What We Do

The Wild Way offers a special WEEK-LONG unit that aligns with spring breaks for both Roanoke City Public Schools and Roanoke County/Salem City Public Schools!

Over five full days, girls will participate in fun and challenging outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. Our multi-day unit also incorporates our confidence-building curriculum, so that girls end the week feeling stronger and more resilient than ever.

In partnership with River Rock, Blue Ridge Mountain Guides, and Camp Bethel, The Wild Way offers a climbing unit that challenges girls to be brave and reach new heights! We will visit River Rock climbing center for several indoor sessions on a rock wall, followed by excursions to Camp Bethel’s ropes courses and a “wild” rock climbing day with Blue Ridge Mountain Guides at Pilot Mountain. This is a unique opportunity for girls to learn climbing techniques, how to belay, and work as a team to make it to the top.

There are so many ways to enjoy the water in the Roanoke Valley! The Wild Way is partnering with environmental educator Beth Wiegandt of Camp Bethel/Your Outdoor Classroom to provide week-long paddle units in the summer of 2022. Girls will have the opportunity explore several paddle sports, including kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Girls will learn how to prep and pack their boats, paddling techniques, and how to navigate small rapids, all while enjoying the water and learning about local ecology.

Roanoke is fortunate to have some of the most beautiful spots on the east coast right in our backyard. The Wild Way will offer hiking trips to famous destinations like McAfee’s Knob, Dragon’s Tooth, Hay Rock, and the Cascades. We also offer overnight camping trips.

Skills covered include trip planning and prepping your pack, outdoor navigation and safety, and trail etiquette. We also take the time to observe the natural world around us and integrate educational arts and crafts.

The Wild Way works with the City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation department to offer caving excursions. If your girl loves to explore and is comfortable in tight spaces, this is a fascinating and unique way to experience our area’s wilderness. Girls will hike out to a wild cave and spend several hours exploring and learning about subterranean features and ecology.

See the outdoors from an entirely new perspective - from in-between the ears of a horse! The Wild Way partners with Spring Valley Farms in Moneta to provide horseback trail riding. Horseback riding is a huge confidence-builder, as girls learn to bond with and direct these powerful and graceful animals. All riders are welcome to join, especially first-timers!