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Advanced 2023 Summer Programs

Subject to interest, location, and staffing.
Program Interest Request Form

 (2021) Advanced Adventurer Overnight!

​June 6 - 11, 2021
Ages 11 - 15 
Smoke Hole Canyon, WV
​
$795

Facilitated by Nick and May Joy Grenier, Amanda Gaylord and Jonathan Logan
​

Discount Codes:
​
EARLY ($50, expires 8 am on 5/17)
HOMESCHOOL ($50, if you are enrolled this season or enrolling for upcoming season by 5/23)
SIBLINGS & MILITARY ($50 each, but cannot be combined) 
REGISTER NOW!
Download the Gear List here:
gear_list_june2021_overnight.docx.pdf
File Size: 76 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Description
This overnight program offers a unique and powerful experience to a small group of intrepid explorers who:
  • Love to rock climb, or are excited to try it out!
  • Love rivers and swim holes.
  • Are ready for some wilderness survival challenges.
It is expected that each participant has some background or at least a strong interest in these areas, a good attitude, and of course, a sense of adventure!

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is a very psychological sport.  Each climb is a unique puzzle that you must solve with your mind and body.  On the one hand, it’s a partnership – you rely on someone you trust to belay you as you climb – to back you up, and catch you if you fall.  On the other hand, nobody else can climb it for you – it’s your climb!  You need to move past your fears, and innovate your way through novel sequences that each climb presents.  It’s a great metaphor for living boldly and independently, and as part of a community.      

Emphasis will be on safety, having fun, and working through challenges in a friendly, supportive environment.

This is a beautiful area to climb in, and features a good mix of climbs ranging from easy to advanced, and from 30’ to 85’ in height.  The dense canopy and mixed orientation of the cliff faces allows for great climbing even in summer, and is quick and easy to reach from the campground.  All climbing gear will be provided. 

Tubing

Big bend is a fantastic tubing destination.  The river is just the right size, and has a great mix of flat water with gentle current and sections of minor rapids.

This year we are meeting a month earlier than usual.  It is possible that water levels will be higher than previously, and so we may decide to use some larger crafts like canoes, rafts and/or inflatable kayaks depending on what the river looks like.

Either way, the scenery is incredible and it's wonderful to be on the water, drifting by the mountains, keeping an eye out for eagles soaring above, or perched on outcrops.

Survival challenges

Providing shelter, fire and water are the core skills needed for most real-life wilderness survival situations. Food is important for longer term scenarios.  Students will have opportunities to push their edges in some of these areas daily, culminating in a final group overnight challenge.

And more:

Other highlights from years past have included:
  • Exploring the magical side canyons that feature waterfalls and cascades across moss-covered stone.   
  • Hiking up to the Smoke Hole Cavern that the canyon is named after.
  • Relishing the thrill of a great rope swing jump into the river.
  • Catching reptiles, crayfish or fish and sunning and playing among the rocks and currents of the river.

What adventures will follow?

My goal is for your child to leave with the sense that: "That was awesome!  Life is awesome!  What a beautiful place earth is!  I can take on challenges, look after myself and others."  

My goal is to cultivate courage, confidence and responsibility.  I believe your child has wonderful qualities and capabilities to share with the world, and my goal is to help him or her to develop a sense of personal power and potential.  For your child to see life as full of promise, a world to relish, and have a visceral sense of what healthy, vibrant living is. 

Please contact Nick to learn more.
Please note:

Transportation will be provided to and from a mutually convenient meeting place near Tyson's Corner, VA.
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Beautiful, sandstone cliffs offer excellent, easily accessible rock-climbing.
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The rope swing is a major highlight of the canyon!
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An intensely steep hike leads to the Smokehole Cave.
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A little groggy but fine, after his first night in a survival shelter.
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The magic of the flames (above), and snug in a survival shelter one of our advanced students made and slept in (below). 
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Wilderness First Responder Badge from NOLS Wilderness Medicine
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