First Ascent: Remote Work in the Wild and an Action-Packed Summer Ahead

Staff  •  June 17, 2025

For remote workers seeking more than a desk and a strong Wi-Fi signal, First Ascent offers something rare: a chance to connect, not just with your job, but with your community, surroundings, and sense of purpose.

First Ascent was launched with a clear goal: to help West Virginia keep its brightest minds rooted in the place they call home. Created through a partnership between Marshall University and West Virginia University (WVU) and the Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) – an initiative powered in part by the Wing 2 Wing Foundation – the program supports recent graduates in launching careers across the Mountain State. With mentorship, flexible workspaces, and year-long access to recreation and professional development, First Ascent offers more than opportunity — it offers belonging.

Professional Growth Meets Place-Based Living

First Ascent is a professional springboard. Participants receive year-long mentorship from seasoned professionals, helping them align their personal values with career goals. The program also offers industry-recognized microcredentials in remote work and leadership, preparing graduates to stand out in a rapidly evolving job market.

Each member is placed in one of six designated First Ascent communities — Morgantown Area, Huntington Area, Greater Elkins, Eastern Panhandle, New River Gorge, or Greenbrier Valley — all of which offer vibrant community engagement opportunities, structured social activities, and world-class outdoor recreation. From high-speed internet to meeting rooms and a wide variety of community events each and every season, participants have everything they need to thrive.

From Rivers to Ridges: What’s Ahead This Summer

As the summer sun stretches across the hills of West Virginia, the First Ascent community answers the call — not just to explore the outdoors, but to grow together.

Each year, every First Ascent participant receives year-round access to free outdoor recreation, access to a fully stocked gear library (including everything from mountain bikes to paddleboards), and is invited to a calendar of no-cost events across the state.

These aren’t your typical professional mixers. They’re hands-on, soul-filling experiences that reflect the culture, spirit, and the natural beauty of the Mountain State — from paddling excursions and trail-building sessions to group hikes, community volunteering, and family-friendly festivals.

Summer 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most active, enriching seasons yet. Led by local Experience Coordinators, these gatherings are designed to help members make connections, learn new skills, and engage more deeply with their communities, regardless of where they call home in West Virginia.

For current members of First Ascent or those looking to join the program, here’s a month-by-month look at what’s ahead.

June – Kicking Off the Season

June brings fresh air and new challenges, where adventure meets learning with experiences for all comfort levels:

On the move

• Mountain bike at Wolf Creek Park (New River Gorge): Members will gather at the Wolf Creek Trailhead to explore the beginner-friendly Marauder Trail. This 3.8-mile flowy single-track loop is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their mountain biking skills. They can always borrow a bike from the Ascend Gear Library or bring their own!
• Take part in a mountain bike group ride through Greenbrier State Forest (Greenbrier Valley): Members can bring their bike (or borrow one from the Ascend Gear Library) and join your community on the trails! Suitable for all levels, participants will learn the essentials of mountain biking and experience the beauty of Greenbrier Valley.
• Return for more paddling adventures at Summersville Lake (New River Gorge): Members take it to the water for a group flatwater paddle starting at the Salmon Boat Launch, enjoying swimming, sunbathing, and resting at the Whippoorwill climbing area before heading back to the launch.

Workshops and volunteering opportunities

• Learn the essentials in Primitive Camping 101 (Morgantown Area): Ideal for beginners, this practical class will teach members how to cook outdoors, purify water, set up a tent, and manage bathroom needs while camping off the grid. 
• Experience an immersive backpacking workshop in Dolly Sods (Greater Elkins): Members can join a small group of adventure-focused individuals hungry for experiential learning in the Dolly Sods wilderness. Participants can expect hiking and backpacking, and will learn how to master a backcountry campsite setup.
• Volunteer at New Roots Community Farm, where service meets sustainability (New River Gorge): Here, members will tap into their roles as both a service member and a community member, contributing their time at New Roots Community Farm by tending to crops and gaining insight into West Virginia’s agricultural landscape while building longlasting connections.

For fun 

• Panhandle outdoor pickleball (Eastern Panhandle): Whether an experienced player or a beginner, this is a fantastic opportunity for members to play the game, make new friends, and relish the day’s final rays of sunshine in the Panhandle.
• Enjoy food trucks, music, and open skies at the Spruce Knob Kite Festival (Greater Elkins): Members can bring a kite, make one, or simply enjoy free family fun in a beautiful location at this popular annual event. Those who choose to camp can join their coordinator on Sunday for a trip to the Spruce Knob observation tower for great views and a short hike around the highest point in the state. Food trucks and refreshments will also be on site! 
• Practice swings at Locust Hill Golf Course’s Driving Range Night (Eastern Panhandle): Members experience a laid-back evening with friends at Group Driving Range Night — an ideal blend of golf, laughter, and great energy.

July – The Crown Jewel

The crown jewel of the season, the Ascend and First Ascent Country Roads Tour brings members and their families together for a four-day, all-inclusive retreat.

Visitors can choose from:

• Falconry
• Fly fishing
• Beekeeping tours
• Scenic chairlift rides

It’s the perfect mix of discovery and downtime, where kids, parents, and professionals alike can build lasting memories.

August – Slow Living, Deep Roots

The First Ascent summer event season winds down with quiet, joyful connection:

After-work adventures

• After-work paddles on the Monongahela River (Morgantown Area): Members will relax and unwind after a long day with a soothing paddle on the Mon River! This is the perfect way to spend an evening on the water with other Ascenders closing out for the day.
• A bike ride along Deckers Creek trail (Morgantown Area): This scenic 13.5-mile ride along Deckers Creek will leave from BaseCamp at 6:15 PM and head to the Masontown Trailhead (shuttle provided). It’s a great way to learn more about the area and connect with other members of the First Ascent community.

Back to nature

• A family-friendly camping weekend at Gandy Creek (Greater Elkins): Ascend WV will supply dinners on Friday and Saturday, and breakfast on Saturday, catering to any dietary needs. On Saturday, members will enjoy organized activities in Monongahela National Forest and by the creek, as well as games for both children and adults. They’ll wrap up the day around a campfire, complete with S’mores. Licensed anglers should remember to bring their trout fishing equipment!
• A refreshing hike and swim at Mule Hole, one of the state’s most treasured spots (Greater Elkins): Mule Hole ranks among the most stunning swimming spots in West Virginia. Members will discover why this location is a summer favorite for visitors of all ages, particularly on pleasant weekends, as they enjoy the waterfalls and refresh themselves in the creek.

To enhance opportunities for networking and mentorship, most First Ascent activities integrate with the Ascend WV cohort. Additionally, throughout the year, there are several exclusive First Ascent opportunities that exist to foster connections within the program. For many participants, these moments help transform a new town into a true home, offering not just summer plans to look forward to but pathways to belonging.

Explore First Ascent Communities Near You