River Explorer Program 2021
Greetings!
In this program our goal is for students to have a blast exploring and adventuring in local woods, creeks and on the river, while building important survival skills and mental habits.
Our exact schedule will be tailored to the specific strengths of the instructors, the weather forecast, and the interests/capabilities of the group as evaluated on the first day and throughout the week.
That being said, our default plan is to spend 2 days on the Potomac River and 3 days in the woods (Seneca Creek Park, accessed from the Darnestown area), and to include the following elements of curriculum or activity:
Hazards - People new to the woods are typically overly scared of harmless things (like garter snakes), while oblivious to real dangers like wasps. By learning how to recognize and avoid specific local hazards (poison ivy, copperhead snakes, ground wasps, falling branches) the outdoorsman becomes both safer and calmer outside.
Shelter - A basic knowledge of survival shelter is the #1 survival insurance policy for the outdoors. With just this one skill, the outdoorsman greatly increases his or her ability to keep presence of mind and to take life-saving actions in an emergency.
Fire - Most people underestimate the challenge of building a fire with natural materials that can light with just one match. Depending on environmental conditions, it can be fairly easy or near impossible. Mastery takes considerable practice! This is also a very practical skill that comes in handy on camping trips, cook-outs and picnics.
Navigation - The ability to read maps and orient oneself opens the door to exploring the world with confidence - whether by foot, bike or vehicle.
River - We are blessed with close proximity to the beautiful Potomac River and will be getting out there to paddle and explore. Last year students visited an island where they made a fire, and a large tract of woods by the river, but even with 2 days on the water, were not able to explore certain areas of interest we had spotted on the map... We are excited to discover new places, and potentially run new sections of river.
Whittling - Learning and practicing the careful and responsible use of a knife brings pleasure and confidence, and is key to many survival crafts.
Water play - Cooling down in local creeks and rivers makes it feel great to be alive!
Some other possibilities:
Drop off and pick up:
Meeting/drop off will vary by day, and will include Seneca Creek Park in Darnestown (at a private residence near Bondy Ln), at Pennyfield Lock, Swains Lock and/or Riley's Lock on river days. Exact schedule will be adapted to weather conditions.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
July River Explorers
July 5 - 9
Ages 11 - 13
9 am - 4 pm
Darnestown, MD
$500
To register, select the "Maryland Custom Program, July" in our Summer registration menu.
In this program our goal is for students to have a blast exploring and adventuring in local woods, creeks and on the river, while building important survival skills and mental habits.
Our exact schedule will be tailored to the specific strengths of the instructors, the weather forecast, and the interests/capabilities of the group as evaluated on the first day and throughout the week.
That being said, our default plan is to spend 2 days on the Potomac River and 3 days in the woods (Seneca Creek Park, accessed from the Darnestown area), and to include the following elements of curriculum or activity:
Hazards - People new to the woods are typically overly scared of harmless things (like garter snakes), while oblivious to real dangers like wasps. By learning how to recognize and avoid specific local hazards (poison ivy, copperhead snakes, ground wasps, falling branches) the outdoorsman becomes both safer and calmer outside.
Shelter - A basic knowledge of survival shelter is the #1 survival insurance policy for the outdoors. With just this one skill, the outdoorsman greatly increases his or her ability to keep presence of mind and to take life-saving actions in an emergency.
Fire - Most people underestimate the challenge of building a fire with natural materials that can light with just one match. Depending on environmental conditions, it can be fairly easy or near impossible. Mastery takes considerable practice! This is also a very practical skill that comes in handy on camping trips, cook-outs and picnics.
Navigation - The ability to read maps and orient oneself opens the door to exploring the world with confidence - whether by foot, bike or vehicle.
River - We are blessed with close proximity to the beautiful Potomac River and will be getting out there to paddle and explore. Last year students visited an island where they made a fire, and a large tract of woods by the river, but even with 2 days on the water, were not able to explore certain areas of interest we had spotted on the map... We are excited to discover new places, and potentially run new sections of river.
Whittling - Learning and practicing the careful and responsible use of a knife brings pleasure and confidence, and is key to many survival crafts.
Water play - Cooling down in local creeks and rivers makes it feel great to be alive!
Some other possibilities:
- Berry picking (wineberries might be out in July, perhaps some autumn berries in August)
- Fishing basics with a line and hook, at the creek.
- Raft-building
- Fire-by-friction
- Primitive pottery
Drop off and pick up:
Meeting/drop off will vary by day, and will include Seneca Creek Park in Darnestown (at a private residence near Bondy Ln), at Pennyfield Lock, Swains Lock and/or Riley's Lock on river days. Exact schedule will be adapted to weather conditions.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
July River Explorers
July 5 - 9
Ages 11 - 13
9 am - 4 pm
Darnestown, MD
$500
To register, select the "Maryland Custom Program, July" in our Summer registration menu.
August River Explorers
August 2 - 6
Ages 9 - 11
9am - 4pm
Darnestown, MD
$500
To register, select the "Maryland Custom Program, August" in our Summer registration menu.
August 2 - 6
Ages 9 - 11
9am - 4pm
Darnestown, MD
$500
To register, select the "Maryland Custom Program, August" in our Summer registration menu.
Building and Launching a Raft
2020 River Explorers
Gear List
Please review our Summer Day Program Gear List found toward the bottom of this page. In addition to those items, the following are recommended for river days:
Please review our Summer Day Program Gear List found toward the bottom of this page. In addition to those items, the following are recommended for river days:
- Sunscreen - we will be in the sun more than in our usual camp - especially for river days.
- Sun hat - especially for river days.
- Life jacket/PFD - we can provide the orange horseshoe PFDs, but if you prefer a vest-style, then you are welcome to bring your own.
- Paddle - we will have kayak paddles for the boys for Thursday/Friday, but if anyone prefers a canoe paddle, you can bring your own.
- Dry bag - we have a few, but if any students have dry bags for holding waterbottles, lunches etc, this can help them stay dry on the river. Alternatives could include multiple ziplock bags around lunches, and well-sealing bottles in backpacks that can get wet.
