Solo Crossing

Ages 15 - 18 | August 2 - 22, 2025 | Return to Youth Programs

"Journeys trips are truly life-changing. They teach leadership, responsibility, trust, teamwork and self-growth, through in-depth councils and wilderness skills. The guides on the trip were powerful role models, and respected and treated us like adults. I'm incredibly grateful to have been able to spend such a full 3 weeks in the beautiful outdoors with such inspiring people." - Grace, Age 16

A 3-week backpacking adventure designed to help teens navigate the road toward young adulthood with confidence and clarity

Solo Crossing is a chance for teens to imagine how they want to be as adults, and then explore and practice what this means to them and their families, friends and communities. On the backcountry trails of Western Washington, participants are challenged in mind, body and heart, within a supportive community of peers and mentors.

During three exciting weeks, teens develop a range of personal and interpersonal skills. A long backpacking trek lets them practice teamwork and wilderness skills. Solo time, journaling and nightly talking circles help them connect to and articulate their deeper thoughts and dreams. Individual mentoring helps youth name the transition that they are engaging in on this journey.

Mid-program, the youth embark on a solo vigil when they leave the group setting to be fully in their own company. Guided by nature and personal quiet, they contemplate letting go of their life as a child and looking forward to living courageously as an adult.

After the vigil, their new insights are tested and integrated during a second backcountry trek. Throughout the program, each participant has an adult mentor – a journey guide – who helps them articulate their gifts and their dreams.

During the final stage of the journey, participants sit in a council circle telling epic stories of their Solo Crossing and sharing visions of their future. Mentors, peers, and elders offer support as they talk about how to make their rite of passage relevant to their new lives.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Ages 15 - 18
All Genders

August 2 - 22, 2025

Olympic National Park
Program starts/ends in Bothell, WA

$3495.00; Deposit $600.00
Financial Aid is currently available

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM POSTCARD >

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

Participants enjoy Nature Sit-Spots and Journaling activities.

Sample Itinerary

Week 1 | Participants, Parents or Guardians, and other members of the participant's community say good-bye during a send out ceremony at our basecamp in Bothell. Participants then head off to the woods for a 5- to 6-day backpacking trip in the Olympics during which participants will learn wilderness, leadership, communal living and reflection skills. This stage is a preparation for week two.

Week 2 | Participants begin to take on more responsibilities, taking ownership of many of the daily leadership tasks as they hike in to the Olympic Coast. Once on the beach, and a temporary base camp is set, participants will journal, make expressive art, and prepare for and complete a 48-hour solo vigil.

Week 3 | Participants complete the coastal leg of their journey, then second to last day return to basecamp in Bothell for a Council of Elders and other closing activities, in celebration of their journey and learnings. They reflect on the skills that they are bringing back to offer their communities as young adults. On the final day parents will return to Journeys for an incorporation ceremony before the program close.

Skills Introduced

Program Outcomes

Improved self-confidence
Group communication and problem solving skills
Understanding and taking responsibility
Ability to listen to intuition
Creative self-expression
Leadership and teamwork skills
Improved physical strength and personal resolve
Knowledge of natural history of Northwest terrain
Low-impact camping techniques
Understanding of a healthy and appropriate path to adulthood
Completion of a transformative rite of passage

Solo Crossing Staff

Our guide teams for 2025 will be announced ASAP. We typically have guide teams assembled by Spring. You can learn about last year’s guides below and learn more about the rest of our guide teams from prior years on our Staff & Board Page