A field trip in West Virginia offers a unique blend of fun and education, perfectly encapsulating the Mountain State’s rich history and natural beauty giving students a chance to experience hands-on learning beyond the classroom. The state’s rugged landscape provides an unparalleled natural laboratory for environmental science and outdoor education creating experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for culture, history, and the environment.
Summit Bechtel Reserve
The Summit Bechtel Reserve, located in the mountains of southern West Virginia near the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, is a world-class training, scouting, and adventure center owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America. Spanning over 10,000 acres of a former coal mining site, it serves as the permanent home for the National Scout Jamboree and offers a wide array of high-adventure programs for Scouts and non-Scouts alike. The reserve boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including one of the world’s largest zipline networks, a massive man-made outdoor climbing facility, and extensive trails for mountain biking and ATVs. Adjacent to the New River, the Summit also provides access to world-renowned whitewater rafting and rock climbing, emphasizing core values of adventure, leadership, service, and sustainability in its programs. Located at 2550 Jack Furst, Glenn Jean, WV.
Tourism Field Trip Offering’s
Bronze Adventure Option
We strive to be a living classroom where students can explore, build relationships, and expand their understanding of the great outdoors. Our field trips provide hands-on learning experiences that combine outdoor adventure, teamwork, and communication to help students break their fears through structure challenges and fun. During their visit, students participate in a 2-4 hour trip with rock climbing and outdoor team-building activities at our COPE facility. Working alongside trained staff, students learn the importance of communication, trust, and teamwork as they navigate a series of challenges designed to help them overcome fears and support one another. Rock climbing takes place on our 18-route climbing wall, where students learn basic climbing techniques and safety practices using auto-belay devices. In addition to physical and personal development skills, students are introduced to our staff that are trained outdoor recreation and tourism. A field trip to our site allows students to step away from screens and indoor spaces, engage with the natural environment, and discover how outdoor recreation and tourism careers combine adventure, education, and service.
Age Groups and Other Requirements
Grades 3+ OR ages 6+.
All guests must wear closed toed shoes. (good walking shoes are best)
Aerial sports weight limits = 50-250 pounds
Summit Wavier signed by guardian.
Pricing and Group Sizes
15 person minimum group size. Can accommodate up to 90 people in a half day depending on school schedule and travel arrangements. We split the group of 90 into two groups. Can accommodate multiple days for larger schools. Note that group sizes change the total length of field trip.
Special school rate of $25 per person who attend!
Optional bagged meals = $12 per person. Lunch provided on request OR you can bring your own!
Silver Adventure Option
We strive to be a living classroom where students can explore, build relationships, and expand their understanding of the great outdoors. Our field trips provide hands-on learning experiences that combine outdoor adventure, teamwork, and communication to help students break their fears through structure challenges and fun. During their visit, students participate in a 5–6 hour field trip that includes rock climbing, ziplining, and outdoor team-building activities at our COPE facility. Working alongside trained staff, students learn the importance of communication, trust, and teamwork as they navigate a series of challenges designed to help them overcome fears and support one another. Rock climbing takes place on our 18-route climbing wall, where students learn basic climbing techniques, safety procedures, and risk management using auto-belay devices. The zipline experience allows students to build confidence and take a faithful leap into adventure! In addition to physical and personal development skills, students are introduced to staff members trained in outdoor recreation and tourism careers, such as climbing and zipline instructors, program facilitators, and site operations staff. A field trip to our site allows students to step away from screens and indoor spaces, engage with the natural environment, and discover how outdoor recreation and tourism careers combine adventure, education, and service.
Age Groups and Other Requirements
Grades 5+ OR ages 10+.
All guests must wear closed toed shoes. (good walking shoes are best)
Aerial sports weight limits = 50-250 pounds
Summit Wavier signed by guardian
Pricing and Group Sizes
15 person minimum group size. Can accommodate up to 90 people in a whole depending on school schedule and travel arrangements. We split the group of 90 into two groups. Can accommodate multiple days for larger schools. Note that group sizes change the total length of field trip.
Special school rate of $50 per person who attend!
optional bagged meals = $12 per person. Lunch provided on request OR you can bring your own!
Gold OR multi-day options
We strive to be a living classroom where students can explore, build relationships, and expand their understanding of the great outdoors. Our field trips provide hands-on learning experiences that combine outdoor adventure, teamwork, and communication to help students break their fears through structure challenges and fun. For this offer, students participate in a 6-7 hour field trip that includes rock climbing, ziplining, nature hikes, and outdoor team-building activities at our COPE facility. Working alongside trained staff, students learn the importance of communication, trust, and teamwork as they navigate a series of challenges designed to help them overcome fears and support one another. Rock climbing takes place on our 18-route climbing wall, where students learn basic climbing techniques, safety procedures, and risk management using auto-belay devices. The zipline experience allows students to build confidence and take a faithful leap into adventure! In addition to physical and personal development skills, students are introduced to staff members trained in outdoor recreation and tourism careers, such as climbing and zipline instructors, program facilitators, and site operations staff. A field trip to our site allows students to step away from screens and indoor spaces, engage with the natural environment, and discover how outdoor recreation and tourism careers combine adventure, education, and service.
Our multi-day trips are designed with our field trip specialist who will maximize the most time for your students! In addition the the amazing adventure options we normally offer, you can also opt-in to additional adventures such as, archery, high-ropes course, canopy zip lines, boating on the lake, coordinate river trips, skateboarding and more!
Age Groups and Other Requirements
Grades 5+ OR ages 10+. All guests must wear closed toed shoes. (good walking shoes are best)
Aerial sports weight limits = 50-250 pounds
Eagle Flight weight limit = 80-250 pounds
Summit Wavier signed by guardian
Pricing and Group Sizes
15 person minimum group size. Can accommodate up to 90 people for multiple days on site.
Special school rate of $75+ per person who attend!
Lodging ~$77 a room per night. (typically can hold 6 people a room)
Meals = $35-45 per person per day depending on menu
Customized pricing determine with field trip specialist to maximize your dollar for adventure!
Educational Benefits
We strive to be a living classroom where students can explore, build relationships, and expand their understanding of the great outdoors. Our field trips provide hands-on learning experiences that combine outdoor adventure, teamwork, and communication through structured, engaging challenges that help students build confidence and overcome fears, often in ways they have never experienced before. Students benefit by trying new activities, working collaboratively, and strengthening communication and problem-solving skills. These experiences promote personal growth, resilience, and self-awareness, while also encouraging appreciation for teamwork and shared responsibility. The immersive nature of our programs helps students create lasting memories that reinforce learning beyond the classroom. As Summit staff, it is rewarding to see students become excited about the outdoors, celebrate personal accomplishments, and recognize their own capabilities.
Want to make your experience in Almost Heaven richer? Learn more in our free West Virginia Vacation Guide and start planning your getaway today!
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