Wilderness Inquiry Youth Programs

Our youth programs provide shared experiences and inspire individual growth to develop and model respect for every person regardless of experience, ability, or background.

Adventure Leadership Program

Wilderness Inquiry's Adventure Leadership Program (ALP) is for young adults of all backgrounds and abilities, including those with disabilities, between the ages of 13 and 18. Activities include wilderness trips, training, and events throughout the year. For more information, visit www.wildernessinquiry.org/alp

Customized Experiences for Youth Groups

We'll help your group of young people build confidence and teamwork, better understand and respect our environment, develop core life skills, and gain appreciation for all kinds of people. Wilderness Inquiry youth programs include:

Day trips for student retreats
Multi-day wilderness adventures
Environmental study trips
Leadership and skills training
Year-round skills development for youth enrolled in ALP
Inclusive programs to help youth with and without disabilities interact and learn in a supportive environment

Programs for Schools and Organizations

WI offers a variety of outdoor educational experiences to school groups in all seasons, ranging from half day trips on the Mississippi River to expeditions in Alaska; with or without associated classroom teaching. We encourage input from teaching staff to help customize experiences to the needs of your group.

Our specialty is designing programs that are open to everyone at your school. A WI adventure provides new experiences and challenges without incurring any great risk or cost.WI provides all cooking, camping, and safety equipment; participants generally provide their own clothing and sleeping bags.

Listed below is a small sample of schools Wilderness Inquiry has worked in the last year or two. Please contact us if you would like to references from school representatives.

Ashland Middle School, Ashland, WI
Elgin Academy, Geneva, Il
Groves Academy, Minneapolis, MN
Kaleidoscope Charter School, Rogers, MN
Macalester College, St. Paul, MN
Rockaway Valley School, Boonton, NJ
School of Environmental Studies, Apple Valley. MN
Risen Christ School, Minneapolis, MN
St. David's Child Development and Family Services, Minnetonka, MN
The Blake School, Minneapolis, MN
Face to Face Academy, St. Paul, MN
Waldorf Schools throughout the USA

Overall reviews and evaluations of WI’s School and Community Partnerships have been outstanding. Read on for feedback from two school leaders in the Twin Cities:

"I highly recommend Wilderness Inquiry to any organization looking to provide high quality outdoor programming for youth. WI staff members are some of the most knowledgeable and caring people I've met. They know the outdoors, they know kids, and they are a joy to work with. This partnership makes a positive difference for our students."
-John Alexander, Groves Academy Head of School

"Wilderness Inquiry learning adventures are a big positive with our students and staff. We've done several excellent trips and now were working together on an inclusive leadership program with our Juniors and Seniors. I recommend them to anyone."
-Dan Bodette, School for Environmental Studies Principal

For more information on youth trips and programs, contact:

Greta Arnquist
Program Director
(612) 676-9424
gretaarnquist@wildernessinquiry.org