Articles

Summer WREN Wallowa Resources Exploration of Nature

Every summer we offer teen summer adventure courses. Typically, the courses have been week-long backpacking trips into the Eagle Cap and Hells Canyon Wilderness. Yet, future courses could also explore the use of pack animals in the wilderness, learning to camp in the outdoors, and much more. In each course, kids also participate in field ecology research for the US Forest Service. Our courses teach:

• field research methods
• leadership & teamwork skills
• natural & cultural history of the Wallowa County
• wilderness travel & survival skills

Registration for the 2013 summer season has begun.Click here for the current application.  If you have questions about registration or would like to learn more, please contact us.

Summer Backpacking Trips

 A weeklong course designed for teens (13-16) who want to become familiar with the ecology of the Eagle Cap and Hells Canyon Wilderness while learning how to backpack.Teens learn:

• field research methods
• minimum impact camping skills
• wilderness values and its history
  • backpacking skills, like
  • how to use a camp stove and cook in a wilderness setting
  • set up a tent
  • pack a backpack
  • use a map and compass
  • stay safe in the backcountry

Our summer backpacking trips focus on guiding teens in discovering one's self and place in the wilderness and in social and biological systems. Teens work together to ensure everyone excels during the trip whether it is getting breakfast ready for the group or helping a friend get up a steep climb. We provide daily opportunities for teens to reflect about the day through journaling. At night around the campfire, we discuss what is leadership and their place in a wild setting. Parents share with us that their teen comes back from our trip more confident in themself and more self- assured.

Our summer backpacking trips seek to:

• develop leadership and teamwork skills, like communication, trust and respect, in teens
• Build confidence, empowerment, and self-efficacy in teens
• Increase understanding of wilderness and wilderness values
• Teach backpacking skills
• Have teens perform real-life research in a wilderness setting for the USFS

Each trip is limited to 9 students. Tuition $200 includes instruction, food, transportation, and backpacking gear if needed.

Scholarships available to Wallowa County students.

Click here for the current application . Check out the events calendar for trip dates. For more information, please contact us.