Adventure Education Programs
Camp Wesley Woods offers a wide variety of Adventure Education programming. Adventure Education asks students to step outside of their "comfort zone" to learn more about who they are and how they interact with others. While done in an environment that focuses on safety, the challenges presented by adventure activities create opportunities to explore issues of trust, overcoming fear, self-confidence and teamwork.
Adventure Education Course Descriptions
All adventure education activities require at least 3 hours to complete successfully.
Backpacking & Camping (7th Grade and Older)
An opportunity for a night on the mountain with students’ participation in basic camp craft skills. Students hang tarps over platforms in the woods approximately 1 mile from the Tipton Lodge.
Blueberry Hike (4th Grade and Older)
This hike is for the more adventurous classes. The trail is steep, narrow, and winding, but leads through spectacularly varied micro-climates where students will identify common flora to compare and contrast the surrounding forest types. Lofty overlooks offer views of the Great Smoky Mountains like no place else in our trail system. Students will get wet as they enjoy creek-walking through the steep gorge to experience nature as early explorers saw it and scale water cascades in team-building and personal challenge. Carry an extra pair of shoes to stay comfortable. This hike’s availability is limited in cold weather or high water. Common Core Standards: Science GLE 0407.2.1, GLE 0407.5.1, GLE 0507.2.3, SPI 0607.2.3, GLE 0707.7.6
Caving (6th Grade and Older)
Visit a wild cave to learn about these unique karst habitats. Get filthy crawling through small opening and see beautiful underground rock formations. This program is off-site and requires an entire day.
Challenge Course (4th Grade and Older)
Group initiative activities involving safe but challenging problem-solving. Excellent as a cooperation and trust builder within small groups. Discussion emphasizes communication, leadership, and living in a community.
Climbing Wall/Tower (3rd Grade and Older)
Students learn the fundamentals of climbing and experience the thrill of reaching the top. 6th grade and up will be able to incorporate the rappelling tower also. Students will be belayed with harnesses and ropes during this activity.
Flat Water and River Canoeing (6th Grade and Older)
A chance to learn boating safety while experiencing the beauty of an East Tennessee River. Where this trip is taken depends on water levels in the river and availability is limited in cold weather or high water.
High Ropes Course II (6th Grade and Older)
Designed as an individual initiative challenge to increase self-confidence, build trust, and push individual comfort zones. Harness and helmet will be worn while doing this activity and students will be belayed on ropes.
New Ropes Course (5th Grade and Older)
New in 2016, this complex of multiple elements accommodates various ages and goals. As we discuss your goals for your trip, our staff will design just the right experience for your students to push individual comfort zones and work together as a team - all while having fun. Harness and helmet will be worn while doing this activity and students will be belayed on ropes.
Rock Climbing and Rappelling (6th Grade and Older)
An opportunity for students to experience the fundamentals of rock climbing and rappelling on a real rock face. Harness and helmet will be worn while doing this activity and students will be belayed on ropes.
Swimming in the Little River (4th Grade and Older)
Take a refreshing dip in the Little River at Wesley Landing. Shoes with heel straps must be worn. This program’s availability is limited in cold weather or high water.
Backpacking & Camping (7th Grade and Older)
An opportunity for a night on the mountain with students’ participation in basic camp craft skills. Students hang tarps over platforms in the woods approximately 1 mile from the Tipton Lodge.
Blueberry Hike (4th Grade and Older)
This hike is for the more adventurous classes. The trail is steep, narrow, and winding, but leads through spectacularly varied micro-climates where students will identify common flora to compare and contrast the surrounding forest types. Lofty overlooks offer views of the Great Smoky Mountains like no place else in our trail system. Students will get wet as they enjoy creek-walking through the steep gorge to experience nature as early explorers saw it and scale water cascades in team-building and personal challenge. Carry an extra pair of shoes to stay comfortable. This hike’s availability is limited in cold weather or high water. Common Core Standards: Science GLE 0407.2.1, GLE 0407.5.1, GLE 0507.2.3, SPI 0607.2.3, GLE 0707.7.6
Caving (6th Grade and Older)
Visit a wild cave to learn about these unique karst habitats. Get filthy crawling through small opening and see beautiful underground rock formations. This program is off-site and requires an entire day.
Challenge Course (4th Grade and Older)
Group initiative activities involving safe but challenging problem-solving. Excellent as a cooperation and trust builder within small groups. Discussion emphasizes communication, leadership, and living in a community.
Climbing Wall/Tower (3rd Grade and Older)
Students learn the fundamentals of climbing and experience the thrill of reaching the top. 6th grade and up will be able to incorporate the rappelling tower also. Students will be belayed with harnesses and ropes during this activity.
Flat Water and River Canoeing (6th Grade and Older)
A chance to learn boating safety while experiencing the beauty of an East Tennessee River. Where this trip is taken depends on water levels in the river and availability is limited in cold weather or high water.
High Ropes Course II (6th Grade and Older)
Designed as an individual initiative challenge to increase self-confidence, build trust, and push individual comfort zones. Harness and helmet will be worn while doing this activity and students will be belayed on ropes.
New Ropes Course (5th Grade and Older)
New in 2016, this complex of multiple elements accommodates various ages and goals. As we discuss your goals for your trip, our staff will design just the right experience for your students to push individual comfort zones and work together as a team - all while having fun. Harness and helmet will be worn while doing this activity and students will be belayed on ropes.
Rock Climbing and Rappelling (6th Grade and Older)
An opportunity for students to experience the fundamentals of rock climbing and rappelling on a real rock face. Harness and helmet will be worn while doing this activity and students will be belayed on ropes.
Swimming in the Little River (4th Grade and Older)
Take a refreshing dip in the Little River at Wesley Landing. Shoes with heel straps must be worn. This program’s availability is limited in cold weather or high water.
