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The National Youth Science Camp® is held in the eastern mountains of West Virginia in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest. The region abounds with areas of scientific interest and offers opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Seneca Rocks, one of the largest rock faces in the eastern United States, is about 32 miles north of Camp. The New River, one of the oldest in the world and part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system, is only three hours travel to the south. Also nearby are numerous non-commercialized caves, backpacking trails, and beautiful mountain streams.
You can view photos from some of this year's outdoor activities by choosing from the links below.
The National Youth Science Camp®'s backpacking and camping trips take place on trails located in the Monongahela National Forest, and they cover a variety of terrain. During these trips delegates are able to observe different varieties of wildlife, from deer to black bears to rattlesnakes. The plant life includes old growth spruce forests, rhododendron, mountain laurel, and Indian pipe.
Specific hiking trips offered this year were:
This trip begins at nearly 4000' and proceeds across a typical "sod" to enter the Red Creek drainage basin. Views on a clear day could easily exceed 30 miles from these upland meadows. Falling through hardwood forest, this hike necessitates crossing Red Creek before following it out 1400' below where it began.
This challenging loop features a 700' vertical climb in only one mile of trail. The group traverses peaceful meadows and rocky paths before rock-hopping down a muddy streambed along Red Creek. In the afternoon, the group progresses to the Rocky Point Formation which offers wonderful views of several valleys and surrounding mountains.
This hike is largely downhill, though portions of it can be quite steep. The trail is quite varied in both topography and vegetation. Much of the area is covered with hardwood forest breaking open to offer occasional scenic views. Hikers are rewarded with the opportunity to take a dip in the South Fork River near the trails end. This hike is a great option for those looking to take it easy and enjoy nature at a relaxed pace.
This trip is the most ambitious and challenging this year. It begins at 3600' on the ridge of North Fork Mountain, and runs along the undulating crest of the south half of the peak. Because this ridge lacks natural streams or springs, all water for the trip must be carried by the group. The second day the group descends 2200' on a steep, but stunning trail which brings the group down to the Seneca Rocks lookout. Camp for this trip is made near the edge of the escarpment, behind and far above Seneca Rocks.
This trip begins at the top of the "sods" where it heads north through an evergreen and rhododendron forest.
This trail traverses beautiful meadows and areas of beaver activity with several small stream crossings. A swimming hole near the end of the trip provides extra opportunity for "immersion" in nature.
This short hike travels through a beaver pond / meadow complex in the Spruce Knob area. The trip provides ample time for reading, drawing or other leisure pursuits...but only if you hike the correct trail.
This hike begins atop the highest point in West Virginia, Spruce Knob, elevation 4863'. After enjoying the surrounding views, the trip runs north along the crest of the mountain, passing through spruce forest and blueberry glades, dropping gradually into a hardwood forest. Coming down off the west side of the mountain, the trail descends to a large waterfall and swimming hole in nearby Seneca Creek.
The rock climbing program, led by Tyson and Josh, makes use of the Nelson Rocks Preserve Preserve, only 18 miles from Camp and known throughout the Northeast for its spectacular climbs and views. This location features many climbing routes of varying difficulties and facilitates instruction in climbing and rappelling techniques.
A small group of delegates had the opportunity to adventure hike on the Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata--a long climbing route with permanently fixed cables for protection, including a 230' foot suspension bridge from one sheer rock face to another offering unparalled 360° views of West Virginia mountainsides, rock faces, and valleys. The hike includes an overhang and a climb through Scheisse Notch where you are completely exposed to cliffs towering to 700' above the ground.
The caving program involves exploring non-commercial caves with Peter and Jill. Some are wet caves and frequently involve crawlways as well as large rooms. A few caves have interesting entrances and exits that allow delegates to utilize climbing and rapelling techniques upon entering and leaving the cave.
In the biking experience, the delegates head off with Dan to cycle over a variety of terrain in the Middle Mountain Area of the Monongahela National Forest. The trail covers old railroad beds, mountain roads and grassy trails, and the trip ends with a downhill, single-track trail full of switchbacks. Delegates also have the opportunity to attempt the bridge challenge, where the record still remains at nine crossings.
Some of the students are able to kayak on the New River. This activity is conducted with the assistance of the West Virginia Wildwater Association.
Some students have the opportunity to spend the night at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia, where they learn how to operate a 40' radio telescope. They use the telescope to track objects in space and analyze data during the late evening and early morning.
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