understanding of Leave No Trace© ethics and apply them during the expedition

Backcountry camping and navigation skills

Use safe backcountry kitchen practices to cook nutritious meals on a camp stove or fire
Demonstrate an ability to select an appropriate campsite and set up a shelter while minimizing the impact on the ecosystem
Understand and demonstrate how to stay healthy, warm, and comfortable in the backcountry
Understand and demonstrate techniques for camping and traveling in bear habitat
Use various navigation and route-finding tools and methods for on and off trail travel
Travel efficiently in the alpine environment using map and compass skills

Technical Skills

Backpacking

Learn to properly pack and adjust a backpack
Become competent in backpacking in alpine environments
Travel off trail and discover unpopulated areas of the Montana wilderness

Climbing

Outdoor climbing techniques
Learn traditional climbing gear placement
Become competent in multi-pitch climbing
Opportunity to apply these skills to technical ascents

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Rock Camp

ADVENTURE