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 […]

Understanding Risky Play in Nature A Guide for Families & Educators Adapted from materials written by Zhuhai Pun, with inspiration from longtime WYP mentors Smelly Kelly and Lia Grippo, and the Wilderness Youth Project team.  What happens when children climb higher than feels comfortable, run faster than expected, or explore just out of sight? For […]

Nature Builds Hope Wilderness Youth Project Provides Positive Childhood Experiences The HOPE framework highlights four building blocks that help children thrive. Wilderness Youth Project programs naturally bring these elements together through nature-based mentoring. In recent years, researchers and pediatric health leaders have emphasized an important insight: positive childhood experiences are just as important as preventing […]