Five or Eight Day: Davidson Outdoors offers three Backcounty Odyssey sessions each summer. Session I is the five day variety. We anticipate offering a backpacking, climbing, whitewater canoeing, whitewater kayaking, and mountain biking crew for Session I. For example, one crew will backpack for three days while another crew will do three days of whitewater canoeing. If you signup for Session I we will contact you about learning your preferences of the experiences we end up being able to offer. Sessions II & III are the eight day variety and include backpacking, whitewater canoeing, and a day of service. From your upper class trip leaders you will learn the basic skills necessary to travel and live comfortably in the outdoors with minimal impact on the environment. You will rely on your new classmates for encouragement and cooperation as you work together to enjoy camping, cooking, and cavorting outdoors. This is a vigorous program with all the challenges and rewards that come with time spent in remote areas.

Itinerary for Eight Day Session
Backpacking: Three nights out on the trail give you and your crew an exercise in self-reliance and cooperation. We will hike from 6 to 12 miles each day, for a total distance of about 25 miles for both the five and the eight day Odyssey. The trail will bring you challenging steep climbs, rain storms and hot sun, as well as great views, shady rest stops and the satisfaction of finishing the climb and arriving at the next campsite. Additional instruction along the way helps your group take on more responsibility for setting up camp, cooking meals and finding your way down the trail.

Whitewater Canoeing : The river component of the eight day Odyssey emphasizes teamwork and communication in pairs. Two days on the river provide a mix of exciting Class II & III whitewater to test your new skills and quiet stretches to raft up and float along with the rest of your crew. After the first morning of instruction, you and your partner work together to hone your skills and move your canoe with growing coordination and confidence. Together you rehearse maneuvers and plan your route through easy rapids the first day. You’ll put your new abilities to use the next day as you run more difficult whitewater.

Service Project: The eight day Backcountry Odyssey includes a one day service project that gives each crew an opportunity to work together to bring improvements to the local community. These projects have included renovations to day care centers, work at regional food banks, assistance to area residents and work with Habitat for Humanity.

Itinerary for Five Day Session
Special Session I: The five day Backcountry Odyssey will include three days of one outdoor activity like backpacking, climbing, paddling, or mountain biking. Each crew will camp and cook outdoors between the days of activity. The particular outdoor activity will be suitable for beginners who are ready to develop those skills over three days.