This spring, 13 One Stone students will board a bush plane and fly deep into the heart of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness. For seven days, they’ll carry everything they need on their backs, trek more than 30 miles, and learn what leadership truly means—far outside of cell service and their comfort zones.

For ten years, One Stone has made outdoor, experiential learning a cornerstone of our student experience through Summit, our outdoor leadership program. This spring, we are excited to offer a second iteration of the Big Creek Expedition from May 24-30th, 2026.

The Big Creek Expedition is a 7-day backpacking adventure that will take 13 students deep into the heart of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness. This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes two bush plane flights, over 30 miles of backpacking, and three nights at the University of Idaho’s Taylor Wilderness Research Station. Students will prepare for the trip through a social science course focused on the human history of Big Creek from time immemorial to the present day. Along the way, they’ll also learn about leadership and dynamics, as well as wilderness risk management and outdoor living skills.

Alongside their academic preparation, students are preparing by developing valuable outdoor skills like navigation, physical training, and teamwork. They are also fundraising to make all facets of their trip possible, as well as to support spring outdoor trips for all One Stone students. The annual tradition of spring outdoor trips provides an important opportunity for students to disconnect, take on new challenges, and bond with their peers in a beautiful setting.

Thanks to generous grants from the Selway Bitterroot–Frank Church Foundation and the Idaho Humanities Council, our students are off to a great start—but we still need your help to make the Big Creek Expedition possible!

How You Can Help:

Your support will help fund the Big Creek Expedition and ensure that all One Stone students can participate in upcoming spring outdoor trips.

$50 - covers one student’s lodging at Taylor Wilderness Research Station
$75 - covers one student’s participation in Spring Outdoor Trips
$200 - funds one student’s flights in and out of the wilderness
$360 - fully covers one student’s experience on the Big Creek Expedition
$500 - feeds the entire Big Creek group for the week
$1,000 - funds three students' experience on the Big Creek Expedition

Have outdoor gear to share? Your gently used backpack, sleeping pad, or sleeping bag could equip a student for the adventure of a lifetime. If you have equipment to donate, please contact Allison at AllisonF@onestone.org.

Summit: One Stone's Outdoor Leadership Program

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