Appalachian Adventure for ages 9-13

Children of Augusta Families have a great number of choices about how to spend their summer. This year, The Mountain Institute is collaborating with Augusta Heritage Center to offer kids another reason to spend time with family in Elkins. Students will experience the outdoors in surrounding Randolph County in the Monongahela National Forest guided by The Mountain Institute’s experienced staff and their environmental education curriculum. Hike in nearby wilderness, explore a natural cave system, gain navigation skills, learn about our streams, and study the unique creatures that have been here even longer than the people. Students will return to campus to enjoy dinner and evening time with family for session playing and mountain inspired stories of the day.

Appalachian Adventure Activities Schedule

During the week, acquaintances will become friends and students will learn about the animals, birds and fish of the region, and gain new skills for enjoying time outdoors. We’ll travel by foot and van while seeing wilderness areas, local rivers, and trout streams and enjoying an afternoon underground in a cave. Days will start on campus after breakfast and will conclude on campus before dinner.

Monday: Orientation, staying found in the woods, Appalachian geology, nature hike in Otter Creek Wilderness

Tuesday:  Learn traditional navigation techniques using a map and compass, to hike to the summit of Bickle Knob with shuttle return to swimming hole along the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River.

Wednesday: Wildlife study of Appalachians, caving at Bowden cave

Thursday: Stream hike in the Monongahela National Forest learning about trout and their habitat.

Friday (if applicable):  Hike into the Monongahela National Forest and spend the day learning basic survival techniques such as creating natural shelters, building a fire, and making s’mores.

Medical Release form to be completed and returned with registration.

What to wear? Clothing (and gear) list.