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.
All experience levels are welcome.
Teen Wilderness Options
Participants spend their time adventuring through the wilderness, working together to meet the rigorous challenges. Many trips are progression-based, so each is more challenging than the last. And they are only available through two amazing locations.
Camp Menogyn
Since 1922, Camp Menogyn has provided transformative small-group wilderness experiences. Only accessible by water, Camp Menogyn is uniquely situated on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on West Bearskin Lake.
Camp Widjiwagan
Founded in 1929, Camp Widjiwagan has been providing transformative wilderness experiences for youth from the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota.
Making Adventure 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?
Our customer service team is always happy to help.