ROLLING ACADEMY

Rolling Academy Summer Expedition. What are you doing this summer?

We’re excitedly planning the trips for summer 2025 - apply today!

Rolling Academy 2025 is an experience you will never forget! Rolling Academy is a leadership expedition with Mountain Alliance. Rolling Academy experiences are a blend of activities including outdoor adventures, community service, cultural immersion, and environmental education. There is a big focus on leadership development and students will all have the opportunity to be “Leader of the Day” and to take point on various day to day group tasks. To heighten the experience, the Rolling Academy itinerary is top secret and unfolds to students each day throughout the journey! Each year is different. Past Rolling Academy crews have learned to surf on the Jersey Shore, backpacked in Colorado, had lunch with senators in Washington, worked in a Community Garden and camped out in downtown Detroit, kayaked on Lake Erie, explored a decommissioned missile silo, visited a coal mine, spent the night in a coastal light house, canoed 100 miles down the New River, rock climbed by the ocean in Acadia National Park, attended a professional rodeo in South Dakota, visited the Grand Canyon, explored and completed service in Arkansas, discovered the wonders of Niagara Falls, and so much more. 


Rolling Academy is a summer expedition, but it is also more than that! It is a community and an experience that goes beyond the trip itself. If you are accepted as a member of Rolling Academy, you will join the team to get ready for the big journey. Prior to the trip, participants will be expected to engage in group activities and fundraising efforts. After the conclusion of the trip, group members often come together for service projects or reunion trips. These dates will be provided upon acceptance to Rolling Academy. Rolling Academy members may be asked to sign a contract verifying your commitment to making your best effort to attend these dates.

 

Rolling Academy is free for students. Students will be responsible for gathering sponsorships and joining the team for fundraising events. All students are encouraged to apply!

Every year, we have more applicants than we have spaces on the trip. Applications will be reviewed by the Rolling Academy Committee and applicants will be asked to join us for an in person interview. After interviews, selected applicants will be invited to participate in Rolling Academy. We will also populate a waiting list in case selected applicants drop off.


 


APPLICATION INFO.

Applications for Rolling Academy 2025 are currently being accepted in both Avery and Watauga County!

Watauga County

  • Printed copies of the application will be available soon in the Mountain Alliance classroom (2314). Printed copies of applications and reference letters can also be turned in here.

  • Applications should be received by Friday, February 14th @ 5 pm

  • Interviews will take place soon after the time the application process closes.  Students will be notified of their interview time at least 24 hours in advance and all interviews will be held in the Media Center (or alternate room at WHS).

  • Expected dates for the Rolling Academy 2025 expedition are June 18th – July 1st. There will be several group meetings, service trips and fundraisers prior to the departure date. Rolling Academy is FREE, but we ask that you help with fundraising efforts for the program.

  • If you have any questions regarding the application process, contact Leah Mosher (Leah@MountainAlliance.org) or stop by room 2314 during lunch. We would love to help you with the application, so please come talk to us anytime!

Avery County

  • Printed copies of the application will be available soon at the Mountain Alliance space by the Media Center. Printed copies of applications and reference letters can also be turned in here.

  • Applications should be received by Friday, February 14th @ 5 pm

  • Interviews will take place soon after the time the application process closes.  Students will be notified of their interview time at least 24 hours in advance and all interviews will be held at a designated space at ACHS.

  • Expected dates for the Rolling Academy 2024 expedition are June 9th - June 22nd. There will be several group meetings, service trips and fundraisers prior to the departure date. Rolling Academy is FREE, but we ask that you help with fundraising efforts for the program.

  • If you have any questions regarding the application process, contact Colleen McClare (Colleen@MountainAlliance.org) or stop by the office during lunch. We would love to help you with the application, so please come talk to us anytime!