This summer, ten remarkable teens set out on an 8 day expedition with The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE)—an experience designed to challenge, inspire, and transform. What unfolded over those eight days was far more than a trip; it became a journey of courage, community, and connection with the natural world.
A Journey Built on Challenge and Discovery
From the moment their boots hit the trail, these teens embraced every mile with determination. They learned to shoulder packs heavier than expected, navigate technical terrain, and support one another when the path became steep. Backpacking wasn’t just about the miles—they discovered the beauty of pacing themselves, of noticing the quiet details of the forest, and of finding unexpected strength within.
Climbing High—Together
Rock climbing days brought a new kind of challenge. Helmets clipped, ropes checked, and hearts racing, each teen took their turn facing the wall. With peers calling out encouragement from below, they pushed past doubt and reached heights they once thought impossible. Those moments—hands chalked, muscles burning—etched deep memories of perseverance and teamwork.
Living the Principles: Leave No Trace
Throughout the expedition, the group practiced the ethics of Leave No Trace. From campsite selection to waste management to minimizing their impact on trails and shorelines, the teens weren’t just learning outdoor skills—they were learning stewardship. Their efforts earned each of them a Leave No Trace certificate, recognizing their commitment to protecting the wild spaces they explored.
Surf, Sun, and Saltwater Confidence
The last day of the expedition, the crew swapped hiking boots for surfboards. For many, surfing was brand new—a mix of excitement and apprehension. But wave by wave, their confidence swelled. They learned to read the ocean, work with its rhythm, and cheer loudly for every wobble, wipeout, and triumphant stand. Laughter carried across the water as students began to trust their balance, their courage, and each other.


A Heartfelt Graduation Back on Campus
On the final day, the group returned to campus at 9809 River Road, Wilmington, NC 28412, where staff and families gathered for a celebration filled with emotion, laughter, and pride.
The graduation opened with camp skits—hilarious re creations of inside jokes, expedition mishaps, and memorable moments only the crew could fully appreciate. Each performance brought smiles and the kind of belly laughs that come from knowing you’ve shared something special together.
Then came graduation.
One by one, the students stepped forward to receive their Certificate of Completion from NCOAE, marking their achievement and the resilience, skills, and leadership they showed along the way. The moment was heartfelt—teens beaming with pride, parents glowing, and instructors celebrating the incredible growth they witnessed over the past eight days.
More Than an Expedition
This wasn’t just a week of outdoor adventure. It was a journey that built confidence, independence, environmental awareness, and friendships that will last long beyond the final campfire.
To the teens who completed this summer expedition:
Congratulations. You showed up, you dug deep, you supported one another, and you finished strong. The trail you traveled together will stay with you for life.