Summer Adventures

Canoeing - Caving - Climbing - Wilderness Skills - Camping - Hiking - Backcountry Living - Leadership - Environmental Science - Cultural History - Mountains

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The Summer Programs of The Mountain Institute are in-depth explorations of science adventure, art, and self. We will explore the diverse ecology of the Appalachian Mountains through activities that focus on re-igniting the passion for learning that all children have. We will spend time in the wilderness or on our 400-acre campus noting a birdcall, learning traditional arts, exploring caves and rock faces, taking data regarding the health of local creeks, or examining the connections between art and nature. This is Mountain Learning.

Mountain Learning Programs offer students 34 years of experience in field-based environmental education. Mountain Learning provides people of all ages with opportunities to connect Appalachia’s natural history with its vibrant and rich cultural heritage. We believe that these connections with the mountains will lead our students to become stewards of their natural resources and to live conscientiously within these mountains and beyond.

Adventure Odyssey

Caving, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Canoeing, and the Via Ferrata
Dates: July 1 - July 7, 2007
Ages: 13-17
Tuition: $730.00

This is an adventure that you won’t soon forget! We’ll explore underground worlds, climb rock faces, mountain bike through the woods, and canoe pristine waters. Not to mention the Via Ferrata, a steel walk way designed to show you the best parts of the Nelson Rocks Preserve, with a 250-foot long 150-foot high cable bridge.

Astronomy Camp Pictures from 2004's camp

Constellations, Galaxies, Trip to Greenbank Radio Astronomy Observatory, Caving, Hiking, and Games

Dates: July 8 - July 14, 2007
Ages: 13-17
Tuition: $725.00

Get ready for a stellar experience! Come to one of the darkest places in the east to learn more about your universe. We will explore galaxies, star clusters, and nebulas and learn how to use our telescopes. We will take a field trip to the Greenbank Radio Astronomy Observatory to help us understand the different ways of interpreting and understanding our sky. We also have a portable planetarium just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

West Virginia Youth Ecology Camp I Pictures from 2004's camp

Exploration, Hiking, Creek Critters, Caving, Nature Study, Stars, and Games
Dates: July 29 - August 2, 2007
Ages: 9-11
Tuition: $440.00

The spirit of exploration will be our guide through the mountains of West Virginia. Explore the plants and animals found on the state’s highest mountain. Games, caves, and shooting stars will fill our five days. Begin your adventure with Youth Ecology I!

West Virginia Youth Ecology Camp II Pictures from 2005's camp
A Potomac Highlands Scientific Expedition

Creek Adventure, Canoeing, Backpacking, Caving, Hiking, Stars, Navigation, and Games
Dates: July 1 - July 7, 2007
Ages: 11-13
Tuition: $625.00

Awaken the scientist in you with Youth Ecology II! Come explore the many secrets this mountain landscape has to offer. We’ll crawl, hike, paddle, and admire the world around us. There will be games to play and adventures to be had with the TMI staff.

Family Adventures

Summer camp isn’t just for kids! These weekends offer adults and kids to have fun together and acquire new skills along the way. Camping, caving, stargazing, relaxing, and exploration of some of the most beautiful mountain spots are among the activities you can expect. Call for 1-800-874-3050 for details.

Adult Programs

Good-to-Know

Blacksmithing, Waltzing, Basic Car Care, Relaxation, Navigation, and more
Dates: May 25 - May 28, 2007
Tuition: $400

This one is for the lifelong learner. We decided to throw a bunch of lost arts that we think are fun into one program and see what happened. Waltzing, blacksmithing, tinkering with the car, exploring the mountains are just a few things we’ll get in to. Top that off with our best mountain cuisine and a great spot to unwind. Maybe we should call this Fun-to-Know?

Art of Nature

Sculpture, Collage, Watercolor, Sketching, Hiking, and Relaxation
Dates: June 22 - June 25, 2007
Tuition: $400

Whether you draw and doodle endlessly, or just looking for another way to enjoy nature, this is for you. Explore the connections between art and landscape while making your own masterpieces. Our 400-acre campus and unlimited access to open space is the perfect place to unleash your creativity. Join us!

*Photo by Jim Clark.