Wilderness Retreats

Perfect for Busy Families

Wilderness Retreats

2-3 day immersive wilderness experiences that fit your schedule

Register Now
Program Overview

Short & Powerful

2-3
Day Experiences
10
Max Group Size
5:1
Student-Guide Ratio
8+
Retreats Per Year
Wilderness retreat campfire

What to Expect

Our wilderness retreats pack powerful experiences into short timeframes. You'll learn essential outdoor skills, connect with peers through council circles, and enjoy guided wilderness adventures - all within one short, self-contained trip.

Friday evening through Sunday afternoon

Base camp setup with tents and campfire

Day hikes and wilderness exploration

Skill workshops: fire-making, navigation, shelter

Council circles and group reflection

Outdoor cooking and camp meals

All gear provided

Transportation from Bay Area

Upcoming Retreats

Spring Awakening

March 21-23, 2026

Point Reyes National Seashore

$395
  • Coastal hiking
  • Tide pool exploration
  • Spring wildflowers
Register
Most Popular

Summer Solstice

June 20-22, 2026

Lake Tahoe Basin

$425
  • Alpine lakes
  • Summit hike
  • Solstice ceremony
Register

Fall Colors

October 10-12, 2026

Yosemite Valley

$425
  • Valley views
  • Waterfall hikes
  • Photography focus
Register
Retreat Outcomes

Big impact, short timeframe

Even a few days in the wild can spark meaningful change. Here's what participants and parents report after our retreats

"I want to feel passionate and connected and zesty for life. And that is what I am hearing from all of them."

— What young people tell us

89%
Report Increased Confidence
91%
Feel More Connected to Nature
85%
Want to Return for Another Retreat

“The wilderness retreat was the perfect introduction. My son came home tired but glowing. He hasn't stopped talking about the campfire circles and the friends he made.”

Parent of Wilderness Retreat Participant

Oakland

“I was nervous about a few nights away, but the guides were so supportive. I learned I'm braver than I thought, and the council circle helped me open up in ways I never expected.”

Wilderness Retreat Participant

Age 14

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions

Not at all! Our wilderness retreats are designed for all experience levels, from first-time campers to seasoned backpackers. Our guides teach everything you need to know, and all gear is provided.
Tuition covers all meals, camping gear (tents, sleeping pads, cooking equipment), instruction, transportation from the Bay Area, and activity supplies. You just bring your personal clothing and a sleeping bag.
We offer sliding-scale pricing and scholarship support for families with financial need. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Contact us to learn about scholarship options.
Safety is our top priority. All guides are Wilderness First Responder certified, we maintain a 5:1 student-to-guide ratio, carry emergency communication devices, and conduct thorough risk assessments for every location.
We provide a detailed packing list before each retreat. Basics include weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, a sleeping bag, and a water bottle. All group camping gear and food is provided.
Our wilderness retreats are designed for teens to build independence and peer connection, so they are youth-only. However, we do offer special parent-child wilderness retreats throughout the year — check our upcoming schedule or contact us for details.
Mountain vista

Start Your Wilderness Adventure

Perfect for first-time campers or those looking for regular nature connection

Reserve Your Spot