Backpacking 101 and Whitewater Kayaking
April 28-May 03, 2027
Bryson City, NC
Overview
Picture staggering pine trees, rushing waterfalls, sparkling granite ledges - now add three feet of snow. Often called the “Grand Canyon of Maine,” the 100-Mile Wilderness serves as the final gauntlet of the Appalachian Trail. Now, it’s your winter expedition.
Alongside other cold-weather-loving Eagles, you’ll snowshoe, cross country ski, and embark on other outdoor challenges that push personal boundaries of comfort and endurance. The best part? You sleep in a warm bed each night.
If you’re a chionophile (someone who loves cold weather, winter, and snow), ready to build a community, and strengthen your personal resilience through thoughtful reflection, this is the expedition for you.
Application window: DEC 8 - FEB 11, 2027
Fundraising Commitment: $250
Notified: Applicants will be notified of their status starting Dec 8. Applicants who apply after Dec 8, will be notified on a rolling basis.
Expedition Highlights
Cross-country skiing
Beginner-friendly trails
Snowshoeing
Beginner-friendly trails
Camaraderie
In a winter setting and around campfire
Other Highlights include:
Experiencing the night sky of an International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR)
Nordic sauna
Intensive resilience building each day
Large, comfy lodge serving hot meals
Overview
Looking to take your outdoor experience to the next level? If you love camping, hiking, hands-on learning, and the Smoky Mountains, this is the perfect Expedition for you.
Over four days, you’ll learn the fundamentals of backpacking — from packing efficiently, choosing the right gear, adjusting your pack, and building confidence for your first (or next!) backpacking trip. Along the way, the group will cover approximately 40 miles of the world-famous Appalachian Trail, experiencing some of the AT’s most iconic landmarks, including:
Wayah Bald
The Fontana “Hilton” Shelter
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nantahala Outdoor Center
The terrain is deceptively challenging — but the scenery, community, and skills you gain make every mile worth it.
Why Spring in the Smokies?
June is one of the most magical times to experience the Smoky Mountains. Expect:
Flowing streams and vibrant waterfalls
Wildflowers in full bloom
Warm enough to jump in a swimmin' hole!
Cool, crisp evenings ideal for campfires
It’s the best of every season wrapped into one adventure.
Skills You’ll Learn
This Expedition blends trail travel with immersive education. You’ll learn:
How to pack your gear efficiently
How to fit and adjust a backpack for comfort
What “packing your fears” means and how to avoid it
How to make smart gear decisions
Tent setup basics and campsite best practices
Trekking pole technique and steep-terrain strategies
Your first evening includes a deep-dive pack shakedown — an invaluable experience for new backpackers.
Signature Experience: Whitewater Finale
As tradition goes, the Expedition ends with a refreshing — and thrilling — run down the Nantahala River. You’ll paddle your own inflatable kayak through Class I, II, and III rapids, celebrating your hard work and new skills.
Last year, nobody flipped. Will your crew start a streak?
What’s Included
Participants receive the full Eagle Expedition experience:
All meals on the trail
Lodging the night before and after the backpacking portion
Celebratory dinner
Kayaking the Nantahala River (class I, II, III)
Expedition group in the Team RWB app
Custom training plan
Group calls to build community
Access to trip Guides for any questions
Individual fundraising support
All planning and logistics covered (minus travel to NC)
Do You Need Experience?
No backpacking experience is required, but you should have a baseline understanding of:
Tent setup
Trekking pole use
Basic hiking and camping skills
If you’ve never camped before, this may not be the right first step — but for campers looking to level up into true backpacking, this is perfect.
Gear Checklist
You’ll need your own essential gear:
65L backpack
Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Team RWB provides a resource guide for purchasing new or used equipment. Shared group gear (stoves, water filters) is provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own to build familiarity.
“This has helped me build upon my foundation of resiliency, helped me think about positive self talk and rethink obstacles as opportunities.”