Adventure Backpack & Climb
Registration Deadline: April 30, 2025.
Paperwork Deadline: May 15, 2025.
Adventure Backpack and Climb is an exciting program designed for middle school youth to build confidence, develop new outdoor skills, and experience the thrill of adventure through backpacking, camping, and outdoor rock climbing.
This immersive course takes place in two stunning Wyoming locations—Snowy Range and Vedauwoo, both situated in the Medicine Bow National Forest. Over the course of the week, participants will practice essential outdoor skills, safety and navigation techniques, and teamwork, all while exploring some of Wyoming’s most beautiful landscapes.
- Day 1 (Monday): Kickoff at Women’s Wilderness
We’ll begin by getting to know one another through fun team-building activities. Together, we’ll learn the basics of packing a backpack and secure any gear needed from our gear library. Once ready, we’ll set off for our adventure in Wyoming! - Day 1-4 (Monday to Thursday): Backpacking in the Snowy Range
The week starts with a 12-mile backpacking journey on the Brown’s Peak Loop in the Snowy Range of Medicine Bow National Forest. This scenic route features high alpine lakes, towering peaks, and serene forests. Along the way, participants will:- Learn essential backpacking and backcountry camping skills.
- Practice trail navigation and safety.
- Take on leadership roles, learning to work as a team on the trail and at camp.
- Day 4-6 (Thursday to Saturday): Camping and Rock Climbing in Vedauwoo
On Thursday morning, we’ll hike out of the Snowy Range and drive to Vedauwoo, a breathtaking area known for its dramatic granite rock formations. We’ll enjoy two days of car camping and exploring Vedauwoo’s unique landscape.- Friday will be a highlight, featuring a full day of rock climbing led by professional rock climbing technicians. Participants will learn climbing techniques, build trust, and challenge themselves on the rock.
- All days in Vedauwoo will offer down time to explore the beauty of the location through hiking and/or nature play.
- Day 6: Goodbyes
We’ll return to Boulder on the afternoon of Saturday, July 19, to unpack and deissue our gear, while reflecting on our new skills, friendships, and unforgettable memories from a week of adventure in the Wyoming wilderness.
This course is led by professional and experienced outdoor guides and rock technicians with extensive experience in youth outdoor education. Each guide is a certified Wilderness First Responder and is fully trained in Women’s Wilderness curriculum and risk management protocols, ensuring a safe, enriching, and enjoyable experience for every participant. Each rock technician has a Single Pitch Instructor certification, at minimum.
Adventure Backpack & Climb Details:
- Ages: Entering grades 6-8 (and at least 10 years old)
- Dates: Monday, July 14 – Saturday, July 19, 2025
- Time: Drop Off – 7:00AM on start date / Pick Up – 3:00PM on end date
- Location: Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming – Snowy Range and Vedauwoo (Pick up and drop off at Women’s Wilderness headquarters in Boulder)
- Price: $1,230 pay-in-full or 4 payments of $307.50
- Activity level: intermediate. Some prior experience is recommended; ability to exert/push self in challenging ways
Financial Aid is core to our mission to make the outdoors accessible to all people. Please do not register for camp before receiving an award notice because we are unable to retroactively apply financial aid awards. Apply here for Financial Aid.
Activities & Features:
- Backpacking & rock climbing
- Campcraft, including tent set up and camp cooking
- Navigation, water treatment and other backcountry skills
- Journaling, art, and personal reflection
- Learn climbing technique, belaying, and safety knots
- Learn how to pack a backpack and sleep under the stars in backcountry environments
- Take space away from technology and screens
- Explore environmental stewardship through nature immersion
Included in the Program:
- Engaging activities: Daily hands-on experiences to inspire creativity and connection.
- Meals & Snacks: All meals and snacks are provided each day
- Outdoor gear: Access to essential items, including clothing and backpacks.
- Transportation: We handle all travel to and from the course locations in Wyoming (families must provide transportation to/from Women’s Wilderness)
- Camping essentials: All gear provided, including tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment.
- Backpacking essentials: All gear provided, including backpacks, lightweight cookware, and food
Everything is taken care of so participants can focus on having an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
A detailed list of items to bring for this course will be sent to families upon registration. Women’s Wilderness has most items in our gear library for participants to borrow and use (a gear reservation link will be sent to each family closer to the trip date).
Accessibility & Accommodations:
All physical, psychological, cultural, and religious accommodations of participants will be discussed and considered with families prior to camp.
- Physical: This course includes backpacking up to 4 miles per day. Participants should feel comfortable sleeping outdoors, in a tent, and on a sleeping pad. Access to restrooms on course include pit toilets and backcountry cat holes. Hand washing with water and soap provided.
- Psychological: Staff are trained to manage emotions that may influence a participant’s decision to participate, including fear and homesickness. We welcome youth who this would be their first time camping and/or first time overnighting away from home.
- Language: English is the primary language used during our field courses. While fluency is not required, participants must be able to understand instructions and directions, especially those related to safety and risk management.
Child Care Licensing Requirements:
Due to our licensing we are required to have all forms below that apply. Please make sure to make an appointment before the paperwork deadline:
- Required for ALL participants: Youth Health Form (Physical- We will provide the form)
- If participant has allergy that requires an epi-pen: Colorado Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan
- If participant has asthma: Colorado Asthma Care Plan and Medication
- If participant has seizures: Seizures Emergency Care Plan and Medication Orders
- If participant has been to counselor/therapist in past 2 years: Counselor/Therapist Form
This paperwork must be turned in by the paperwork due date MAY 15, 2025 for your student to keep their spot in our youth camp. Please make sure that your physical appointment is set before that date.
Curious about our philosophy, risk management protocols, and how to best prepare of the course? Click here to read our Parent & Family Guidebook.
For any questions email support@womenswilderness.org.
Additional Details
Price - $1,230
To register for this event please visit the following URL: https://form.jotform.com/250066533985160 →
Date And Time
July 19, 2025 @ 03:00 PM