Explorers Journey

Not offered in 2024. Check back in 2025!
Ages 8 - 10 | Return to Youth Programs

“Thank you for everything you did to make our trip happen. The best part was when we went backpacking, swimming in the river, doing the sit spot, and everything else! This was the funnest trip ever!!” — Grace, Age 10

Program Details | Sample Itinerary | Skills Introduced | Program Staff | Other Programs

A fun-filled introduction to wilderness and community, for kids ages 8-10!

Set in the beautiful Olympic Mountains of the Pacific Northwest, Explorer's Journey is a wondrous backcountry introduction to our wilderness rite of passage programs for young people.

Have you ever just sat under a tree and listened to the sounds of nature? Have you ever yelled "YAHO-O-O-O!" as you plunged into a cold mountain stream?

Somewhere in the Olympic Mountains, the winter snows are melting to feed spring flowers and giant cedars. At this very moment, deer are coming to newly opened meadows to graze and birds are building their nests. And that's where we'll be, too, exploring the woods and playing while learning camp skills, communication skills, and the art of introspection under the care and guidance of experienced mentors.

This journey of discovery invites the young person to learn more about nature, community, and their Self, all the while having fun and making new friends. Along with the challenges of wilderness living and travel come nighttime campfires, story telling, stargazing, and the stunning beauty of the Olympic Rainforest.

Returning in 2025

PROGRAM DETAILS

Ages 8 - 10
All Genders

August 6-10, 2023

Olympic National Park
Program starts/ends in Bothell, WA

$895.00; Deposit $300.00
Financial Aid is currently available

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM POSTCARD >

Returning in 2025

Questions? Check out our FAQ page or send us a message!

Getting ready to hit the trail into Olympic National Park.

Participants enjoy Nature Sit-Spots and Journaling activities.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - 2 | Participants will say goodbye to their families and quickly head out to Olympic National Park, where adventure awaits. Games, campfires, and a beautiful river are often day-one highlights at the car campground. The next morning it's time to pack up and hit the trail — off to the wilderness we go!

Days 3 - 4 | After overcoming the challenges of hiking into new terrain with backpacks on — taking breaks and exploring all the while — the kids will take the lead in designing their camp for the next two nights. In a secluded spot by the river, we'll have swimming, arts and crafts, games, wilderness skills, sharing circles, songs and storytelling. And a sky full of stars!

Day 5 | After hiking back to the vans, we'll return to our Basecamp in Bothell, share our stories with our families, and say goodbye for now to our new friends.