Happy Mutant “PackWell”© Program

Creating an organized group exercise program geared to today’s high school age student based in the outdoors encourages a non-competitive environment where unplugging from technology and escaping the buzz of the world can lead to increased fitness levels, a more focused mental attitude, and a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

Through a dedicated couch-to-trail program of physical and mental training and preparation in a group setting PackWell staff tracks biometric markers and measurements as student’s progress. Groups of 12-24 will receive individual training programs progressing from Day 1 to a Week 16 camping/hiking trip. Throughout the program outdoor necessities such as map reading, orienteering, survival skills and self-rescue will be taught. Fundamentals of fitness and basic principles of nutrition and the history, flora and fauna of Week 16 will be introduced in a classroom setting.

“Our final hike will feature trails and areas that have helped shape our country. Native Americans, settlers from the east, and explorers from Europe created trade and migration routes throughout the western States. Many of the trails are only accessible by hiking. Our students will gain knowledge and appreciation of lost history while developing a life-long appreciation of backpacking and the fresh air and quiet of the outdoors,” Founder Toby Evans said.

“We will help the individual student prepare mentally and physically over four months so that they can successfully complete our final week-long experience. After hiking 8-10 miles they will arrive at our camp ground to find their tents set up and meals prepared. No mobile phones. No computers. By the start of day three circadian rhythms will start to reset and by the end of the week we will be refreshed and revitalized.”

Through corporate partnerships within the outdoor industry students will receive free or discounted equipment such as backpacks, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. PackWell © will work with our industry partners to coordinate with local specialty retail locations to outfit the student. The overall cost of this program (training protocols, biometric tracking, education components, land access permits and insurance, partial required gear and equipment, GPS tracking, transportation/meals/lodging to and from the final hike) will be between $1,800-2,000.00 per person.

The program will be offered in Iowa starting in February 2019 with a control group of 12-15 students with the Week 16 hike schedule for the Carson National Forest in New Mexico. A remote-learning eight-week program will also be offered during summer vacation with the final hike location in Utah.

“Our goal is to teach a long-term fitness activity that can grow in scope and challenge as our students mature. There are millions of acres of public land just waiting to be explored. As the rest of the technological world continues to rush by, we need to remember to take a breath of fresh air, unplug and escape…if even for an hour each day,” said Evans.

“My mom took us camping in Yellowstone and the Tetons when I was eight years old. Listening to the streams flow down the mountain and the star-filled skies above have made a lasting impression. I hope to inspire young people to get outside and explore this world of ours.”

Creating an organized group exercise program geared to today’s high school age student based in the outdoors encourages a non-competitive environment where unplugging from technology and escaping the buzz of the world can lead to increased fitness levels, a more focused mental attitude, and a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

Through a dedicated couch-to-trail program of physical and mental training and preparation in a group setting PackWell staff tracks biometric markers and measurements as student’s progress. Groups of 12-24 will receive individual training programs progressing from Day 1 to a Week 16 camping/hiking trip. Throughout the program outdoor necessities such as map reading, orienteering, survival skills and self-rescue will be taught. Fundamentals of fitness and basic principles of nutrition and the history, flora and fauna of Week 16 will be introduced in a classroom setting.

“Our final hike will feature trails and areas that have helped shape our country. Native Americans, settlers from the east, and explorers from Europe created trade and migration routes throughout the western States. Many of the trails are only accessible by hiking. Our students will gain knowledge and appreciation of lost history while developing a life-long appreciation of backpacking and the fresh air and quiet of the outdoors,” Founder Toby Evans said.

“We will help the individual student prepare mentally and physically over four months so that they can successfully complete our final week-long experience. After hiking 8-10 miles they will arrive at our camp ground to find their tents set up and meals prepared. No mobile phones. No computers. By the start of day three circadian rhythms will start to reset and by the end of the week we will be refreshed and revitalized.”

Through corporate partnerships within the outdoor industry students will receive free or discounted equipment such as backpacks, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. PackWell © will work with our industry partners to coordinate with local specialty retail locations to outfit the student. The overall cost of this program (training protocols, biometric tracking, education components, land access permits and insurance, partial required gear and equipment, GPS tracking, transportation/meals/lodging to and from the final hike) will be between $1,800-2,000.00 per person.

The program will be offered in Iowa starting in February 2019 with a control group of 12-15 students with the Week 16 hike schedule for the Carson National Forest in New Mexico. A remote-learning eight-week program will also be offered during summer vacation with the final hike location in Utah.

“Our goal is to teach a long-term fitness activity that can grow in scope and challenge as our students mature. There are millions of acres of public land just waiting to be explored. As the rest of the technological world continues to rush by, we need to remember to take a breath of fresh air, unplug and escape…if even for an hour each day,” said Evans.

“My mom took us camping in Yellowstone and the Tetons when I was eight years old. Listening to the streams flow down the mountain and the star-filled skies above have made a lasting impression. I hope to inspire young people to get outside and explore this world of ours.”

Our initial final exam for both age categories will take place in the Carson National Forest outside of Taos, New Mexico. This area provides a wide array of trails, variance in terrain and an unplugged remoteness that will be both challenging and positive for our classes. The climate during the early summer will make back country camping comfortable. Using a form of concierge camping each individual will carry a day pack loaded with essential gear (first aid kit, outerwear, snacks, lunch), water and navigational gear.

After hiking between 6-10 miles (terrain dependent), students will arrive at a designated campsite to find their tents set up and their over night gear waiting. Our staff will prepare an evening meal. Lectures on the area, back country survival, wild life, health and wellness will take place. The week will cover approximately 50 miles of back country hiking where the previous months of training and preparation will be put to the test.