Summit to Sea
Outdoor Leadership Summer Camp

Our Outdoor Leadership Summer Camp is a four-week, high-energy expedition for high school students who want more than just s’mores and tie-dyed t-shirts (though we will also be doing that). This is a full-on summit-to-sea adventure, tracing the Potomac River from its secret beginnings deep underground to its final splash into the Atlantic. Week one kicks off below the surface, caving at the headwaters of the Potomac. In week two, we climb high above the river on wild cliffs with sweeping views of the valley below. Then it’s into canoes for an multi-night paddle journey down the Potomac, with campfires, stars, and everything that comes with life on the water. The final week? We swap canoes for sea kayaks and follow the current all the way to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, students build real outdoor skills—navigation, rescue, teamwork, leadership—and leave with the kind of confidence that only comes from earning every inch of every mile.

Overview

This camp is designed for high school students with a strong interest in the outdoors and a desire to grow as leaders. Whether your child is considering a career in outdoor education, environmental science, guiding, or youth leadership, this four-week program offers real-world experience, hands-on training, and expert mentorship in some of the most beautiful wilderness areas on the East Coast. Through caving, climbing, canoeing, and sea kayaking, participants will gain confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and decision-making skills that will serve them far beyond the trail. It’s a meaningful, challenging, and unforgettable adventure for teens ready to take the next step in their personal and professional development.

Cost and Date

June 15th - July 12th 2026

$3,500 per student

This all-inclusive fee covers:

28 days of expert instruction and mentorship
All technical gear for caving, climbing, canoeing, and kayaking
Group transportation from Spruce Knob to the Chesapeake Bay
All meals and backcountry provisions
Campsite and permit fees
Course materials and trip journal
Lifelong bragging rights

Scholarships for West Virginia Residents

We believe young people from West Virginia should have every opportunity to explore and lead in the wild places that make this state so special. That’s why we offer need-based scholarships for West Virginia residents attending our Outdoor Leadership Summer Camp. These scholarships are designed to reduce financial barriers and support students who show curiosity, grit, and a desire to grow as outdoor leaders—regardless of income.

Whether you’re from a small town in the mountains or a hollow at the end of the road, we want you here. Full and partial scholarships are available, and applying is simple. Just fill out a short application, tell us a little about yourself, and we’ll take it from there.

Let us help you get on the trail.

Summit to sea
Outdoor Leadership camp
At a Glance

Week 1 – Caving: The Hidden Headwaters

Location: Potomac Highlands – near Spruce Knob
Focus: Team-building, cave navigation, vertical systems, expedition mindset

Begin the journey underground at the headwaters of the Potomac River
Learn safe movement in caves, LNT principles, vertical caving techniques, and karst geology
Explore multiple wild caves and develop group cohesion and trust
Emphasis on communication, staying calm under pressure, expanding comfort zones, and situational awareness
Camp at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center with evening reflections.

Week 2 – Climbing: View from Above

Location: Seneca Rocks & Surrounding Crags
Focus: Climbing systems, risk assessment, problem-solving, confidence

Shift from below the earth to the cliffs above the Potomac watershed
Learn belaying, rappelling, movement on rock, and climbing safety
Practice leadership and decision-making in vertical terrain
Summit Seneca Rocks
Enjoy panoramic views of the Potomac watershed while building personal resilience

Week 3 – Canoeing: Following the Flow

Location: Upper Potomac River
Focus: Canoe skills, backcountry camping, group logistics, water travel

Multi-day descent down the Potomac by canoe
Learn paddle strokes, water safety, river reading, and gear management
Overnight on riverbanks with rustic campsites and campfire leadership talks
Take turns navigating, leading the group, and managing group morale
Grow as a team through shared challenges and unexpected moments

Week 4 – Sea Kayaking: To the Bay and Beyond

Location: Chesapeake Bay & Atlantic Coast
Focus: Coastal navigation, expedition leadership, environmental awareness

Transition to sea kayaks and paddle tidal waters and coastal inlets
Learn tide charts, weather reading, group management on open water
Reflect on the journey from summit to sea—both personal and literal
End at the Atlantic Ocean, having traveled the full length of a river system
Celebrate completion on the beach

Week One: Caving

Week Two: Climbing

Week Three: Canoeing

Week Four: Kayaking

We're serious about safety

Safety is the absolute foundation of everything we do at this camp—full stop. This is a high-adventure program that includes real risk, but that risk is always managed with professionalism, preparation, and a deep respect for both the environment and the people in it. I’ve spent nearly two decades leading groups through caves, rivers, cliffs, and coastlines, and I bring that hard-earned experience—and all the certifications and judgment that come with it—into every decision I make. I am a certified Wilderness First Aid Instructor, Vertical Caving Trainer, Lead Climbing Guide, and Kayak and Canoe Instructor, and I train my team to meet the same high standards. Every activity is preceded by safety briefings, gear checks, and instruction that ensures students not only understand what to do, but why it matters. We practice situational awareness, risk assessment, group management, and emergency response from day one. This isn’t about fear—it’s about empowering students to feel confident, competent, and aware in challenging environments. Our goal is for every camper to finish the program not only safe and healthy, but stronger, smarter, and more capable because of how seriously we take their well-being. I’m not just here to run an adventure—I’m here to bring people home better than they arrived.

What Will They Walk Away With?

By the end of this four-week journey, your child will be stronger, more confident, and absolutely glowing with stories. They’ll have rappelled into a cave, paddled the length of the Potomac, stood at the base of a cliff and climbed it, and traced an entire watershed from its hidden source to the wide-open sea. That’s not just a trip—that’s a life-changing experience wrapped in dirt, laughter, and real-world skill.

They’ll walk away with tangible outdoor certifications, technical skills in caving, climbing, canoeing, and kayaking, and a deep understanding of what it means to lead in challenging, dynamic environments. But even more valuable than that? They’ll come home with better communication, sharper decision-making, and the ability to manage themselves and others under pressure. They'll know how to handle setbacks, stay calm in the unknown, and work with a team toward a shared goal.

This isn’t a camp where they sit around waiting for someone to entertain them. This is a camp where they become the person others look to when something needs to get done—whether that’s building a fire, solving a navigation challenge, or helping someone through a tough moment on the river. They’ll learn how to lead, how to follow, and how to recognize when each one matters most.

And let’s be honest—when they come home and casually mention they acsending out of a pit, paddled tidal waters to the Chesapeake Bay, or cooked dinner for their group after a 12-mile paddle, you’re going to see a version of them that’s more capable, grounded, and independent than ever before. This is what happens when teens are trusted with real adventure, real responsibility, and real mentorship.

Your child will return with sore muscles, muddy boots, a full journal, and a new kind of confidence that no classroom or screen can offer. And best of all? They’ll have come to appreciate every minute of it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is this camp for?

This camp is designed for high school students (ages 14–18) who are excited about the outdoors, curious about adventure leadership, or looking to challenge themselves in a fun, supportive environment. No prior experience in climbing, caving, or paddling is necessary—we’ll teach all the technical skills along the way. All we ask is that students come ready to participate, try new things, and be part of a team.

Do participants need to be in top physical shape?

Not at all—but they should be reasonably active and prepared for long, full days. We’ll be hiking, paddling, climbing, and crawling in caves, so a basic level of fitness helps, but the program is designed to build strength and confidence over time. What matters more than fitness is a positive attitude, willingness to try, and ability to work as part of a group.

How many participants will there be?

We cap enrollment at 12 participants, with a small instructor-to-student ratio (1:4) to ensure personalized attention, mentorship, and safety throughout the entire program.

What’s included in the $3,500 tuition?

Pretty much everything once the program begins:

28 days of expert instruction and leadership mentoring
All technical gear for climbing, caving, canoeing, and kayaking
Transportation from Spruce Knob to the Chesapeake Bay
All meals and snacks
Campsite and permit fees
Course materials and a field journal
Access to scholarship opportunities for WV residents

What’s not included: travel to/from the start or end of camp, personal clothing and gear (you’ll get a packing list), and any optional spending money.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes! We offer need-based scholarships, with priority given to West Virginia residents. Full and partial scholarships are available. The application is simple—just fill out a short form and tell us a bit about yourself or your family’s financial situation. We believe cost should never be a barrier to life-changing outdoor experiences.

What kind of food is provided?

We eat well! Meals are healthy, hearty, and designed for active teens. Think burrito bowls, pasta, trail lunches, breakfast scrambles, and the occasional s’more. Students help with cooking and cleanup (an important leadership skill). We accommodate dietary needs—just let us know in advance.

Where do participants sleep?

We’ll be camping the entire time—a mix of basecamps, remote backcountry sites, and riverside overnights. Students will sleep in tents, usually shared with one or two others. It’s all part of the experience: unplugged, grounded, and immersed in the outdoors.

Is it safe?

Safety is our top priority. The program is led by experienced, certified outdoor professionals, including wilderness first aid instructors, climbing guides, and rescue-trained caving leaders. We carry first aid kits and communication systems and have detailed emergency plans for each part of the expedition. Students are trained in safety protocols from day one.

What gear will my child need?

We provide all the technical gear (helmets, tents, ropes, harnesses, paddles, boats, etc.). Participants will need personal clothing and camping gear (sleeping bag, backpack, boots, etc.). A full packing list will be provided upon registration—and we’re happy to help families borrow or rent anything they don’t have.

Will students have access to phones or electronics?

Nope—and that’s on purpose. This is a fully unplugged experience. We’ll carry emergency communication devices, but students will be off screens to stay present, engaged, and connected to the group and the wild around them. Trust us—they won’t miss it. That being said, they will be allowed to use electronics each Sunday of the camp and, if needed, can contact their parent/ guardian anytime.

How do you handle homesickness or group dynamics?

We create a supportive, team-oriented environment where everyone has a role and a voice. Our staff are trained to recognize and respond to homesickness, group tension, or emotional challenges. There’s daily reflection, tons of laughs, and lots of encouragement. Most students surprise themselves with how quickly they adjust—and how much they love the experience by the end.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

We run rain or shine, with flexible plans and backup routes for storms or extreme conditions. Risk management is built into everything we do, and our instructors are skilled at keeping the group safe while still making the most of the adventure.

How do students get to and from the camp?

Families are responsible for drop-off at Spruce Knob, WV and pickup at our final coastal location near the Chesapeake Bay (exact address provided upon registration). If transportation is a barrier, let us know—we can assist with carpooling or shuttle options.

How do I register my child?

Fill out the contact form on our website. After we talk, you'll receive an application package. We recommend applying early—spots are limited. Once accepted, you’ll receive a welcome packet with forms, packing lists, and everything you need to prepare.

Summit to Sea Outdoor Leadership Summer Camp