MISSOURI RIVER EXPEDITION
6-day introduction to fundamental outdoor skills, river navigation and paddling skills. Great intro option for those wanting to learn whitewater skills!
Dates: July 22-August 11, 2024
Age: 16-18
Group size: max 10 students/2 instructors
Length: 12 Days
Tuition: $3,780
Course Highlights
Hiking in the remote Missouri River Breaks
Canoeing the Wild and Scenic Missouri River
Paddle through the stunning White Cliffs of the Missouri
Explore the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall
Visit historic sites along the river corridor
Abundant wildlife
Course Description
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, students 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 develop skills in backcountry wilderness travel, paddling, cooking, communication, and decision-making along the way. While traveling downriver, 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. If you have additional questions please check out our FAQ page or reach out to contact us.
Course 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
Canoe Paddling Skills
Packing and securing equipment in a canoe
Canoe control and padding stokes
Reading water and understanding large river hydrology
Endurance techniques for long distance paddling
Understand the roles and responsibilities of the ‘stern paddler’ and ‘bow paddler'
“It was an incredible experience - I learned an incredible amount, met amazing people and saw amazing things.”
—2022 MWS Participant
