2024 Wilderness Adventures Catalog

Long ago, as a teenager, I was flipping through a Wilderness Adventures catalog dreaming about the trips I might be interested in signing up for. Since I had grown up on the prairies of the Midwest, each one of the adventures in the catalog seemed magical and exciting. My first challenge was to choose just one.

In the end, I chose the “Grand Teton” trip as my destination. I spent three weeks adventuring around Wyoming with other students my age. The trip and all of its wonders proved to be even more magical and exciting than I had expected. All the activities listed in the catalog – backpacking, rock climbing and canoeing – challenged me and helped me grow in ways that I had never before experienced.

However, when I think back on the part of my WA experience that impacted me most, it was not what was advertised in the catalog, but it was my peers and Trip Leaders – the people of the Wilderness Adventures Community.

At Wilderness Adventures, we believe our itineraries and destinations are second to none. Our outdoor activities are challenging and fun for every level of adventure seeker. But what truly lies at the core of 50 years of success at Wilderness Adventures is the people of our community. They not only provide a fun and exciting adventure on each trip, but they lay the foundation for each participant to become a part of a larger community – the Wilderness Adventures Community.

The Wilderness Adventures Community is committed. Exceptional Trip Leaders challenge groups to work together as a team and individuals to be their best not only for the team, but also for themselves. Because of the community that was created on my Wilderness Adventures trip as a high school student, I came home walking taller, feeling more confident in myself, and with new friends from around the world.

As parents of WA students, Catherine and I have experienced this firsthand in our own children. We are proud to see them return from their WA adventures with the same sense of self-confidence and wonder that flows through 35,000+ WA alumni.

So, from our family and the entire WA Community, we hope you enjoy flipping through our catalog and dreaming about your next big adventure.

Sincerely,

Tom and Catherine Holland Owners + Directors

FINDING YOUR ADVENTURE

From our day camps in Jackson Hole, WY and Missoula, MT, to our overnight programs (for 4th-12th graders) around the globe, to our Leadership Institute programs (for students 18+), our team is here to help you sort through the details and find the perfect program!

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Once you are ready to sign up for your adventure, simply complete our online application. Our system will create an account for your family where you will be able to track all payments and necessary paperwork for your adventure. Each application requires a deposit to hold your students’ spot. Be sure to review our Terms and Conditions before submitting your application. We can’t wait to adventure with you!

PRIOR TO YOUR ADVENTURE

After completing the online application, you will receive email confirmation from our team with next steps to complete the application. This process includes a reference check (for students new to WA) and several forms to be completed by a parent or guardian. Once all paperwork has been submitted and reviewed, you will be notified of official enrollment at WA!

Once the application paperwork is out of the way, things get a bit more fun! You will receive a day-by-day itinerary for the program, a pack list for your trip, and more information about travel. The Coordinator of your student’s program will reach out to help you with all your summer preparations!

DURING YOUR ADVENTURE

Most WA groups are made up of 8-13 students with 2 Trip Leaders. You will be traveling with this small cohort of peers and will be amazed at how quickly bonds are formed!

Domestic programs will be assigned a van and trailer as your means of transportation. This will get you from location to location and store all of your gear! International programs look a bit different and often use public transportation and/or private shuttles.

WA is electronics-free, so once your student joins the group, they will no longer have access to their phone. Trip Leaders hold all electronics throughout the program for safekeeping. You will receive a phone call from the airport when your student has joined the group. Throughout your student’s program, photo updates will be provided to families! More details about these updates will be provided before your trip begins, but generally our Trip Leaders post photos to share with families once a week. These updates are a glimpse into life on the program but are kept to a minimum in order to provide the students and Trip Leaders the opportunity to enjoy the experience without the distraction of posting online.

AFTER YOUR ADVENTURE

We want to learn more about your experience and make improvements every year, so your feedback is essential! We will be in touch with a brief survey at the end of summer. You will also receive an email with a digital photo album of all the photos that the Trip Leaders took on the program! When your student returns home, we hope they continue to seek out adventure and new opportunities. It is our hope that WA serves as a launch pad for their next adventures, wherever that may be!

DO SOMETHING WILD

At Wilderness Adventures, we encourage our students to “Do Something Wild.” Whether getting ready to climb the next pitch in the Tetons, hitting the whitewater wave train in Costa Rica, or lacing up their boots for a day of backpacking in Alaska, WA provides opportunities for students to step outside the boundaries of their comfort zone and experience the growth that comes along with challenge.

We believe that a small group experience in the wilderness serves as a valuable catalyst for creating an inclusive environment where our students become more responsible, tolerant, kind, and self-confident individuals. We also believe that along with these skills comes a love and appreciation for the natural world that never fades.

But to “Do Something Wild” is more than just reaching a summit or sleeping under the stars for the first time. Wilderness Adventures students are asked to challenge themselves in ways they have never before experienced. They are encouraged to take on leadership roles, unplug from their devices, and learn to appreciate the unmasked beauty of the world right before their eyes.

But we can’t forget that Wilderness Adventures is also FUN! There will be countless smiles and jokes, skits and s’mores, belly laughs around the campfire, and stories that will last a lifetime.

DISCONNECT TO CONNECT

In all of our adventures, we seek to connect our participants with the wild so that they can be invigorated by the unspoiled, untouched, and pristine landscapes of our natural world. In a world that is so very connected, it is a unique opportunity to have the ability to disconnect from our devices and connect with the people and places that surround us.

AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION ACCREDITATION

There are thousands of camps across America to choose from, only a handful of which are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). Wilderness Adventures is proud to be one of them. The ACA is the only national accrediting body for camps of all types. The ACA’s accreditation standards focus on health, safety, and risk management, and are used as benchmarks by government entities. ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s commitment to the well-being of campers and staff.

OUR HISTORY

When Wilderness Adventures was established in 1973, we were lucky to earn operating permits in the most spectacular and beautiful national parks, national forests, and Wilderness areas in America. Over time, we have built on these relationships and expanded our operating permits. We are grateful to be able to share these special places with students each year!

What began as one trip with ten students for eight weeks across the western United States has grown to over 45 trips across 4 continents with over 35,000 alumni. Wilderness Adventures started in 1973 with Mike and Helen Cottingham’s dream of combining their love of the outdoors with their passion for education.

As school teachers, Mike and Helen saw great possibility in their students, but a lack of room to grow in the traditional classroom setting. With the trust of ten students’ parents and a whole lot of enthusiasm, Mike and Helen packed up Wilderness Adventures’ first 15-passenger van and set out across the country for their best adventure yet.

Each summer following, the trips grew, the staff multiplied, and Mike and Helen devoted themselves to helping young people discover the outdoors, and in turn, themselves. Fifty-one years later, Wilderness Adventures continues to thrive. Though the trips have grown to include much more than just ten students in the American West, our goals and mission have remained the same: to inspire growth and wonder through life-changing adventures for young people in remarkable locations.

In early 2016, Tom and Catherine Holland became the owners and operators of Wilderness Adventures. With both history in the Jackson Hole area and extensive professional careers in child development, Tom and Catherine are thrilled to continue the legacy of Wilderness Adventures.

“Having worked in the outdoors for over six years with multiple companies, I can truly say that Wilderness Adventures is a life changing experience. I only wish I could have attended a WA program as a student. If a student has the opportunity to attend ANY program, they need to! A WA trip can set a student up for success in the future.”

– MIKE REILLY WA TRIP LEADER

OUR TRIP LEADERS

Every year, Wilderness Adventures hires seasonal staff members to execute our programs around the world. We seek out leaders who will be a positive influence on our participants, an inspirational role model, and are devoted to supporting student growth and education while creating a fun and non-competitive environment for students to thrive. Though all of our Trip Leaders come in with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, everyone has two things in common: a passion for the outdoors and the excitement to share that passion with others. This fosters an extremely inspiring atmosphere.

Serving as a guide, a confidant, a nurse, a parent, a teacher, a chauffeur, and a friend, our Trip Leaders fulfill many roles and are critical in shaping the experience for our students. This set of roles taken on by our Trip Leaders comes with both immense responsibility and such great privilege. Trip Leaders are there to support your student along they way when they are homesick, when they are tired, and when they are scared to grab that next hold on the climbing wall. They are there to show them that they are capable of more than they’ve ever realized, and that is a feeling that sticks with all of us for many, many years to come.

OUR STUDENTS

Wilderness Adventures students are the glue of our programs! Groups will typically consist of 8-13 students who come from all over the world. In 2023, our students came from 45 different states and 11 countries. With different backgrounds and experiences, each student brings something unique to the campfire, and that’s part of what makes WA so special.

Some students join the adventure with outdoor experience under their belt (maybe they’re even a WA alum!), but many are new to the activities and atmosphere of our programs. No experience is necessary to participate in a WA program. What connects students, no matter their experience level, is their can-do-spirit and willingness to give new things a go!

WA students are committed to the concept of community and are passionate about welcoming everyone and sharing their experience. Everyone is welcome around our campfire, and we hope you join us!

THE NATURAL WORLD

COMMUNITY

LEADERSHIP

Over 50 years of operation has provided WA the unique opportunity to travel in the most spectacular places with special operating permits across the globe. We recognize the privilege of being able to take students to these places as well as our tremendous responsibility to ensure that these areas remain preserved and protected.

We believe that a small group experience in the wilderness serves as a valuable catalyst for our students to become more responsible, tolerant, kind, and self-confident individuals. We strive to create space for everyone around our campfire.

Each program has a curriculum designed specifically to enhance the leadership skills of all students. Throughout your WA trip, you will be encouraged to take on leadership roles, unplug from devices, and learn to appreciate the unmasked beauty of the world right before your eyes. It is our hope that your WA trip will serve as a pivotal launch pad in your life.

SEEKING TO MAKE THE SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE A POSSIBILITY FOR ALL

WILDERNESS ADVENTURES FOUNDATION

The Wilderness Adventures Foundation was established in 2022 under the premise that socioeconomic circumstances should never impede a child from having a summer camp experience. Each year, the WAF provides financial aid opportunities allowing students who are passionate about joining a summer camp program to do so without regard to their family’s financial position.

MAKING SPACE FOR ALL AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

At Wilderness Adventures, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment for all participants regardless of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith or religion, national or ethnic origin, body type, disability (assuming the disability permits safe participation in the program) or any other category people use to define themselves. We celebrate diversity and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.

FOUNDATION • EST 2022

We are greatly honored by all the individuals who have supported our efforts to make camp a reality for all kids. As a 501c3 charitable organization, 100% of donations go towards supporting a student in need.

DONATE IMPACT STATEMENT LEARN MORE

YOUR BEST ADVENTURE YET...

overnight trips

WA Snapshots | 4th - 8th Graders

Discovery Programs | 5th - 6th Graders

Explorer Programs | 7th - 9th Graders

High Trails Programs | 9th - 12th Graders

wali gap semesters

Earn professional certifications. Expand your outdoor skill set. Build self-confidence. Become a leader.

Summer Gap Semester: Rockies

Fall Gap Semester: Rockies Built

STARTS HERE.

day camps

Base Camp Jackson Hole

Missoula Outdoor Learning Adventures

custom programs

Work with our team to build your own program! We work with schools, outing clubs, church groups, and groups of students and families from all over the country. Using our operating permits, we can create trips that include kayaking, backpacking, rafting, rock climbing, and more!

wa snapshots

4th-8th grade

discovery programs

5th-6th grade

explorer programs

7th-9th grade

high trails programs

9th-12th+ grade

*Additional international flight costs will apply.

gap semesters

18+ years

Campout Jackson Hole

Campout Missoula

Wild Anaconda: Missoula Adventure

Wild Teton: Yellowstone Adventure

Sage Overnight

P. 24

P. 26

P. 28

P. 30

P. 32

CAMPOUT jackson hole

ACTIVITIES

Hike

Camp Games

Outdoor Living Skills

Fly Fish

Canoe

ARRIVAL JAC DEPARTURE JAC

jackson hole, wy

jackson hole, wy

5 DAYS

DATES july 8 - july 12 july 29 - august 2 august 5 - august 9 august 12 - august 16

SCHOOL GRADE 4th - 6th

COST $1,650

“This was THE BEST for my daughter. She had an amazing adventure in the Wyoming wilderness with a great group of friends and counselors.”

– MEREDITH, CAMPOUT PARENT

CAMPOUT missoula

ACTIVITIES

Hike

Camp Games

Outdoor Living Skills

Fly Fish

Canoe

5 DAYS DATES july 22 - july 26

“What an adventure! WA gave me a place to explore and take risks with experts who made me feel safe and supported. I can’t wait for my next adventure.”

– FRANCIS, WA STUDENT

WILD ANACONDA

missoula adventure

ACTIVITIES

Backpack

Whitewater Raft

Rock Climb

ARRIVAL JAC DEPARTURE JAC

jackson hole, wy

7 DAYS

jackson hole, wy

DATES

june 24 - june 30

july 14 - july 20

SCHOOL GRADE 7th - 9th

COST $1,795

“I had a great experience and really appreciated everything that my leaders and the people that helped organize this camp did to help. It was one of the most fun summer camps I have ever been in for sure.”

– SAMUEL, WA STUDENT

WILD TETON a yellowstone adventure

ACTIVITIES

Hike

Explore Grand Teton National Park

Explore Yellowstone National Park

Float the Snake River

Visit Slide Lake

7 DAYS DATES june 15 - june 21

“My favorite part of my WA trip was how involved the leaders were in every activity! They were just as excited and involved as the students were!”

– ANNIE, WA STUDENT

SAGE OVERNIGHT

explore the wilds that surround a historic wyoming town

ACTIVITIES

Hike Lake Louise

Camp Games

Explore Dubois, Wyoming

ARRIVAL JAC DEPARTURE JAC

jackson hole, wy

jackson hole, wy

3 DAYS DATES july 1 - july 3

SCHOOL GRADE 4th - 6th

COST $575

“

I loved WA because it is an unforgettable experience and you will make lifelong friends. It is so cool and you get to go to beautiful places.”

– JILLY, WA STUDENT

Great Lakes Discovery: A Superior Adventure

Pacific Northwest Discovery

40 for students in 5th-6th grade

GREAT LAKES DISCOVERY a superior adventure

ACTIVITIES

Sail Backpack

ARRIVAL DTW DEPARTURE DTW detroit, mi

detroit, mi

12 DAYS DATES june 17 - june 28

SCHOOL GRADE 5th - 6th

COST $3,495

“

After my WA trip, I’ve just been inspired to do everything and anything that I can. I think back to the events of my trip and I look to the future and think about all the new things I feel I can do.”

– DANA, WA STUDENT

PACIFIC NORTHWEST DISCOVERY

explore the vast landscapes of the pnw

ACTIVITIES

Day Hike

Rock Climb

Surf

Explore Crater Lake National Park

Explore Mt. Rainier National Park

Overnight Whitewater Raft

Explore Olympic National Park

ARRIVAL SEA DEPARTURE PDX portland, or

seattle, wa

21 DAYS

DATES

june 16 - july 6

july 9 - july 29

SCHOOL GRADE

5th - 6th

COST

$5,795

“I had the best time and I met new people from all over. The counselors and guides were really nice and all the activities were so fun.”

– GRACE, WA STUDENT

YELLOWSTONE TETON

DISCOVERY experience wildlife, wildflowers, and the wild west

ACTIVITIES

Backpack

Hike

Stand

Explore

Explore Yellowstone National Park Whitewater Raft

Sea Kayak

“This

CALIFORNIA EXPLORER

discover the wonders of northern california

ACTIVITIES

Backpack the Lost Coast

Backpack the High Sierras Hike

Explore Sunset Beach

Visit Golden Gate Recreation Area Whitewater Raft Surf

san francisco, ca

ARRIVAL SFO DEPARTURE SFO san francisco, ca

21 DAYS

DATES

june 16 - july 6 july 9 - july 29

SCHOOL GRADE 7th - 9th

COST $5,795

“I had so much fun getting out of my comfort zone along with meeting new people from all around the US.”

– JANE, WA STUDENT

CAROLINA BLUE crags

to coast

ACTIVITIES

Backpack

Sea Kayak

Surf Rock Climb

Overnight Whitewater Raft

Visit Sliding Rock

Hike Pisgah National Forest

“I felt comfortable and had so much fun with my group from the beginning.” – ANAIS, WA STUDENT

COSTA RICA PURA VIDA experience the “simple life”

EUROPEAN ALPS travel through france,

italy, and switzerland

“

ACTIVITIES

Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

Day Hike Zermatt

Day Hike Chamonix

Rock Climb

Zlipline

Paddle the Giffre River

Paddle Boat Lake Champlex

ARRIVAL GVA DEPARTURE GVA

geneva, ch

geneva, ch

Additional international flight costs will apply.

21 DAYS DATES

june 16 - july 6

SCHOOL GRADE

7th - 9th

COST

$7,295

The opportunities given during this trip were like no other and I really enjoyed the awesome things I was able to do.”

– CHRISTOPHER, WA STUDENT

HAWAII EXPLORER

vibrant coasts and exotic oceans

“

Explore

Manta

Canoe

This experience was fantastic and I felt so connected to my tripmates.” –

JACKSON HOLE FLY FISHING

fish the remote and pristine waters of the greater yellowstone ecosystem

ACTIVITIES

Fly Fishing Seminar

Backpack

Fly Fish

Whitewater Raft

ARRIVAL JAC DEPARTURE JAC

jackson hole, wy

jackson hole, wy

14 DAYS

DATES

june 17 - june 30 july 3 - july 16

SCHOOL GRADE 7th - 9th

COST $4,995

“I really enjoyed this trip. I met new people and made a lot of great friendships. I learned that I am a lot better at fly fishing than I originally thought I was.”

–SAMUEL, WA STUDENT

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

EXPLORER travel the peaks, valleys, and coast of the pnw

ACTIVITIES

Climb Mt. Adams

Surf

Rock Climb

Whitewater Raft

Backpack

Explore Hood River

portland, or

ARRIVAL PDX DEPARTURE PDX portland, or 21 DAYS

DATES

june 16 - july 6 july 9 - july 29

SCHOOL GRADE 7th - 9th

COST $5,995

“My experience on Mount Adams was my favorite part. I was very pleased with all the experiences and memories I made on this trip.”

–WILLY, WA STUDENT

THE ROCKIES

trek through beautiful high alpine landscapes

ACTIVITIES

Hike

Rock Climb

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park Backpack

Whitewater Raft

14 DAYS

DATES june 17 - june 30 july 3 - july 16 july 19 - august 1

COST $4,395 SCHOOL GRADE 7th - 9th

“I learned to trust in my abilities and myself. This trip taught me that I am better at things than I think I am. I got better in all of the activities we did.”

– JACK, WA STUDENT

WHITE MOUNTAINS explore

the rugged landscape and the historic coast

ACTIVITIES

Backpack the White Mountains

Overnight Sea Kayak in Casco Bay

ARRIVAL BOS DEPARTURE BOS

boston, ma

boston, ma

DATES

10 DAYS

july 3 - july 12

july 15 - july 24

july 27 - august 5

SCHOOL GRADE 7th - 9th

COST

$2,895

“I gained a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities. I got to be in nature, sleep under the stars, and be with amazing people. ”

– SIMON, WA STUDENT

YELLOWSTONE EXPLORER

explore the remote corners of wyoming and montana

ACTIVITIES

Backpack

Hike

Explore Grand Teton National Park

Explore Yellowstone National Park

Whitewater Raft

Overnight Sea Kayak

“I truly loved the people, and the experiences and learned how to persevere through hard things.” – JAMES, WA STUDENT

students in 9th-12th+ grade

Alaska High Trails

Alaska Southcentral

Alaska Southeast

70 Alps & Pyrenees

Costa Rica

Ecuador Galápagos

Grand Teton

The Great Northwest

Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Service

Jackson Hole High Trails

Montana Fly Fishing

Teton Crest

Utah Red Rocks

The Thorofare: A Yellowstone Experience

Vietnam Cambodia

74

76

78

80

82

84

86

88

90

94

ALASKA HIGH TRAILS

land of the midnight sun

ACTIVITIES

Backpack

Whitewater Raft

Sea Kayak Prince William Sound

anchorage, ak

ARRIVAL ANC DEPARTURE ANC anchorage, ak

DATES

14 DAYS

june 17 - june 30

july 3 - july 16

july 19 - august 1

SCHOOL GRADE

COST

$4,495

“I met a lot of cool new people who I hope to continue to stay in touch with in the future. I loved the backpacking and kayaking because I was able to experience so much of Alaska.”

9th - 12th Clickto

– ANNA, WA STUDENT

ALASKA SOUTHCENTRAL the

last frontier

ACTIVITIES

Backpack

Overnight Whitewater Raft

Sea Kayak Prince William Sound

Ice Climb Matanuska Glacier

anchorage, ak

ARRIVAL ANC DEPARTURE ANC anchorage, ak

28 DAYS DATES

june 28 - july 25

SCHOOL GRADE 10th - 12th+

COST $7,295

“I will always love experiencing the great outdoors, and WA allows me to to do what I love with others who share my way of thinking. On this trip I learned that I can do what I previously thought would impossible for me to do.”

– THOMAS, WA STUDENT

ALASKA SOUTHEAST

explore alaska’s world class glacial terrain

ACTIVITIES

Overnight Sea Kayak

Backpack

Mountaineer

Ice Climb

Whitewater Raft

Hike

ARRIVAL JNU DEPARTURE JNU juneau, ak

juneau, ak

21 DAYS

DATES june 16 - july 6 july 9 - july 29

SCHOOL GRADE 9th - 12th

COST $6,495

“I had a wonderful group alongside me and the trip itself was a once in a lifetime experience.”

– BEA, WA STUDENT

ALPS & PYRENEES

experience some of the most iconic adventures that europe has to offer

ACTIVITIES

Sea Kayak Costa Brava

Backpack Carros de Foc

Whitewater Raft

Backpack Tour du Mont Blanc

Stand Up Paddle Board Hike in Chamonix

ARRIVAL GVA DEPARTURE BCN

geneva, ch

barcelona, es

Additional international flight costs will apply.

28 DAYS DATES

june 28 - july 25

SCHOOL GRADE 9th - 12th Clickto

COST $8,295

“I have done WA for the past 5 summers and I love it more and more every time. I couldn’t imagine my life without WA.”

– BEA, WA STUDENT

COSTA RICA tropical paradise

ACTIVITIES

Community Service

Spanish Language Class

Surf

Sea Kayak

Day Hike

Visit a Traditional Sugar Cane Mill

Overnight Whitewater Raft

Explore Cano Island

ARRIVAL SJO DEPARTURE SJO

san jose, cr

san jose, cr

Additional international flight costs will apply.

21 DAYS

DATES

june 16 - july 6

july 9 - july 29

SCHOOL GRADE

COST

$7,295

“I loved the activities, leaders, the other people on the trip. I improved in speaking Spanish, problem solving skills, and I gained independence.”

9th - 12th Clickto

– MILO, WA STUDENT

ECUADOR GALÁPAGOS

adventure along the west coast of south america

GRAND TETON

experience the beauty of remote wyoming landscapes

ACTIVITIES

Grant Teton Summit Attempt

Backpack

Overnight Sea Kayak

Explore Yellowstone National Park

Explore Grand Teton National Park

Hike

Rock Climb

Whitewater Raft

jackson hole, wy

ARRIVAL JAC DEPARTURE JAC jackson hole, wy

21 DAYS

DATES

june 16 - july 6

july 9 - july 29

SCHOOL GRADE 9th - 12th Clickto

COST

$6,495

“I loved the leaders and the kids I met. The experiences in the backcountry and on The Grand were unreal.”

– FINNIGAN, WA STUDENT

THE GREAT NORTHWEST adventure across washington,

oregon, and idaho

ACTIVITIES

Climb Mt. Baker

Backpack

Overnight Whitewater Raft

Surf

Day Hike

ARRIVAL SEA DEPARTURE SEA seattle, wa

seattle, wa

35 DAYS DATES

june 28 - august 1

COST $7,995

“

I love this program and how it exposes youth to the complexity and beauty of the outdoors. I have learned some of the most valuable skills on my WA trips, and use them in my day to day life.”

SCHOOL GRADE 9th - 12th Clickto

– ROSIE, WA STUDENT

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

dive into a magnificent tropical ecosystem

HAWAII SERVICE

immerse yourself in the natual beauty of hawaii

Visit

ACTIVITIES

Surf

Manta Ray Snorkel

Hike

Sea Kayak

Canoe + Stand Up Paddle Board

“I loved this trip. I loved making new friends and having new experiences.” –

JACKSON HOLE HIGH TRAILS

paddle your way through the wonders of wyoming

ACTIVITIES

Whitewater Kayak

Overnight Sea Kayak

Explore Yellowstone National Park

Explore Grand Teton National Park

jackson hole, wy

DATES

10 DAYS

june 17 - june 26

june 29 - july 8

july 11 - july 20

jackson hole, wy COST $3,995 SCHOOL GRADE 9th

My trip was super fun. It raised my confidence in activities and social settings. We did lots of activities and I never got bored. It was the best!”

– FRANCESCA, WA STUDENT

Clickto

MONTANA FLY FISHING

learn new fly fishing skills in the remote wilderness

ACTIVITIES

Fly Fishing Seminar

Backpack

Fly Fish

Whitewater Raft

bozeman, mt

ARRIVAL BZN DEPARTURE BZN bozeman, mt

14 DAYS DATES july 19 - august 1

SCHOOL GRADE 9th - 12th

COST $4,995

“I had an amazing time. I learned how to connect more with nature and appreciate the little things in life.”

– REILLY, WA STUDENT

TETON CREST

one of north america’s most renowned alpine trekking routes

ACTIVITIES

Backpack the Teton Crest Trail

Fly Fishing Seminar

Inflatable Kayak

Visit Hot Springs

ARRIVAL JAC DEPARTURE JAC

jackson hole, wy

14 DAYS

jackson hole, wy

DATES

july 3 - july 16 july 19 - august 1

SCHOOL GRADE 9th - 12th

COST $4,795

“

I just loved every part of it. I made some really good friends and loved spending so much time outside around the mountains. I learned that I am capable of much more than I thought.”

– HANNAH, WA STUDENT

UTAH RED ROCKS

adventure through towering red rock landscapes

ACTIVITIES

Overnight Whitewater Raft

Canyoneer

Backpack

Explore Moab

ARRIVAL SLC DEPARTURE SLC

salt lake city, ut

14 DAYS

salt lake city, ut

DATES

june 11 - june 24

june 17 - june 30

SCHOOL GRADE 9th - 12th

COST $4,795

“I learned so much about myself and how I view the world and my life. I also made friends that I will have for a long time.”

– EVA, WA STUDENT

Clickto

THE THOROFARE a yellowstone experience

ACTIVITIES

Backpack

Overnight Sea Kayak Hike

Explore Grand Teton National Park Whitewater Raft

jackson hole, wy

ARRIVAL JAC DEPARTURE JAC jackson hole, wy

21 DAYS DATES july 9 - july 29

SCHOOL GRADE 10th - 12th+

COST $5,495

“I’ve never been on a trip like this and it really was a life changing experience for me. Throughout the trip I learned that I can push myself father than I thought I could.”

– AHNAKA, WA STUDENT

VIETNAM CAMBODIA immerse

yourself in inspiring landscapes and villages

ACTIVITIES

Community Service

Explore Local Markets

Cooking Class

Explore Sapa

Visit Ho Chi Minh and Local Museums

Hike

Visit Angkor Wat Temples

Sea Kayak

Rock Climb

Trek Through Hmong Villages

21

“

SUMMER GAP SEMESTER the

rockies

ACTIVITIES

Backpack

Wilderness First Responder Course

Explore Arches National Park

Overnight Whitewater Raft

WA Trip Leader Internship

Whitewater Kayak

Swift Water Rescue Training

Community Service

Jackson Peak Solo Experience

salt lake city, ut

ARRIVAL SLC DEPARTURE JAC jackson hole, wy

42 DAYS DATES

june 7 - july 18

AGE 18+ Clickto

ACADEMIC CREDIT

COST $8,495

All students who complete a WALI Gap Semester are eligible for up to 6 academic credits through the University of Wyoming.

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My Wilderness Adventures Gap Semester experience was a unique one. I added myself to the wait list on a whim, and got a call just a few days before the start of the program: “Someone dropped. Are you in?” I had only the brief length of the phone call to decide, and admittedly, after a bit of hesitation, I made up my mind. Within 2 days, I packed my backpack, dusted off my hiking shoes, and suddenly found myself up at 3am, unloading kayaks from a trailer and paddling out into the Yellowstone backcountry at the crack of dawn, with a group of people I’d just met who seemed to know infinitely more than me about pitching tents, purifying water, tying knots, proper layering techniques, and just about everything that involved being outside. I knew I loved the outdoors, but I felt intimidated. Everything around me was unfamiliar; my comfort zone was stretched, like a muscle I didn’t even know I had: sore at first, uncomfortable, stiff. I leaned into the long days and soon that muscle formed. The process was certainly not without growing pains, but the reward was greater than I ever could have imagined, and is still paying off today in ways much larger than the world of outdoor recreation. Here are just a few things I took away from my WALI (Wilderness Adventures Leadership Institute) Gap Semester:

COMMUNITY

After 15 years of classrooms and homework, 6 months of Zoom and isolation from nearly everyone I loved, I was disconnected in all the wrong ways. Being immersed in this unique community of people, away from the overwhelming plethora of information that our generation is exposed to on a daily basis was a breath of fresh air – this semester grounded me and truly brought me back to life. I learned to be present, and that taking care of those around you is a big part of taking care of yourself.

LEADERSHIP

Collaborating in small groups to accomplish things like meal planning, finding the way with a map and compass, delegating tasks around camp – these skills translated into something more that I’ve been able to apply in countless other circumstances, whether that’s navigating roommate relationships, workplace dynamics, or finding the confidence to make my way through a new city or trail on my own. Despite all the extracurriculars and jobs I’d held before my Gap Semester, I’ve noticed that the most growth in my leadership skills have come from those 9 weeks spent with WA.

EXPANDING MY COMFORT ZONE

As mentioned earlier, my choice to join this Gap Semester was made hastily and without much of a chance to prepare. This in itself was a test of my limits, but it didn’t end there. The long days of backpacking (for my very first time) were not only physically demanding, but tested me mentally as well. In the words of one of my students this summer, “what you think you can do is only 50% of what you can actually do.” Don’t let fear or uncertainty stop you from taking that leap of faith.

RECONNECTING WITH NATURE

There’s no comparable feeling to the complete awe that comes from, say, a day on the Lower Salmon, floating down between the rocky cliffs, knowing that there’s not another person for miles. Maybe you saw mountain goats or wild stallions; maybe you swam through a rapid; maybe you had a dance party in a windstorm while the rafts threatened to blow away; maybe, while you’re drinking your tea before bed and accepting the fact that the sand is a part of you now, you look up, and for the first time you see the entire Milky Way. The raw and immersive backcountry experience of a WALI Gap Semester will make you feel that you’re a part of something bigger than you could ever imagine. This sense of wonder never goes away; I find myself seeking it out as much my daily life will allow.

I encourage anyone interested in this program to seize the opportunity. It’s unlikely that anything like this will come along in the future, and what better time to take advantage of such an opportunity than right now? In an ever changing world where you’re living through the aftermath of a pandemic, a constantly developing political landscape, and constant news of climate change, it can feel terrifying to be on the brink of adulthood, not knowing which direction to turn. Too often we feel this pressure, this sense of urgency, to be the most productive and impactful we possibly can. Let go of that. Allow yourself to lean into this experience. I promise you won’t regret it.”

– KATHERINE HELD WALI Alum and WA Trip Leader

THE NITTY GRITTY things you should know

ITINERARIES

WA directors put significant effort into planning fun, adventurous, appropriately challenging and eye-opening experiences for our students. We will do everything within reason to not stray from the itinerary as planned. However, itineraries can change depending on a variety of unpredictable factors including temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging and campground availability, student ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes.

Alterations are sometimes necessary and unavoidable for the health, safety, well-being, and enjoyment of the students. If an activity or area is altered for any reason (absent a force majeure), it will be replaced with a comparable activity or area, conditions permitting. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.

We do not grant refunds or switch students out of trips that are altered. We expect our students and their families to be flexible in the face of changes, and to take advantage of any resulting opportunities that might arise.

REFUNDS AND BILLING SCHEDULE

Program deposits are fully refundable through until December 1, 2023. Final payment is due by April 1, 2024 or within 2 weeks of submitting an application if the April 1, 2024 deadline has passed. All payments are non-refundable after April 1, 2024.

CANCELLATION INSURANCE

WA is excited to provide a Cancel For Any Reason 3rd party insurance through Travmark to safeguard your investment. Please review this information carefully along with WA’s refund and cancellation policy to make the best decision for your family.

Note that Wilderness Adventures will not refund payments made per the billing schedule for any reason. We strongly encourage you to consider the Travmark Insurance plan.

For NY Residents: Travmark offers Activity Coverage, some cancellation restrictions apply. Refer to the policy for details.

TRAVEL

Once your application has been processed and your student has been officially enrolled, we will be in touch with details pertaining to booking travel! Each program has a specific window of time that we ask students to arrive and depart within.

Most students travel on their own to and from the program (many as unaccompanied minors!), but driving your student or flying with them is an option as well. Additionally, for some of our international programs we have optional escorted flights with our Trip Leaders.

If your student will be flying to their destination, you can choose to book flights on your own, or you can work with our partner agency, Aspen Travel. Aspen Travel can help with the process of booking flights, reviewing itineraries, coordinating flights with other students traveling from the same area, and even assisting in resolving any hiccups during travel. Check out more travel tips and tricks here!

FOOD

Food fuels adventure! We place an extremely high importance on the food our groups eat throughout their programs, and we make a point to ensure that meal planning and cooking are a fun and enjoyable part of each trip. Students will have a heavy hand in the whole process from grocery shopping to cooking and will work with other students in their group as a cook crew to execute meals!

Food allergies and dietary restrictions are something we can typically work around and is not something we take lightly. If your student has an allergy or dietary restriction, a member of our team will be in touch to discuss precautions and expectations! While we are able to accommodate most food allergies, there are inherent food risks associated with backcountry living and international travel. You should carefully consider these risks before the student enrolls.

GEAR

WA will provide a specific pack list for your program once you are officially enrolled! Items such as tents and kitchen gear are provided by WA.

Rental sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and backpacking packs are an option for many WA programs (with the exception of Hawaii and International programs) while supplies last.

ACCOMMODATIONS

All of our domestic programs will be sleeping in tents (provided by WA) each night of the program! If this is new to you, not to worry! Trip Leaders will be there to help guide you to success when it comes to living comfortably and successfully in outdoor settings.

As far as international programming goes, some nights on select programs will be spent in tents, but many nights, students will be in more established accommodations like hostels or yurts.

GROUP SIZE

While most of our programs enroll between 8 and 12 students, WA trips vary in size because of group size limitations and enrollment trends. Consequently, your student may be in a group ranging in size from 4 students to 15 students.

If your child is the only student of their gender on a trip, we will advise you of this before the adventure. If there are fewer than 4 students on a trip, we will contact students and seek to place them in an appropriate alternative trip.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FULL TERMS + CONDITIONS FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND EXPLANATIONS.