WILDERNESS | Rock

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7 day rock climbing expedition through a remote area of Montana wilderness, developing climbing techniques; and leadership and outdoor skills in decision-making, conservation & stewardship, and backcountry teamwork.

  • Dates: June 22-28, 2026

  • Grades: Rising 10th - Exiting 12th

  • Group size: min. 8 - max. 12 students/2-3 instructors

  • Length: 7 Days

  • Tuition: $2,800

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Questions? Email us.

Course Prerequisites

  • Previous backcountry overnight experience

  • Previous indoor and/or outdoor climbing experience

  • Desire to push physical boundaries in a backcountry setting

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Developing outdoor climbing techniques

  • Developing traditional climbing gear placement, anchor building, and rappelling

  • Navigation, orienteering, and wilderness travel skills

  • Wilderness decision-making and communication skills

  • Experiencing abundant wildlife and ecosystems

COURSE DESCRIPTION

WILDERNESS | Rock offers youth in Grades 10 thru 12 the opportunity to explore outdoor rock climbing in a supportive, instructional setting. While no prior outdoor climbing experience is required, this intermediate-level expedition is well suited for students with some indoor climbing experience who are ready to transition outside and further develop their backcountry skills.

Students travel together to a unique wilderness location, where they spend eight days learning essential climbing skills under the guidance of a team of experienced instructors. Instruction includes setting up secure climbing sites, moving confidently on rock, lowering and rappelling techniques (and when to use them), and best practices for belaying and partner communication in a top-rope environment. The curriculum also integrates backpacking skills, as the group travels between multiple rock sites selected to support progressive skill development.

Evenings are spent together in camp preparing communal meals and reflecting on the day’s experiences. Instructors lead lessons on advanced conservation and stewardship principles, wild ecology, Native Peoples and public lands histories, and leadership development. Through this combination of technical instruction, wilderness travel, and shared responsibility, students build confidence and a strong foundation for safe and responsible climbing in the outdoors.

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
Climbing

  • Outdoor climbing techniques

  • Learn traditional climbing gear placement

  • Sport climbing risk and site management

  • Belaying, rappelling, and mock lead climbing

  • Opportunity to apply these skills to technical ascents

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"We have an immense amount of gratitude to donors. This program is amazing. These experiences are much needed for anyone who may be interested, or wanting personal growth."

— Parent of 2022 MWS Participant