emerging explorers
Begin Your Journey
Rooted in environmental education, this course increases students’ confidence in the outdoors and gives them space to develop their own unique sense of self.
Students learn the basics of hiking, camping, outdoor safety, and participate in adventure activities like horseback riding, white water rafting, and outdoor rock climbing. Other activities include wildlife identification, endangered species education, with daily reflections and journaling in environmental topics.
Perfect for any student entering 7th or 8th grade year- this summer experience is filled with a sampling of outdoor activities perfect for any experience level.
Any student who will be entering 7th or 8th grade in the Fall. No previous camping experience needed but most importantly all applicants should have a high desire to try new things and be open to challenge.
We know not every student is the same. Exceptions may apply, just ask!
Before heading to Wyoming, we spend a night together so students can meet each other, their counselors and talk about their upcoming journey.
They’ll learn basic rules, create a group agreement and begin some outdoor skills. Attendance is required for new students unless approved beforehand.
Emerging Explorers takes students to our cabin in Centennial, Wyoming. From there we are a short drive to the Medicine Bow Mountain range, and Fort Collins, Colorado where we raft!
The 8 days at camp go fast, each one filled with a new activity and lesson to learn. All the physical activities at camp are set at a beginner level with the options to go farther. All the hikes vary in distance and difficulty but in total we hike 15+ miles over the week. Including a 7 mile hike to the top of a mountain!
There’s plenty of relaxing time too, we’ll soak in a natural hot spring, journal, play games, craft, and enjoy evenings around a camp fire.
Since most of our students attend different Junior High and High Schools, we love getting them back together after our trip to share stories, look at pictures, and remember all they accomplished as a group.
Reunion activities may vary each year but are usually in September, specifics are listed in student application.
Emerging Explores is only the beginning of Go Beyond! We have quarterly local activities to continue outdoor skills learned at camp. Students who complete Emerging Explorers are invited back next summer for Advanced Adventures. They get to return to Wyoming, but go farther in the state, visit National Parks, and learn even more about themselves.
Program Outcomes
Personal Development
Personal Development
Community Engagement
Community Development
Environmental Awareness
Environmental Awareness
Challenge Seeking
Challenge Seeking
2020 Summer Dates
2020 Summer Dates
Activities
Rock Climbing
Hiking
Medicine Bow Peak
Campfire Cooking
White Water
Horse Riding
Night Sky
Journaling
Wyoming Toad

“Thank you so much for all your help and giving me the opportunity to go to camp. It was so much fun meeting new people.”
– ALEXIS 2016