WILDERNESS | Mountain
7 day backpacking expedition through a remote area of Montana wilderness, developing leadership and outdoor skills in decision-making, conservation & stewardship, and route-finding.
Dates: July 6-12, 2026
Grades: Rising 7th - 9th
Group size: min. 8 - max. 12 students/2-3 instructors
Length: 7 Days
Tuition: $2,800
Course Prerequisites
Previous overnight backcountry experience
Desire to push physical boundaries in a backcountry setting
Ability to carry a 35lbs backpack and hike 5 miles a day
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Expedition behavior and leadership competencies
Navigation, orienteering, and route-finding skills
Wilderness decision-making and communication skills
Experiencing abundant wildlife and ecosystems
Place-based curriculum and natural history
COURSE DESCRIPTION
WILDERNESS | Mountain builds on foundational backcountry skills and is thoughtfully designed for students ready to take the next step into high-mountain travel. Open to middle school students, this seven-day intermediate backpacking course focuses on developing strong navigation, judgment, and risk-management skills for off-trail alpine terrain. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students practice assessing weather, terrain, and group behaviors while working toward summiting several beautiful peaks in a wild Northern Rockies mountain range.
While on expedition, students participate in lessons focused on deeper conservation and stewardship principles, advanced backcountry cooking and campcraft, and navigation skills. In addition, students learn about alpine ecology, local public land history, and the leadership and facilitation skills needed to travel responsibly and manage risk in mountainous environments. Each student has the opportunity to serve as Expedition Leader of the Day, gaining hands-on experience practicing leadership and group management with instructor guidance.
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
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
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 prioritize individual and group safety.
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
How to prepare and pack for a 7-day backpacking trip, including efficient gear organization, food planning, and weight management
Students will learn to set up tents, camp responsibly in bear country, and make thoughtful risk management decisions in changing backcountry conditions
Intermediate skills and outcomes include water sourcing and treatment, weather assessment and trip planning, pacing and terrain management, and building endurance and confidence for extended time in the backcountry
"I feel that the opportunity that MWS allows for teens is vital for their growth. Learning to trust themselves, working together, and accomplishing goals, as a team and individually, helps to build self-esteem and increase self-worth."
— Parent of 2022 MWS Participant
