COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Number

NTYF-2542

Date

July 15, 2025 - July 28, 2025

Blue Ridge Mountains Backpacking & Canoeing

Participants will tackle whitewater rapids in some of the oldest mountains in the world on this backpacking and whitewater canoeing course. In addition to learning whitewater canoeing skills students will backpack with their crew through the Western North Carolina region which is home to hundreds of waterfalls, over a million acres of national forest, park and public land, roaring rivers and the highest peaks in the Eastern United States.

Sample Course Itinerary
This is only a SAMPLE itinerary only. Adjustments will be made due to weather, programming area availability and group dynamics.
 
DAY 1: Course start
DAY 2-3: Backpacking training expedition: navigation and safety management skills
DAY 4: Service project: trail building or work with community service organization
DAY 5-7: Whitewater canoeing: paddle strokes, boat maneuvers, rapid scouting, self-rescue
DAY 8-9: Backpacking main expedition: advanced navigation and group decision-making
DAY 10: Solo
DAY 11-12: Backpacking final expedition: leadership and independence
DAY 13: Personal challenge event, clean and de-issue gear, graduation ceremony
DAY 14: Course end. Transportation to the airport.