Black Mountain Expeditions General Information Course: Senior Challenge We are backpacking in Pisgah National Forest, a premier wilderness area in the southeast. We will explore the best of the North Carolina High Country with jaw dropping vistas and quad burning climbs. Over the course of this section you will grow strong as you learn the essential skills to thrive in the wilderness such as traveling with map and compass, route finding, back­country cooking, packing a backpack, hanging a bear bag, and setting up a shelter to sleep in. Date:
Aug 27­Sept 1 Check­In:
You will be arriving via bus from Durham Academy the morning of Aug 27. Expedition Schedule Aug 27 Travel to Black Mountain, NC Aug 27­Sept 1 Backpacking in Pisgah National Forrest Sept 1 Return to Durham Academy Physical Preparation You do not need to be an athlete to complete this program; however, you will be exerting yourself, perhaps more than ever before. You will be hiking with heavy packs in a wilderness environment. This experience will be physically demanding at times, so plan to arrive in good condition. In preparation, concentrate on stamina, breathing capacity and strength. We suggest the following: ●
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Cut down on soft drinks, candy, etc. Perform sit­ups and push­ups daily Jog or run at least two miles 3 times a week Hike stadium stairs with a backpack with weight (10­35 lbs) Make sure your feet are in good condition Many past participants express regret for not investing more effort physically preparing for the trip. Those in less than average physical condition will suffer greater risk of injury. Make the most of this experience by seriously preparing for this adventure ­ you will be very grateful you did! 1123 Montreat Rd |828­669­8766 | www.blackmountainexpeditions.com Other Notes Please note that it will be difficult, and often impossible, to contact parents from the field. If you hear nothing it is because everything is great. Policies Emergency Contact:​
In the event of an emergency, parents may contact Durham Academy. Durham Academy will correspond with Black Mountain Expeditions. They have the appropriate information to contact the group. Phones​
: We will collect the phones at the beginning of the course and return them upon returning to camp. Participants with phones may be expelled from the program Riding in the camp van:​
We will be traveling by van between trip segments. All drivers will be at least 21 with verified driving records. The staff members driving are trained to drive camp vans and trailers. Parents should advise participants to obey these staff members and specifically to observe our van safety rules any time they are riding in a camp vehicle) which include wearing a seat belt, observing the buddy system, and being courteous to the staff driver. What Not To Bring​
: Everything you bring will be with us the whole trip. Our goal is to travel light and fast. Please refrain from bringing: Aerosol bug spray, large knives, large flashlights, money, music or listening devices, i­pods, food, fireworks, tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, and other dangerous items, anything uniquely valuable that you would hate to lose! Pet policy​
: Please leave your pets at home. Lost and Found Policy​
: Please label everything you bring to Black Mountain Expeditions! You are responsible for keeping up with whatever you bring to BME. Health and Wellness Policy​
: We will often be more than ten miles from the nearest road. As a result, emergency assistance will not be readily available. The BME staff is trained to meet this situation and will include at least one member trained in Wilderness First Aid. Though every course has instructors trained in wilderness medicine, there are times on BME expeditions when it is necessary to be taken to the doctor. At this time we will take your child to the most appropriate facility in reference to our wilderness setting. Please note that we are often up to 48 hours from advanced medical care. Medications:​
If you are planning to take daily pill or tablet medications (prescription or over the counter) during your expedition, it will be distributed by the group instructor. 1123 Montreat Rd |828­669­8766 | www.blackmountainexpeditions.com YOUR QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please direct these questions to our office administrators or the Black Mountain Expeditions Director; Ryan Carlson. 828­669­8766 or [email protected] 1123 Montreat Rd |828­669­8766 | www.blackmountainexpeditions.com