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 […]
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
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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
RESERVE YOUR SPOT Embracing Grief Together: A Community Grief Ritual April 17 & 18, 2026 | A Gathering for Healing and Connection Hosted by Wilderness Youth Project “Communal grieving offers something that we cannot get when we grieve by ourselves. Through validation, acknowledgment, and witnessing, communal grieving allows us to experience a level of healing
Friends of Wilderness Youth Project Luncheon Este evento se presentará en inglés. Más información en este blog en español. Si necesita interpretación al español, por favor comuníquese con development@wyp.org o (805) 964-8096. What happens when learning moves beyond the classroom? When students from Santa Barbara Junior High take learning beyond school grounds to Lizard’s Mouth, Rincon
We’re Here for You. Support from WYP. We know that the continued immigration enforcement activities are causing stress, disruption, and fear for many in our community. At Wilderness Youth Project, we want you to know that our programs are a supportive and welcoming space for all children and families, regardless of immigration status. Our team
Estamos aquí para usted. Apoyo de WYP / We’re Here for You. Support from WYP Read More »
Time Outdoors for Santa Barbara Kids: Double Your Impact Before December 31 Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and free – especially kids like Theo. Could I tell you about Theo? He’s a Santa Barbara kid who I think you’d really like. Theo is eight years old. He loves climbing trees, drawing superheroes, and
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Chief Jake Swamp and the Thanksgiving Address In a world that often feels rushed and distracted, Chief Jake Swamp of the Wolf Clan of the Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk) Nation invited people everywhere to pause—and to remember their deep relationship with the Earth. Born in 1941 in the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, Chief Jake Swamp served on the
Gratitude & Giving Sweetness If you’ve received a jar of honey, this sweet message is for you. What are you feeling thankful for today? At Wilderness Youth Project, we’ve been inspired by the teachings of Chief Jake Swamp, Wolf Clan leader of the Mohawk Nation and founder of the Tree of Peace Society. Chief Swamp
A peek into Woolly Bear land Our Woolly Bears preschool program is special because it brings a group of children together in the same location, multiple days per week. Your child has the opportunity to continue a project or theme of play that they started the day before in a seamless manner. There is a
