Adventure Camp Activities

Under Western Skies (UWS) offers a variety of mountain adventure sports and outdoor wilderness activities during our teen boys adventure camp itineraries. From backpacking to horseback riding, climbing, fly-fishing and rafting, no previous experience is necessary, with safety as our first priority, our UWS guides will teach campers everything they need to know in order to enjoy living in the great outdoors while having a ton of FUN!

 

Rock Climbing & Rappelling

Under Western Skies boys summer camp provides a supportive, friendly environment where you can attach yourself to a harness and rope and climb up a rock wall or to lower yourself over the top of a rock wall. Rock climbing and rappelling are two challenging, yet thrilling activities offered at UWS Adventures camp sessions.

Top Rope Rock Climbing: “Climb on!” is a rock climbing command used in the top rope style of climbing practiced at UWS Adventures. This means that the climber, who is wearing a harness and helmet, is attached to one end of the climbing rope, the rope runs to the top of the rock wall, through an anchor (man-made to support the rope), and down to the belayer, who is also wearing a helmet and harness, who, through a belay system, takes in all the slack in the rope as the climber climbs. It is the belayers job to keep the rope taut while the climber is climbing to lower the climber down when he is done climbing. Top rope climbing is the type of rock climbing that most boys are familiar with if they have been to an indoor rock climbing gym.

Rapelling: Controlling your descent on a rope over a rock wall or cliff is the sport of rappelling. At UWS Adventures we sometimes get the chance to rappel ourselves from the top of a rock wall to the bottom. Wearing a helmet and harness, we attach ourselves to a small device that enables us to control our own lowering speed. It is so much FUN!

Rock Climbing at UWS Adventures: Whether you are a 5.12 climber or have never been climbing outdoors before, you will find a climb perfect for your level. With rope handling, safety talks, and communication basics done on the ground, climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses are fitted and we head out for the rocks! You’ll spend the afternoon getting hands-on coaching in climbing technique, belaying your friends, and successful climbing! Many climbs are set up simultaneously, so you can take turns between belaying and snacking on lunch. Many boys enthusiastically strive to reach the top of each climb but rappelling remains the highlight of the day. The level you go in to climbing is up to YOU. We’ll encourage you to go a bit beyond your super comfortable zone, but how much or how little you do it completely up to you. There is no pressure, only encouragement from your friends.

 

Backpacking & Day Hiking

Hiking and exploring the wilderness on foot, is the foundation of teen outdoor adventure travel camps. During our backpacking trips and day hiking excursions, boys learn what it means to be a leader, how to read a map, how to keep themselves warm and dry if the weather turns cold or rainy, how to work as a team, and how to travel with (LNT) or leave no trace practices leaving the wilderness better than they found it. Boys discover their inner potential, gain physical stamina, and find their place within nature as a result of traveling by foot into beautiful wilderness areas.

What's the difference between backpacking and day hiking? Backpacking and day hiking both are simply walking outdoors carrying what you need with you. The difference is, when you backpack, you carry what you need for a few days and when you day hike, you carry what you need for just one day.

How much time is spent backpacking or day hiking at camp? Day hiking occurs during camp on several occasions. Planned day hikes and spontaneous quick hikes when time permits. Boys will become very familiar with keeping their day bag (small school size backpack) packed with camera, rain gear and food for day hiking so we can set out by foot anytime to explore a trail, see a geyser, walk on a snow field, get to the rock climbing area or explore that trail that leads to adventure. Backpacking during a typical 14 day camp happens for about 4-6 days and many times one or two of those days are spent as rest days or day hiking without moving camp.

How much camping, backpacking or outdoor experience do I need? Many of the boys who come to camp have never been backpacking and many are new to camping and hiking in the mountains. No previous experience is needed, your UWS camp staff guides will teach you everything you need to know. UWS sessions are open to boys with little to no experience in backpacking, tent camping, outdoor living or adventure sports. UWS specializes in introducing the "never-ever" boy adventurer to his outdoor nature. We teach or enhance skills in outdoor cooking, tent camping, backcountry hygiene and Leave No Trace travel skills. UWS is the logical next step after a close to home Residential Camp. An annual progression through our program may lead boys to a more intense wilderness programs like NOLS or Outward Bound.

 

Canoeing

Canoeing is offered as a full day adventure activity on many of our UWS Adventures camps in Montana. Montana’s flat water rivers welcome us to bask in the sun and have some relaxed fun on the river while enjoying canoeing, swimming, viewing nesting osprey, discovering mysterious underwater grasses and spying a moose in the willows. Canoeing provides summer camp boys with a nice pairing of outdoor physical activity with natural relaxation.

Canoes, Paddle, Life Jackets: UWS Adventures rents canoes from rental companies who provide us with the canoes, paddles, and a life jacket for everyone. You will be fitted into one of those life jackets, handed a paddle, and taught canoeing basics by your UWS guides along the river. Canoeing at camp is usually an all day event and we’ll bring along lunch and have a riverside picnic. We will also bring our little backpack packed with the essentials like a water bottle, sunscreen, and rain jacket. Because of the potential for getting splashed by a racing comrade canoe, we get to hang out in our swimsuits all day, ready for any splashing or jumping in that may occur at a moment’s notice. Campers of all experience and fitness levels are able to canoe at boys camp. In fact, most boys at camp have never canoed before. Before canoeing starts, UWS guides will introduce canoeing basics (gear, technique, safety) to the group while on shore. Then, to assure a smooth start, you'll be paired with canoe partners based on experience and comfort (non-swimmer and poor swimmer will be matched with UWS guides). There are 2 or 3 boys in a canoe, and about 6-8 canoes traveling down the river together, and all boys have an opportunity to switch canoes and different positions in canoes during the day on the river. The Montana waterways that UWS Adventures canoes on are flat and mild and are easily navigated by beginners. Occasionally the shallow waters require you to get out to lighten the load in order to get up and over a gravel bar and continue on to the next swimming hole.

Gain Canoe Skills

Horseback Riding

Our Montana boys adventure camp session offers a full day of horseback riding in the wilderness. When riding at boys camp, our focus is on western leisure trail riding, we are not in an arena very often, if at all. Western trail riding at camp is another way we can explore the wilderness and take a break from carrying our own backpack into the wild. Boys don’t need previous riding experience to participate in a day of horseback riding at camp, boys that are new to horse riding or become nervous when horse riding will have an option to switch horses or walk, but, there’s a horse matched to every riders comfort and ability. Boys simply need to tell the outfitters their comfort level and they’ll be matched to a horse accordingly.

UWS Adventures Camp Horses: UWS Adventures is a teen adventure travel camp that does not operate in one place or on one property, we go lots of places and see and do lots of different things in different areas during our nomadic travel itinerary. We travel to meet our professional cowboys, cowboys and their horses, at their properties or ranches where we take off for adventure on horseback. The camp horses we ride are used to all sorts of different riders of all abilities, experience and sizes. The horses are used to the trails we are on, the trail-less areas we go to and the other horses in the group. In Montana, some boys will get to ride a mule! These are the best animals for mountainous trail riding in steep and rugged wilderness terrain – they are smooth and sure-footed and many boys prefer them to horses. Regardless of mule or horse preference, our professional cowboys will fit boys to a horse or mule that is best suited to their size and experience.

Cowboys: Once we arrive to meet the cowboys, each boy is properly dressed in long pants and boots (we use our hiking boots) and are outfitted with a horse riding specific helmet - horses are chosen specifically for each boy based on their size, riding ability, and comfort level around horses. Sometimes boys get to choose their horses within their riding range, but, ultimately, it is up to the outfitters to decide a good match for each rider. The horses are equipped with bridle, western saddle, and small saddlebags for a water bottle, rain jacket, camera and lunch. Boys may assist with saddling, bridling, brushing their horses as the outfitters see fit.

Boys Horseback Riding, Horsemanship & Cantering: The horses belong to the cowboys, that we are riding with and they know each horse like the back of their on hand, so, it is up to them how their horses are treated, ridden, matched and how advanced boys may get when riding their horses. The outfitters mount their horses and show us how to urge the horses forward, slow them down, steer them in the right direction, and how to mount and dismount. Then, after a basic horsemanship and riding safety talk with our outfitters, boys will have assistance mounting their horses and will wait for all boys to be ready to ride. As a group, we ride together and throughout the ride we might receive gentle pointers on basic horsemanship skills or learn certain things about each horses personality. Sometimes boys will have a small round pen to practice basic riding techniques in before hitting the trail, and other times we’ll head right out on the trail. Many boys coming to UWS Adventures want to canter on horseback, other boys don’t want their horses to canter when others are – so, as in all things at UWS Adventures, we try to adapt to please as many boys as we can. But, with horses, it is not up to your UWS guides to make these kinds of decisions, it is up to the cowboys, who care for the horse and take us riding. So, in order for boys to advance in riding at camp, they need to show their abilities to the outfitters and let them know what they are interested in such as cantering or not cantering. UWS Adventures has specifically selected outfitters who have an interest in allowing boys to canter if boys have proven their ability and if the trail conditions allow it. These outfitter also understand that some boys may not want to canter and are nervous that all horses will want to canter together if allowed, our outfitters have systems in place to discourage horses from doing that and are aware of and sensitive to a variety of comfort levels and abilities on one group of boys.

On The Trail: On top of our sturdy horses, we follow one another along a trail to awe-inspiring views of mountain ranges or look across a vast prairie. Occasionally, our outfitters take us off trail, on a new route each time to maintain pristine conditions, to see places people rarely get to see. In Montana, the trails are mountainous and rugged and because of this, most of the time, our pace is at a walk. In Montana we’ll cross streams, step over fallen trees, forge through left over snowfields and ride in wildflower filled meadows. We’ll take a lunch and have breaks off the horses during the day of riding, we’ll enjoy events such as snowball fights in MT and be sure to take lots of pictures.

 

Rafting

UWS Adventures offers a day of whitewater rafting and it is definitely one of the most anticipated activities at this boys’ summer camp. Our whitewater rafting trips are outfitted by professional raft guiding companies. The raft guides will be in charge of gearing us up with river shoes, life jackets, helmets, and wetsuits. Then, a professional raft guide will give us a riverside safety talk and then we’re off, paddling our way through paradise! The guide will usually separate our group into two boats and although we won’t be able to talk to each other, we will be able to watch each other go through the rapids and splash each other in a water fight. The raft guides coach us through each rapid, telling us when to paddle and when to paddle harder for maximum thrills. Try the rafting with us on the mighty Gallatin River. Hold tight and have a blast!

Rafting in Montana and Alaska: Experienced or not, rafting with UWS Adventures is always rewarding. The rivers we raft contain rapids that are class II to IV on a scale of I-VI. Depending on water levels that year, rivers can demand lots of maneuvering at low water or fast decision making at high water. Each river we raft provides us with beautiful scenery from carved out canyons and giant boulders, to open meadows and forests with small streams. We are able to switch around seats in the raft to experience all positions: the seats to stay dryer next to the raft guide, the seats to get wet near the front, and the “riding the bull” position up in the very front to get soaked and experience the rapids on a more personal level.  The Alaska wilderness adventure for Boys features an overnight river trip on the Matanuska river. Learn how to paddle, camp and live on the river with our professional river guides at Nova Whitewater.

Out of the Boat: Opportunities are often provided to jump out of the raft and into the river. You can swim around the raft or float alongside, feet pointing downstream. You then can experience the humor and fun of being pulled back into the boat by your camp friends and guides. If you do rafting with UWS Adventures, be sure to try floating along side the boat – it is so much fun, don’t miss out!

 

Fly-Fishing

Want to learn how to fly fish in Montana? This is a great opportunity for teenage boys who want to learn fly fishing at summer camp in Montana! UWS contracts with experienced Montana fly-fishing guides from MT Whitewater Rafting who provide fly fishing equipment, knowledge and friendly expertise in a river setting that is ideal first time fly fishers. The fly fishing class for teen boys begins with dryland casting practice, safety techniques, and familiarization with fly fishing gear. Our MT fly-fishing guides also teach basic information on fish and fish habitat, reading water, identifying insects, and selecting flies.

Swimming

It wouldn’t be summer camp without water fun and swimming! We have lots of opportunities for swimming at boys adventure camp, plus, we have some great natural hot spring soaking pool stops along our way during our Montana itinerary. When swimming takes place, we have a certified UWS lifeguard supervising the activity or we use staffed public facilities with lifeguards who supervise swimming. At camp we swim in whatever body of water we hear calling our name, whether it be a public pool, a lake, a stream or a river. Providing that the weather is non-threatening and warm enough and that the water is slow and without currents, we like to jump in whenever we get the chance. In landlocked Montana, there are sometime small sandy or rocky beaches along rivers, streams or alpine lakes, but swimming in Montana waters is it nothing like beach and ocean swimming, it’s so exhilarating and fun, if you have never jumped into a cold alpine lake – you simply MUST try it! When we are backpacking we usually cannot pass up a quick plunge into a cold, alpine lake or let our tired feet refresh in a running mountain creek. Swimming boundaries are set in order to keep you safe. Sometimes while rafting, the raft guide will let you jump out of the raft to swim near the raft. This is tons of fun and always happens in the calmest section of river. In public pools, lifeguarded or not, we follow the rules of the pool in order to respect the establishment, the other guests at the pool.

 

Hot Spring Soaking

Hot spring soaking remains one of the highlights of the Montana boys camp sessions at UWS Adventures. Usually we soak following a backpacking trip and the hot springs help relax our minds and muscles, rejuvenating ourselves for more camp activities. Natural, non-chlorinated hot spring pools are a geothermal wonder! All of the hot springs we soak in have been built up and most look like a regular swimming pool, except there is no chlorine necessary to keep the pools clean, the hot water does it naturally. The heated water flow is completely natural but the surrounding area has been built up to accommodate more people more easily. When we go to public hot springs there are usually 2 or more pools that we could soak in that are at different warm/hot temperatures. One of the hot springs in Montana is in a wood-lined pool filled with natural 103˚F water and occasionally hosts live acoustic music poolside, from this pool we can enjoy the views, watching for deer, antelope, moose, hawks, Sandhill cranes, egrets, geese, and songbirds.

 

Sea Kayaking

For those of you who have never been in a sea kayak you are in for a treat! Sea Kayaks or qajaq, which is the original Native word; has been in existence for at least 4000 years! It was traditionally made from seal skin and bone however the most modern are made from plastic, fiberglass or kevlar. The wonderful thing about these boats is that they allow you to travel safley and quietly through the marine enviorenment and offer great oppurtunities for watching wildlife! UWS uses only the safest and most modern equipment and our guides at Alaska Sea Kayakers have both years of experience and years of saftey under their belts. The Sea Kayaking is only offered on the UWS Alaska Wilderness Adventure so be sure to check it out.

Salmon Fishing

When most people think about Alaska, two things come to mind. BIG mountains, and fishing....more specifically, Salmon Fishing! Salmon are one of the only fish that are born in fresh water, swim sometimes thousands of miles to sea and then return to the very spot they were hatched a few years later! It is one of Natures most incredible journeys. There are 5 different types of Salmon the largest of these can weigh up to 50 pounds with the largest ever recorded a whopping 126 pounds! Our fishing guides at Fishermans choice know where to find the fish and we will be boating out to the best fishing holes on the talkeetna river to find them! With your guides you will search out the King Salmon to try
your hand at landing one of these well traveled fish. All boats and tackle are included so put on your fishing hat and climb aboard!. After the day is over we will have our fish packaged up and you can take it home to share a little bit of Alaska with your family! The final night in camp on the UWS Alaska Wilderness trip has a traditional salmon bake in the campfire as we share our fishing stories from the day.


Ice climbing/ Glacier Trekking

Strap on your crampons and head out onto the immense Matanuska Glacier for a couple days of Ice climbing and Glacier trekking. Our guides at MICA Glacier Guides are some of the best in the business and are excited to teach you all about ice climbing. MICA provides all of the gear and
instruction while you are safley tied in to a rope and anchor at the top of the climb. We use a “top rope system” due to its ease and saftey. This sytem allows you to take rests with your full weight on the rope and if you wanna go for the top you dont have to worry about falling the rope is always there to catch you and your guides will be belaying on the other end to catch your fall. Belaying is the use of a mechanical device that uses friction on the rope. Its basically a big brake that allows the rope to travel in one direction “UP” and locks up in the case of a fall. So grab your ice tools and lets go climbing! This is only offered on the Alaska wilderness trips so be sure to check it out.

 

Primitive wilderness skills

Primitive wilderness skills are one of the unique offerings at UWS Adventures. You will learn how to construct and use a bow drill or friction fire device. You will get to construct your own primitive shelter, learn how to construct four different primitive traps and cook and bake over fire with your billy pot. These are all skills which are fun, rewarding and challenging. They are not meant to replace good descisions in the backcountry! Here at UWS we teach backcountry travel skills that will help you avoid ever having to use your primitive skills for survival. We simply think they are fun activities everyone can enjoy and use for fun from time to time. We also practice LNT or Leave no trace along
side our primitive skills classes. Remember just because you know how to catch a rabbit doesnt mean you need to. Everyone will learn how to properly and safley handle knives during supervised activities. For many of our skills we require the use of a knife for cooking, fire kit building and some of the traps. You will always have help from your camp staff and you will be wearing heavy leather gloves to protect your hands while using your knives. You will get to construct your own knife sheath and decorate it how you choose and at the end of the program receive your very own UWS green river knife to take on your next adventure or just remember the cool times you had at UWS Adventures. Skills classes are part of all of the Summer Adventure Camps.