Programs based at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center are either residential, dormitory based programs or field based programs. Residential programs are generally two or three days, while field based programs usually run for five days or longer.
Residential programs
Residential, or dormitory based, programs take place at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center and are ideal for younger children, shorter visits, or science intensive programs. Staying in dormitories removes the challenges of living outdoors. For some groups this makes the outdoor classroom more accessible and enjoyable.
Traditionally our programs begin with a parent and student meeting at your school to help prepare for the trip. We find this face to face contact extremely valuable, particularly for new schools.
Residential Programs at a glance:
Up to 30 Participants (some exceptions can be made to accomodate groups larger than 30)
Day trips explore the surrounding areas. See our programming options for more information
Two to four days in length
Participants sleep in our campus dormitories
Meals are prepared by cooks at the main facility
Field Based Programs
Field based programs offer the opportunity to experience the outdoor world on an intimate, continuous basis. This can allow a more seamless experience, prompt a curiosity in the natural sciences, and foster compassion for all living things. The value of this field program is total immersion in the landscape, the mountain environment of the Potomac Highlands. The beauty of the forest saturates the daily exercises of living, eating and sleeping. In this close setting, the importance of the natural world is interwoven with each educational exercise. Instructors craft learning sessions to incorporate the ecology, weather, and diversity of the area through which the students travel.
Equally valuable, the students work together to care for themselves and the group. With guidance and assistance from the instructors, the students cook meals, live in tents, and lead each other throughout the stay. Many find the cooperative living skills to be the most valuable aspect of a Mountain Learning course. This is the most popular format for sixth through tenth grade students.
1-7 Groups, 10-15 per group (contact us if you have a larger group)
