Mountaineer Backpacking Trip
Mountaineer Backpacking Trip
A five day introductory backpacking experience for youth to get outside and explore a backcountry wilderness area in the Monongahela National Forest.
Trip Overview
Join us for a backpacking expedition in wild and wonderful West Virginia. This is an introduction to backpacking for youth ages 10-13. Drop off on day one is at Blackwater Falls State Park, where we will spend the day checking equipment, learning how to set up tents, and cook on stoves. We’ll spend the night at the beautiful Blackwater Falls State Park and begin our backpacking trip the next morning. This trip will take us through the wild corners of a nearby wilderness area where we will test all of our new skills in a backcountry setting over the next four days. Families will pick up their children on the final day at 4 PM. Expect them to be muddy, smelly, and smiling!
Intended Outcomes
- Have fun!
- Explore one of the most majestic Wilderness Areas in the East
- Hang out with new friends and build an intentional community
- Learn and practice leadership, community, and technical skills
- Minimize our impact and apply Leave No Trace ethics during our trip and beyond
Travel Information
July 25: Meet us at the Pendleton Point Picnic Shelter at Blackwater Falls State Park at 9am
July 29: Pick up at Pendleton Point Picnic Shelter at Blackwater Falls State Park at 4pm
Location: Pendleton Point Picnic Shelter at Blackwater Falls State Park. This is where we will meet for drop off and pick up. Click here for a map.
What is the total cost of the trip?
$1,075
Why do we Charge This?
Safety, fun and learning are our main priorities. Tuition from these programs goes towards our highly developed risk management systems and top of the line gear that will keep participants warm, dry, and safe. Our instructors are the face of our programs, we seek to employ and retain highly qualified instructors and pay them a livable wage so that we can create the best possible experiences for our students. Lastly, as an education program, we are committed to teaching our intentional curriculum to create better leaders and more engaged citizens of this planet. Education is an investment in ourselves and our communities. If you are excited about our programs, but unable to afford the full tuition, consider applying for a scholarship or contacting us directly.
Tuition covers all trip costs including meals, travel, and accommodations. Participants will be responsible for hiking boots, personal items, and transportation to and from Davis, WV. APEX will provide group gear (e.g. tents, stoves, water systems, etc.) and has some personal equipment for rental (e.g. sleeping bags, and sleeping pads).
The cost of this trip is $1,075, but any participant living in and attending school in Tucker, Preston, Randolph, or Garrett County is automatically eligible for a $865 scholarship bringing the cost of the trip to $210. Contact us for coupon code.
For financial assistance and scholarship information please go to our Financial Assistance page. You will need to apply for Financial Assistance before registering for your program.
Discounts Available Upon Registration
WV Kids: $40 off for any child attending school in West Virginia or Garrett County, MD.
Kids Sibling: $20 off when you register 2 or more young people
Kids Multi-Session: $20 off when you register for 2 or more sessions for the same child
No code is needed; discounts are automatic!
Trip Details
July 25-29
Tucker, Preston, Randolph, and Garret County kids can attend the MBT for the same cost as the TCBT. Contact us for coupon code.
Application Deadline:
Spaces filling fast, don’t miss out!
Ages: 10-13
Activity: backpacking, camping
Location: Davis (prep day) & backcountry wilderness area (backpacking)
Difficulty: 4/10
Cost: $1,075*
*see below for more info