Live Oak Wilderness Adventure (LOWA)

Live Oak Experiences Around the US

Live Oak Wilderness Adventure (LOWA) is an exciting extension of the Live Oak experience. These wilderness-based backpacking trips transport Live Oak campers to Tennessee, North Carolina, Texas, and beyond. LOWA brings adventure, nature, and community to wilderness backpacking trips throughout the United States.

LOWA rests upon the same values and foundational elements of Live Oak summer camp, while also building technical wilderness skills and teamwork abilities for participants.

Experiential Learning is Powerful

Campers venture beyond our summer camp and explore different natural wonders across the United States. From the mountains of North Carolina to the canyons of Big Bend National Park in Texas, campers grow and mature individually and as a team through the challenge of backpacking trips.

Ownership on the Trail is Key

Campers will learn, master, and use soft skills and technical skills that are essential to being a successful outdoors person. LOWA succeeds because each participant (adult and camper) pulls their weight around camp.

Growth Occurs Through Reflection

Campers and adults grow through challenges in which they must depend upon themselves and each other. These adventures are paired with a range of reflection experiences that allow campers to be guided in their reflections individually and as a unit.

Fun and Struggle Can Combine to Build Deep Pride

LOWA experiences are inherently fun. Take canoeing, for instance. It is fun, but it becomes less fun when blisters form on your hands, or when you have to portage your boat across long distances.  As campers learn skills, work as a team, and push through challenges, they become responsible for their own successes.  The joy of newfound resilience, mixed with new adventures, create a pride that is rooted in outdoor adventures.

* Safety is of the utmost concern. Every trip will have one trip leader and two additional coaches for the 12 kids. Our Trip Leader has significant camping experience and the fullest certification. Our trip leader will go through Wilderness First Responder Course (WFR), and all coaches will have Wilderness First Aid and Lifeguard Certification.