Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing, New Castle,VA
Celebrating 32 years of memorable adventures!
All-outdoor Expedition-Style Program
No mess halls, no cabins, no flushing toilets…just fresh air and the great outdoors! Our philosophy is to immerse participants in a wilderness environment which inherently builds positive character, leadership traits, and self-confidence. Designed by our inspiring staff of outdoor professionals, this unique camp centers on backpacking, biking, and paddling through the southwest VA National Forests and participating in adventure activities. Through careful instruction and positive encouragement from our experienced leaders and instructors, participants are motivated to face challenges that require both teamwork and individual effort. By achieving both group and personal goals, they develop strength, character and confidence to carry with them throughout their lives.
THE TRIPS
.jpg)
Covering all levels of experience, our programs include one, two and three-week trips. We recommend beginning with our Outdoor Discovery (9-10 year olds), 1 Week Classic Adventures or 2 Week Classic Expeditions. For those experienced or enthusiastic teenagers with passion for a particular activity, we recommend one of our Specialty Trips such as Go-with-the-Flow (water sport focused), 1-week Mountain Biking trip, or our new 2-week Over & Under…climbing and caving specialty adventure! For our experienced participants looking for the greatest challenge we offer, we recommend our Wilderness Leadership Course.
small Groups, trained leaders
Each trip has a maximum of 12 co-ed participants under the supervision and direction of two leaders, one male and one female, who remain with the group 24/7 throughout their adventure. Each group operates independently from any other course on the trail allowing members to form tight bonds and work through challenges from beginning to end with one another…building trust, communication, laughter and leadership.
During more adventurous activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and whitewater kayaking, groups are joined by a trained instructor, bringing the staff to participant ratio down to 1:4. Our staff are selected each year from a large pool of applicants based on their individual character and their passion for teaching in the outdoors. Each leader is required to complete our immersive 14-day orientation program where we hone in on our policies, safety protocol and procedures, leadership skills, and group management techniques. Activity instructors are trained rigorously at industry standards to ensure the highest level of safety and individual instruction. All staff members have current background checks and a minimum of Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications.
No Experience necessary…all equipment provided
From the very beginning, our goal has been to provide every child access to the outdoors regardless of experience or whether they have their own equipment or not. Upon arrival, group leaders will assign a full set of personal gear to each camper…water bottle, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, etc. along with sets of group gear such as cook gear and tents. Honestly, campers don’t need to bring a single thing other than their personal clothing items and a positive attitude. We’ll take care of the rest!
Challenge by Choice
We believe that the greatest accomplishments are achieved when the decision to try is made by the participant. With this in mind, our leaders and instructors challenge and encourage each participant to step out of -and thus, grow- their comfort zone in a safe environment. Each activity is taught from a beginner level and then molded to the abilities and enthusiasm of the individual participant. Wilderness Adventure is not an "at-risk" program or a camp for troubled youth, each participant agrees to approach their adventure with a positive attitude.
.jpg)
Leave No Trace
By teaching participants back country skills for traveling, setting up camp, cooking and personal hygiene, they not only gain a unique connection with their environment but also a strong sense of self-reliance. We educate participants about and practice the 7 Principles of LNT: plan ahead & prepare, travel & camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.