HOPE for Youth Wellbeing Local Health Leaders & Nonprofits Embrace “HOPE” Framework as Key to Support Youth Wellbeing A cross-sector group of pediatric health leaders and youth-serving nonprofits in Santa Barbara County has come together around a single, shared framework for helping children thrive.  The HOPE framework (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences), a research-backed approach […]

RESERVE YOUR SPOT Embracing Grief Together: A Community Grief Ritual November 13 & 14, 2026 | A Gathering for Healing and Connection Hosted by Wilderness Youth Project, facilitated by Sharon Buczaczer, Lauren David, Lia Grippo, Matef Harmachis, Rich Heiser, Ulises Rios, Jenn Sepulveda, Nina Strelov, and Noey Turk “Communal grieving offers something that we cannot […]

Updated Program Availability When we have spaces available, we will post more information here. Even though many programs are full due to returning prior participants, we encourage you to add your name to the waitlist. Read the blog to learn about how registration and waitlisting works at WYP. Schedules & Current Availability 2026 Fall I: August […]

Donate Today Dear Friends, I need your help. There are children in our community worrying way more than any child should ever have to worry. And without you, it does not get better. Will you make a gift to Wilderness Youth Project today to make sure a child does not miss the chance to join […]

A look back at 2025 Nature. Tending. Belonging.  [Download our 2025 Annual Snapshot here.] This is WYP’s 27th year. 1,401 young people spent an average of 65 hours outside with caring mentors – 74% of them on scholarships. Here is what that looked like, in three words. Nature. At a creek in Santa Barbara’s front […]