Wilderness Ventures connects great people with fantastic environments through fun and meaningful activities. Since our first teen outdoor adventure in 1973, learning about the natural history of the environments we visit (our “Last Best Places” as we like to call them) has been integral to our curriculum. This year, students will benefit from from meaningful natural science components that we have carefully embedded into our outdoor adventures. Here are a few experiential, scientific learning opportunities for WV students of any age.
6th Graders
As part of our introductory adventure to the golden state of California, students spend a valuable day learning about the marine wildlife that populates the waters of Monterey Bay – first with an inspiring visit to the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, then students will get an up-close look at Pacific marine life on a fun kayaking trip on the bay’s blue waters.
7th and 8th Graders
On our 14-day Blue Ridge Adventure, students learn about stream ecology during a day-long in-the-water educational experience in cooperation with the National Forest Service. As part of this fun and substantive program, students collect water samples, analyze watershed health and learn about the species that populate the beautiful streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
High Schoolers
Students looking for an iconographic scientific education experience should look into the Ecuador and Galapagos Service Adventure. This amazing trip has scientific learning components in both the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon. Students learn to rehabilitate injured jungle animals such as turtles and condors during a 4-day stay in a remote animal rescue center. On the Galapagos Islands, students learn first hand about evolutionary biology and species conservation.
College Students
While completing their Wilderness First Aid course as part of our Alaska College Leadership Expedition, students gain in-depth applied knowledge of human physiology and epidemiology. The two-day Wilderness First Aid certification prepares students to treat a myriad of illnesses and injuries, how to act decisively in times of need and how to adapt their newfound knowledge for an outdoor setting.
Whether it’s scuba diving in the warm waters of The Great Barrier Reef, hiking through the Spanish Pyrenees or exploring the geothermic wonders of Yellowstone National Park, each of our 53 teen adventure programs blend substantive scientific learning with inspiring environments and exciting activities. For availability or information about the best summer of your life, please call 800-533-2281.
