A student from The Woods Project is fundraising for their two-week summer wilderness experience. With the generous support of our donors, the majority of each trip’s cost is covered by The Woods Project. Each student works to raise the remaining portion, building commitment, responsibility, and pride in earning their place on this life-changing journey.
Your gift directly supports a student as they prepare for an immersive outdoor experience focused on leadership, resilience, and connection to nature.
The Woods Project’s summer program consists of intensive, two-week wilderness immersion experiences in nationally recognized landscapes including Desolation Wilderness, the mountains near Breckenridge, and Olympic National Park. These trips provide students with a powerful opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and grow through challenge and adventure.
During the program, students hike, camp, paddle, rock climb, and participate in a six-day extended wilderness backpacking expedition led by trained volunteers. They learn essential outdoor skills, practice teamwork, study the history and ecology of the region, and reflect on their personal growth.
Students return home with stronger confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and lasting friendships. Your support helps make this life-changing experience possible.
Olympic National Park, Washington State
Backpacking in Olympic National Park provides access to three distinct ecosystems: mountains, Pacific coastlines, and rainforests—each with unique animals and plants for nature lovers to explore. In the front-country experience, students stay at a campus right on Lake Crescent. The NatureBridge campus connects directly to trails, and wildlife encounters happen daily. Students participate in tide-pooling and canoeing. Backpacking offers diverse landscapes and stunning views through the mountains and rainforest.
Donner Pass & Desolation Wilderness, California
Backpack through Desolation Wilderness—absolutely stunning and pristine. Visit Lake Aloha, summit Mt. Tallac, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Students experience the Sierra Nevada mountains, forests and granite terrain, and crystal-clear alpine lakes. There may even be snow in July. In the front-country, Gateway provides opportunities for reflection while learning about local history, plants, and wildlife.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Backpack through the Gore Range and Holy Cross Wilderness, known for beautiful mountain peaks. Melting snow in the spring creates rushing creeks, green meadows, and spectacular wildflowers. In the front-country, the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center offers high ropes courses, rock climbing, paddle boarding, team-building activities, and time to adjust to high-altitude living.