A recent study by the National Trust documents the results of how school trips change the lives of children. Here is a link to the press release. And also a link to the research findings. “Changing Minds: The Lasting Impact of School Trips” by Allan Peakcock of Exeter University.

BME is excited to announce a new program this summer! This ten day introduction to mountaineering course will help you develop a set of alpine climbing skills on rock and snow. With each set of skills, we provide you with practice climbing, anchor building, navigating and decision making so you can develop in each technique. You will learn technical systems and develop mountain judgment, becoming aware of alpine hazards and risk management strategies. Check out our program here:

http://www.blackmountainexpeditions.com/expeditions/wind-river-mountaineering/

We are excited to announce the release of the Black Mountain Expeditions video. Take a minute and check it out here or you can go the link: BME Video

Kayaking is no stranger to BME being one of the premier activities at BME’s brother and sister program, Camp Merri-Mac and Timberlake. The week of rivers is the perfect expedition to take your paddling to the next level. For seven days, we will paddle some of the Southeasts finest whitewater. We will focus on advanced skills such as river reading, surfing, safety, river rescue, and group management. During this course each individual will have opportunities to lead and receive constructive feedback about leadership styles and decision making. For more information here is the link: BME Week of Rivers

The other day I went backpacking near Black Mountain, NC for to find rest and solitude. There were several important things going on at home so I brought my cell phone stay connected. When I reached a high point on the trail, I decided I to check my messages in case there were any important messages (this is only 6 hours after I left home). There happened to be a message in my voice mail that was important enough that I turned around and went back home, abandoning my attempt to find rest and solitude in the wilderness. This is an all to common theme, Nature vs. technology in this day and age. If I would have just waited another 12 hours to check my voice mail, I could have enjoyed my night in the woods, experienced rest and solitude and come back to deal with the “emergency” at home.

Reflecting on this recent experience I was reminded of Richard Louv ’s book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder. Here is a link to an interview with Louv regarding his thoughts on our children losing their connection to the outdoors.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4665933

This summer a group of 4 fathers and 4 sons will venture to one of the wildest mountain ranges in the continental United States, the Wind River Range in Wyoming. The Wind River Range is notorious for it’s granite spires, snow capped peaks and remote backcountry. Mountaineering is not merely about getting to the top of a mountain, it is about the journey to the top. There is a demand to be attentive to the way one travels, the type of decisions one makes and to care for the members of the team while on the journey. Without these things, a success is not likely. This expedition is designed to provide a journey for father and son to learn from each other a long the way.

Since we announced the launch of Black Mountain Expeditions, one of the most common questions I receive is “Do you offer programs for parents or families?” I am excited to announce that Black Mountain Expeditions has partnered with Greybeard Realty to offer adventure packages in conjunction with a vacation rental. Check out the options at http://www.greybeardrealty.com/guest-services/outdoor-adventure-package/

We look forward to seeing you on your next adventure!

Ryan B. Carlson
Director, Black Mountain Expeditions