The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Agriculture have joined together with 12 land grant universities to offer military teens an opportunity to go to a low-cost, high adventure camp at one of 50 locations. Four of these camps are also offering high-adventure opportunities to family members with special needs.
CAMPS IN WASHINGTON
April 30-May 1, 2011; May 14-15, 2011; September 17-18, 2011; September 25-28, 2011
Participants: 16
Ages: 14-18
Primary activities: Sailing, camping, hiking, games
A unique opportunity awaits you: step back in time and crew the Cutty Sark, setting sail in the Strait of Juan de Fuca just like the earliest explorers did as they mapped and enjoyed the incredible sights of Washington state's inland waterways. Departing from Coronet Bay on Whidbey Island, sail through Deception Pass en route to uninhabited islands where you will drop anchor and set up camp for the evening. Captain John Stone will share nautical history, lore, and intriguing stories around the campfire. While on board, as a crew member you will learn to sail this magnificent vessel, navigate using both ancient and modern technology, and gain an appreciation for life on the high seas.
http://4h.wsu.edu/adventurecamp/index.html
Kevin Powers
509-667-6540, kcpowers@wsu.edu
June 15-19, 2011 (Subject to change based on weather conditions)
Participants: 18
Ages: 14-18
Primary activities: Ropes course activities, camping, river rafting
This adventure will begin with two days on the 4-H "Challenge" Ropes Course. Here you will prepare for our whitewater adventure on the Methow River outside of Winthrop in Okanogan County. Orion Expeditions will provide boats and guides, creating the perfect combination for an overnight action-packed, fun-filled trip down the Methow River. Watch wildlife on the rolling hills or along the river bank as you raft through some of the best scenery north-central Washington has to offer.
http://4h.wsu.edu/adventurecamp/index.html
Kevin Powers
509-667-6540, kcpowers@wsu.edu
June 26-July 2, 2011
Participants: 60
Ages: 14-18
Primary activities: Backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, ropes course, traditional camp activities
The Mountains-to-Sound Adventure Camp offers military teens a great adventure in the Pacific Northwest. After building their adventure team on a low ropes course, groups will learn the necessary skills to navigate their adventure. Campers will be challenged in one of the following adventures: backpacking in the Olympic Mountains or on its coast, sea kayaking, canoeing, or rowing traditional longboats in Hood Canal and Puget Sound. Other camp activities will include arts and crafts, swimming, hiking, outdoor cooking, and campfires.
http://4h.wsu.edu/adventurecamp/index.html
Kevin Powers
509-667-6540, kcpowers@wsu.edu
July 11-15, 2011; August 8-12, 2011; July 25-29, 2011; August 15-18, 2011
Participants: 8 per trip
Ages: 14-18
Primary activities: Ropes course, hiking, camping, and rock climbing
Each of these 1-week adventures will take place in some of the most spectacular locations in the Cascade Mountain Range in north-central Washington. These adventures will be offered in a variety of locations, providing high adventure experiences such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and all the fresh air and high country scenery you can handle.
http://4h.wsu.edu/adventurecamp/index.html
Kevin Powers
509-667-6540, kcpowers@wsu.edu
August 1-5, 2011
Participants: 25
Ages: 14-18
Primary activities: Hiking, camping, rock climbing
This unique opportunity provides a chance to visit the North Cascades, nicknamed the "American Alps," for the open cliff faces and deep, glacially carved valleys that are also characteristic of the European Alps. This 3-day, 2-night experience will take place at the Mazama Outward Bound Base Camp. Come and experience this outdoor living adventure where you will be immersed in a wide range of wilderness skills and activities including rock climbing, camping, and hiking.
http://4h.wsu.edu/adventurecamp/index.html
Kevin Powers
509-667-6540, kcpowers@wsu.edu
October 23-24, 2011 (Subject to change based on weather conditions)
Participants: 16
Ages: 14-18
Primary activities: Hiking, camping, games, nature mapping
Long before highways crossed the mountains, the Colockum Trail was the only way to travel from just about anywhere to what is now known as Chelan County. WSU Chelan County Extension manages over 11,000 acres of shrub-steppe, rangeland, and forest habitat that is the winter grazing area for the largest elk herd in Washington state. Come to the Colockum and visit historic sites, remnants of homesteads, and the life of an era long past. Tour some of the state's most prolific wildlife habitat with a professional guide and look for mule deer, elk, and other native species on the preserve. Help wildlife biologists collect data that will assist in the management of resident wildlife.
http://4h.wsu.edu/adventurecamp/index.html
Kevin Powers
509-667-6540, kcpowers@wsu.edu
December 29, 2011; December 30, 2011
Participants: 16 per trip
Ages: 14-18
Primary activities: Downhill skiing, snowboarding
Stevens Pass is located on the crest of the Cascade Mountains in Washington state and is recognized as one of the premier skiing and boarding resorts in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are a seasoned skier or wanting to try snowboarding or downhill skiing for the first time, this activity will definitely present opportunities for all. You will be provided with everything needed to enjoy a day on the slopes including boots, equipment, lift tickets, and instruction from qualified professionals.
http://4h.wsu.edu/adventurecamp/index.html
Kevin Powers
509-667-6540, kcpowers@wsu.edu
December 29, 2011; December 30, 2011
Participants: 16
Ages: 14-18
Primary activities: Downhill skiing, snowboarding
Mission Ridge is located just outside Wenatchee, Washington, on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range and is home to some of the best "dry side" skiing in the northwest. Whether you are a seasoned skier or wanting to try snowboarding or downhill skiing for the first time, this activity will present the opportunity to create memories that will last for a lifetime. Mission Ridge will provide everything for your day on the slopes including boots, equipment, lift tickets, and instruction through their professional ski school.
http://4h.wsu.edu/adventurecamp/index.html
Kevin Powers
509-667-6540, kcpowers@wsu.edu
January 7-10, 2012; January 21-24, 2012; February 11-14, 2012; February 25-28, 2012
Participants: 16
Ages: 14-18
Primary activities: Snowshoeing, wildlife tracking, nature mapping
Whether this is your first time on snowshoes or if you want to take your snowshoeing adventures to a higher level, this activity is for you. See what stories are being told by the tracks left behind by wildlife and learn how to read and interpret track and trails with our experienced guides and naturalists. It is not uncommon to see eagles, hawks, mule deer, snowshoe hares, river otters, and many other critters that are native to this amazing region or passing through on major migratory routes that cross our state. Quality snowshoes and equipment will be provided for this journey into the wild.
http://4h.wsu.edu/adventurecamp/index.html
Kevin Powers
509-667-6540, kcpowers@wsu.edu
April 5-10, 2012
Participants: 12
Ages: 14-18
Primary activities: Whitewater rafting, camping
How would you like to spend your spring break rafting down the Deschutes River in central Oregon with Orion Expeditions? This is an inclusive and amazing 5-day trip that runs some of the best whitewater in the northwest. Each day you will travel down the river just as the first explorers did and camp for the evening with plenty of time for enjoying the area, the company of your river companions, and sharing stories around the campfire at night.
http://4h.wsu.edu/adventurecamp/index.html
Kevin Powers
509-667-6540, kcpowers@wsu.edu
TBD, 2012 (Subject to change based on weather conditions)
Participants: 18
Ages: 14-18
Primary activities: Ropes course activities, camping, river rafting
This adventure will begin with 2 days on the 4-H "Challenge" Ropes Course. Here you will prepare for our whitewater adventure on the Methow River outside of Winthrop in Okanogan County. Orion Expeditions will provide boats and guides, creating the perfect combination for an overnight action-packed, fun-filled trip down the Methow River. Watch wildlife on the rolling hills or along the river bank as you raft through some of the best scenery north-central Washington has to offer.
http://4h.wsu.edu/adventurecamp/index.html
Kevin Powers
509-667-6540, kcpowers@wsu.edu