Join AARP for a Wilderness Expedition in Wyoming

Brad Christensen

 

 

Have you been looking for a new challenge? Want an opportunity at a unique experience, not one of those “guided tours?” How about an outdoor adventure in Wyoming with a little help from some llamas?

 

AARP and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) have specifically designed a wilderness expedition for intrepid AARP members and qualifying family members who are interested in exploring their “Real Possibilities.” If you are seeking opportunities to learn new leadership skills, exercise creative solutions in a unique context and travel in a beautiful wilderness mountain range, then read on…

 

The Wind River Range is the site for this expedition. This rugged, glacier-carved range is renowned for its sheer granite walls and famous for its fishing. For 7 days, you’ll backpack through these mountains surrounded by towering peaks, glistening alpine lakes, and perennial snow, all with the help of some friendly Llamas.

 

Having pack animals will help lighten your load and provide an opportunity to learn about traveling with livestock in the mountains. You’ll start traveling slowly to get used to the weight, new boots, and the elevation. As the group becomes acclimatized, the pace will increase and hiking distances will grow. You’ll get lots of coaching from your instructors while you learn new skills. Before you know it, you’ll be savoring homemade pizza and cinnamon rolls—gourmet delicacies that you made from scratch on a single-burner stove.

 

Learning Outcomes

 

Photo by Brad Christensen

 

• Practice “Life Reimagined,” reflect on your personal leadership experience and discover new ways to employ that knowledge
• Practice expedition leadership; develop competency in wilderness travel skills, risk management techniques, campcraft, and backcountry cooking – skills important for future backcountry trips with family and friends
• Share a remote adventure and develop lasting relationships with other AARP members and qualifying family members
• Re-awaken your lens of wonder for the natural world, and enjoy first-hand one of the most beautiful and pristine wilderness areas in North America
• Recharge yourself through enjoyable extended outdoor living and travel – learn to care for yourself, others, the equipment, and of course, the llamas

 

Course Logistics

 

Dates:  August 10-16, 2014
Duration:  7 days
Location:  Lander, WY
Fly in/out:  Riverton, WY
Activity:  Backpacking – Wind River Mountain Range
Gear:  Group gear provided (tents, cookware, llamas and other group gear)
Personal gear for rent or purchase (please see equipment list for more details)
Mileage:  30-40 miles, on- and off-trail
Tuition:  $2280 (includes 5% AARP discount)
Deposit:  $500 non-refundable, non-transferrable deposit with enrollment packet due by Apr. 11, 2014
Tuition Balance:  $1,780 plus health form, participant agreement, insurance form due by May 12, 2014
Equipment Deposit:  $200 due by May 12, 2014

 

Photo by Zach Snavely

 

About NOLS

 

Since 1965, NOLS has taught leadership, outdoor skills, risk management, and environmental studies on expeditions to more than 200,000 participants. These expeditions include a complete leadership curriculum, using the same model with which we train space station astronauts and shuttle crews.

 

 

Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP.

Brad Christensen