Hante WILD Tentative Itinerary

June 24th - July 13th, 2012

June 24^th  Arrive at Eagle’s Nest Camp ready to learn and grow while having a great time! We have a lot planned for the next three weeks, so we plan to get started right away! On the first day, we will meet, go over the itinerary, get our gear, and begin getting to know each other. The next day we’ll spend the morning on the lake adjusting to the water and working with a partner in tandem canoes. That afternoon will consist of packing out for the coming river trip!

June 26^th- July 3^rd Eight day whitewater paddling tour of the Southeast.  The progression of rivers will depend on dam release schedules and rainfall, but you can expect to paddle some of the most classic whitewater of the Appalachians including the Green, Tuckaseegee, Nantahala, French Broad, Watauga, and Nolichucky rivers.

July 4^th- July 6^th  Wilderness First Aid Course. During this three-day course, participants will learn first aid skills that can be used while traveling away from medical care. Eagle’s Nest (and many other outdoor education and recreation programs) requires that all of our wilderness staff members hold this certification, at a minimum. Successful completion of this course will earn participants a valuable certification that they can use when applying for and working as outdoor educators. During this portion of WILD, we will be based out of Eagle’s Nest at the Sun Lodge. Our evenings will be spent studying, enjoying each other’s company, and preparing for a student led back packing trip.

July 7^th - July  11th  Student-Led Expedition. For the next five days, students will participate in a self planned and led backpacking trip. During the trip, participants will take turns as “Leader of the Day,” practicing leading their peers and receiving valuable feedback for working with groups. We will hone in on our navigation, group management, and Leave No Trace skills along the way.  Additionally, we will return on the evening of July 11th just in time to be greeted by all of camp and watch the Musical with the whole Nest community! 

 July 12^th  Today the group will be cleaning up and going over some final concepts. The group will also take some time to reflect on their experience and receive feedback from your instructors, and that evening your Hante will wrap up with a closing celebration to complete your journey from student to teacher.  

July 13^th Departure day! Congratulations on a great job! We’re excited about a new generation of inspired outdoor educators to enter the field!