Where Challenge Meets Preparation
Teen Wilderness is fun, but it's also challenging. This program instills a range of critical skills – from teamwork to self-reliance – with emphasis placed on leadership and accountability. And it is overseen by trusted, experienced trail guides to support and reinforce this learning.
The Teen Wilderness program has been carefully crafted to offer progressive challenges and growth opportunities for teens. Participants build upon their wilderness skills and take on greater leadership roles as they return to camp year after year.
By living and traveling with other participants across and through wild spaces, teens develop lifelong skills and respect for nature, for others, and for themselves.
Wilderness Options
Participants spend their time adventuring through the wilderness, working together to meet the rigorous challenges. Many trips are progression-based so that each is more challenging than the last.
Backpacking Trips
Backpacking is an excellent way for teens of all skill levels to experience the wonders of wild places! The YMCA offers trips of increasing challenge and length to match participants' maturity, leadership, and skills.
Destinations range from Isle Royale to the Rocky Mountains.
Canoe and Kayak Trips
Experience the challenge of navigating waterways and living in the great outdoors. Our trips progress in difficulty, giving participants new challenges year after year.
Destinations include the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Quetico Provincial Park.
Rock Climbing Trips
Designed to build self-confidence and teamwork skills, YMCA trips provide challenging climbs for novice and experienced climbers under the supervision of highly skilled staff.
Destinations include the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the Superior Hiking Trail.
What to Expect
Available At
Teen Wilderness experiences are only available at Menogyn and Widjiwagan.
More Options
Additional wilderness experiences are available at our overnight camps.
Making adventure more accessible
The YMCA offers need-based financial assistance to help people access the programs that are important to them.
Here to Help
Have a question or need assistance?