Youth Leadership Adventures (YLA)
Add yourself to our waitlist for Summer 2025! Many students get placed on a trip from the waitlist as spots open up throughout the spring and summer.
join the Waitlist Únase A la lista de espera
If you join our waitlist and aren't placed onto a trip, you will get priority placement on a YLA trip next year!
Program Details
Youth Leadership Adventures are for high school students who want to explore the outdoors, build a fun and inclusive community with peers, discover leadership strengths, and be a part of building a just and sustainable future.
READ A TRIP REPORT FROM 2022 YOUTH LEADERSHIP ADVENTURES HIKING PARK BUTTE TO MAZAMA CAMP
Our 5 and 8 day backcountry trips connect 8th-12th grade students to the natural world while engaging in conversation about climate change and climate solutions. In partnership with North Cascades National Park and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, groups of participants canoe, backpack, camp and complete stewardship projects in the North Cascades.
Trips are designed for students who have no prior outdoor experience; all gear, food, and transportation from Skagit and Whatcom counties are provided. No experience is necessary and scholarships are available! For more information about our trips, visit our FAQ page.
2025 Program Dates
When you apply, you will be asked to select which trips you are available for.
YLA 1: June 24 - July 1 (8-day canoe trip)
YLA 2: July 1 - 8 (8-day canoe trip)
YLA 3: July 8 - 15 (8-day canoe trip)
YLA 4: July 15 - 19 (5-day canoe trip)
YLA 5: July 29 - August 2 (5-day backpacking trip)
YLA 6: August 2 - 9 (8-day backpacking trip)
YLA 7: August 9 - 16 (8-day backpacking and canoe trip)
YLA 8: August 16 - 23 (8-day backpacking and canoe trip)
YLA 9: August 23 - 27 (5-day backpacking trip)
Why participate?
- Canoe and backpack in the North Cascades
- Meet new people and have fun
- Swim in beautiful lakes and stargaze at clear night skies
- Learn about the plants, animals and people in the North Cascades ecosystem
- Normalize conversations about climate change and environmental justice, building visions of a hopeful, just and sustainable future
- Earn community service hours and enhance your resume and college application
- Build community and leadership skills
Following the trip, alums have the opportunity to sign up for the Youth for the Environment and People (YEP!) fall after-school program, attend alum events, receive year-round mentorship, and engage in local stewardship opportunities.