Montana Alpine Backpacking - Youth Ventures

This 16-day adventure is an expedition into the Rocky Mountains of Montana. It includes rock climbing, solo, final expedition and a day of rafting. It is perfect for younger fit teens looking for challenge, teamwork and an accomplishment that will serve you for years to come.

From angular peaks, to alpine tundra, to geologic wonderlands of rock spires and fins, travel in Montana is unforgettable. Courses take place at 7,000 to 12,000 feet with “walkup” peaks that don’t require the heavy gear of technical mountaineering. Montana Alpine Backpacking courses take place at a variety of amazing wilderness areas in southwestern Montana. From the rugged peaks of the Pioneers and the expansive vistas and glacial lakes in the Bitterroot Range to the tallest peaks in Montana in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness, a wilderness expedition in Montana will be unforgettable.

Youth Ventures
The itinerary of a Youth Ventures course may be very similar to the Montana Alpine Backpacking course offered for 16-18 year olds but, we know that younger teens may have different interests or skills. The instructors’ job is to help the students be successful by teaching them wilderness skills, but that is not all that is needed to be successful on an expedition. To be successful on an expedition, as in life, you need to be able to work with others and communicate about things that are important, to make decisions and deal with challenge mentally as well as physically. With an extended backpacking expedition, challenge and opportunities to set goals are abundant, this course is so much more than a summer activity. It is a chance to gain life skills as well as wilderness skills, the little bits of experience and confidence that can make all the difference. This Youth Ventures backpacking course has a maximum age limit of 16 and a focus on self-reliance and success. Gorgeous landscape, cool instructors and a group of teens from all over the country make this trip unforgettable.

The Outward Bound Difference
You should know that this will not be a guided trip, it is a real expedition. That means you and everyone in your group will participate in everything from cooking to navigation to learning knots. You should also know that a team effort means sharing the load and working to make sure that the gear is divided appropriately, that the team works together to reach goals each day.

Course Description
It is Day 8. You are just past halfway through your Outward Bound course, solo starts tomorrow. But today you have to make it over a 10,000 foot pass before noon and you are in charge of navigation for the day. The group is packed and ready by breakfast with a little encouragement from the instructors. After breakfast you show the group the route for the day and where you are planning to camp that night remembering pretty much everything the instructors talked to you about the night before. Off you go.

Backpacking in Montana is an amazing way to experience challenge, beauty, freedom, peace and adventure all rolled up into one. Learn how to pack and fit your pack, read topographical maps, cross streams and travel as a team. Spend 1 full day rock climbing, depending on course length. Wearing a harness that allows a rope to be secured to your body, you climb up, while your belayer hauls up the rope as you climb so there is never any slack in the rope. The belayer uses a metal friction device that allows him or her to “lock” the rope in place so it will catch you if you fall. Fall!!! What!? Yes, you may fall. Yes, the rope will catch you. Faith in equipment, faith in yourself, freedom to try something daring and scary…that is the fun of rock climbing. Heart pounding, senses heightened you get to literally, in some cases, take a leap of faith. It will stretch your limits, your perceptions and your muscles.

After Solo, most groups take on the last challenge, Final Expedition. If you are ready, the instructors step back and let you and group take over the leadership of the expedition. They are there for safety but they may or may not speak up if you head down the wrong path. The success you experience will belong to you.

NOTE: Virtually all airlines, except United and Southwest, REQUIRE that travelers, age 14 or younger, flying without a companion over the age of 18 pay for their Unaccompanied Minor service. This fee ranges anywhere from $40 to $75 each way. In most cases, the Unaccompanied Minor service is OPTIONAL for travelers between the ages of 15-17.

To enroll in this course click the enroll button next to the course dates that work for you. To shop comparatively on line visit our Advanced Course Finder or better yet call one of our expert Admission Advisers at 866-467-7651. Course tuitions listed below do not include our Application Fee or Transportation Fee.

Region: Montana

Activities: Backpacking, low-impact camping, peak attempt, solo, service and final expedition

Additional Information:
Application Fee
Transportation Fee

scholarship program pick
Dates	Days	Age	Location	Tuition	Course	Enroll
07/09/08 to 07/24/08	16	14-16	Montana	$2795.00	DBY843
08/02/08 to 08/17/08	16	14-16	Montana	$2795.00	RBY844