The Woods Project Summer Trip Survey



Get ready for an adventure!

Students will be placed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are signing up for summer with your school as a group, then your school may have first say in which trip your are placed on. Partner schools & organizations may also help contribute to the cost of your trip.

The Woods Project’s summer program consists of intensive, two-week wilderness immersion experiences at two nationally recognized wilderness locations, Desolation Wilderness, Breckenridge, Colorado and Olympic National Park. 

Students who have attended our trips get to see some of the nation's most beautiful views, climb mountains, learn to camp, see the stars in the night sky, make close friendships with other students, and learn and grow as an individual. 

The Woods Project's two-week summer trip includes seven days of outdoor activities, as well as an intensive six-day extended wilderness backpacking adventure led by trained volunteers. Students participate in wilderness experiences including hiking, paddling, camping, rock climbing, and team building, and they learn essential camping skills such as how to use and care for their gear, survival skills, and “Leave No Trace” principles. Participants also learn about the history of the area, engage in hands-on lessons, and have several opportunities to reflect upon and share their experience.

 We are so excited for summer trips! 

Cost: $100 - $700 for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch or are below 120% the Area Median Income. Partial scholarships are available through the application in the portal or in-person at the Parent Meeting.

Criteria For Application
  • The ideal student would be open to trying new outdoor experiences
  • Excited to grow their personal skills
  • Current 9-12 grade student in Houston area
  • No GPA requirement
Olympic National Park, Washington State (Naturebridge Olympic)
Backpacking in Olympic National Park provides three distinct ecosystems; mountains, Pacific coastlines, rainforests, and their distinct animals and plants for nature-lovers to explore. In the front-country experience, students will stay in a gorgeous campus right on Lake Crescent. The Naturebridge campus is connected directly to trails and there are wildlife encounters every day. Students get to go tide-pooling and canoeing. Backpacking offers a variety of landscapes and beautiful views through the mountains and rainforest.
Donner Pass & Desolation Wilderness, California (Gateway Mountain Center)
Backpack through Desolation Wilderness, it is absolutely stunning and pristine. Visit Lake Aloha, summit Mt. Tellac, and keep an eye out for wildlife! On this trip, you will have a chance to see the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, cross-over forests and granite, and dip your toes in crystal clear lakes. There may even be snow in July! While in the front-country, Gateway  provides opportunities to reflect and embrace nature that takes each student's journey into account as well as the local history, plants, and animals.
Breckenridge, Colorado (Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center)
Backpack through the Gore Range and the Holy Cross Wilderness, known for its beautiful mountain peaks. Melting snow in the spring plunges from the heights to create thundering creeks, verdant meadows and spectacular wildflowers.  While in the front-country, Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center provides opportunities to do high ropes courses, rock-climb, paddle board, build close bonds within the group, and adjust to high-altitude living!
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsion (Wilderness Inquiry)
Junior Leaders and Alumni embark on a two-week sea kayaking expedition in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore of northern Wisconsin. The area features sandstone sea caves, historic lighthouses, and clear freshwater coastlines. Participants learn expedition paddle skills, navigation, campsite management, teamwork, and safe travel over open water. The trip challenges students physically and mentally while building resilience, confidence, and strong group cohesion.
Alumni Backpacking Trip, California (The Woods Project)
Alumni embark on an 10-day backpacking trip in California. This route features alpine and subalpine lakes, granite outcrops, pine forests, and high-elevation meadows. Participants practice multi-day backpacking, map-and-compass navigation, backcountry cooking, group decision-making, and risk awareness while building leadership, confidence, and independence in a remote wilderness setting. The alumni backpacking trip dates and locations are TBD, if you select this option, you will recieve an email if the dates change from what's listed below. 
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Summer Trip Alumni (returning summer students) are only eligible for the Apostle Islands and Alumni Backpacking Trip. We cannot guarantee a spot on any of our traditional locations intended for first-time students. Please email manny@thewoodsproject.org with any questions.
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Preferences do not guarantee placement. Please reach out to program@thewoodsproject.org for any questions or concerns. Form last updated 2-23-2026.

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