2026 Departure Dates by Month
20-Day Teen Leadership Expedition
What To Expect
Lasting Adventures is proud to offer a 20-Day Teen Leadership Expedition for youth ages 14 to 18! This 20-day wilderness adventure summer camp in the California high country is geared toward youth looking for an adventure beyond the ordinary summer camp. Learn all the skills needed to plan, prep and guide your own backpacking trips along with the skills to be an effective leader, whether you’re walking in the woods or working on a project in school. This course will focus on backpacking and leadership skills as participants “discover” some of the best highlights in/around Yosemite National Park.
Our Teen Leadership Expedition is a 20-day intensive backpacking trip focused on building effective leadership skills for youth to apply in both backcountry and front country settings. Participants will spend the first 13 days backpacking through Yosemite National Park. As participants discover Yosemite, they will partake in leadership and team-building activities while learning the hard skills of backpacking, including tarp shelter construction, fire building, stove use, plant and animal ID, Yosemite geology and biology as well as various debriefing methods. Following Yosemite, the group will be relocated to a campsite in the Stanislaus National Park. While at this campsite for the next few days, they will learn the principles of expedition culture and take courses to earn their Wilderness First Aid and Leave No Trace certifications. They will also partake in a class IV whitewater rafting trip along the famous Tuolumne River! During the final few days of this adventure summer camp, the group will return to Yosemite, where they will slowly be given autonomy to collectively choose routes and guide themselves with facilitation and advice from their Guides. As a culmination of the skills learned, the final days will be completely guided by participants, with Guides out of sight ahead and behind the group (for assistance only).
Throughout the program, participants will be exposed to and gain knowledge and/or skills in the following areas:
- Geology
- Natural History
- Cultural History
- Environmental Science
- Goal setting
- Leadership Skills and Team Building activities
- Group communication and problem-solving skills
- Advanced Backpacking skills and environmental awareness
- Outdoor Job Awareness
- Introduction to Search and Rescue
- Community Service
- Leave No Trace Awareness
- Summit peaks such as Half Dome.
- Wilderness First Aid Certification
- Class IV Whitewater Rafting along the Tuolumne River.
By the end of the expedition, participants will have been trained in and utilized the logistical and practical aspects of backpacking expeditions as well as the skills needed for effective leadership and teamwork.
- Our trips are all-inclusive. We provide all meals, and we can provide, free of charge, high-quality gear, including Gregory backpacks and Big Agnes sleeping bags & pads. Group gear including tarps (or tents if necessary), all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification is also included. See the Youth Summer Camp Equipment List for more information.
- As needed, see our Frequently Asked Questions, Yosemite Adventure Shuttle info, and/or Yosemite Lodging Options.
- Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Lasting Adventures is recognized for its commitment to safety and risk management. In this regard, the summit of peaks will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity.
- Should reservations be necessary to enter Yosemite, your booking confirmation with us will serve as your entry reservation for the days booked with us. This should not be confused with entry fees, which still may be required. hi scott
- Space is limited!
- This program is open to participants ages 14-18. (18-year-olds who have just graduated from high school and have not yet started college can also attend.)
- The Leadership Expedition is popular, and these spots fill up quickly. When spots are filled for the season, we will begin a waiting list in case of cancellations. These spots can also be carried over as first picks for the Leadership Expedition the following season.
- Due to the extended nature of this trip, we recommend that participants wishing to apply are in good physical condition or begin a conditioning regimen before the trip. While no previous backpacking experience is necessary, potential applicants should consider the rugged nature and extended nature of the expedition.
- See here for our full Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policies.
- Scholarship Application – Every youth deserves this opportunity!
My child has never backpacked before, is that ok?
Yes, our trips are perfect for first-time backpackers and those with prior backpacking experience. Our professional, caring, and fun Outdoor Educators design innovative, engaging ways to teach and orient all participants to backpacking during the first days of a trip, and by the end, they come home feeling quite accomplished backpackers. Additionally, often, those with backpacking experience are past participants returning for different itineraries, more exploration, and additional lasting memories.
Which youth backpacking camp is best for my child?
For ages 11-13, we recommend our 6-Day Young Adventurers program. For more mature/physically developed 13-year-olds and older youth, they can consider our 6-, 10-, 13-, and/or 20-day programs. It’s really up to your child and how much fun and memorable outdoor explorations they are after.
What if my child is attending alone, without friends?
Over 50% of our participants come without friends, though this can vary by trip. From day one and throughout the program, our Outdoor Educators facilitate activities and games to help all youth bond. It is almost too common for youth who come with friends to leave with new, stronger friendships. It’s just the nature of how we have run our programs for the past thirty years: to be all-inclusive and fun for every attendee.
How can I check what other ages/sexes are enrolled?
Historically, we experience increasing bookings from December through June, with almost 50% of bookings occurring in the late spring. You are welcome to book early and check back periodically to monitor group composition, while knowing we allow date changes as often as you like. Also, during our booking period, we continuously monitor group composition to ensure similar age and gender distributions across groups.
Is there a Packing/Equipment List?
Yes, for a detailed packing list, see the Sierra (CA) Youth Summer Camp Packing and Equipment List.
Do you supply the backpacking gear?
Yes, thanks to our partnerships with leading gear companies, we can provide backpacks, sleeping bags, pads, trekking poles, and tents (as needed). There will be a field to indicate what you would like to borrow when you complete the required forms after registering.
How much weight can the youth expect to carry?
Youth should be able to carry a backpack of 25-45lb, and not to exceed ⅓ of their body weight. The weight is a combination of their personal gear and part of the group gear. Always bigger youth carry more, and smaller youth carry less.
Can you tell me about the staff?
Our Outdoor Educators are among the best professionals in the field, sharing a passion for the outdoors and for sharing it with others in a fun and caring manner. All staff undergo a rigorous application process and background check, during which they must demonstrate experience in outdoor recreation, backpacking, working with youth, risk management, and customer service. All staff must possess a Wilderness First Responder certification and also pass a Department of Justice fingerprint background check. Our staff are trained yearly by us, and they are consistently supervised throughout the season with required pre- and post-trip meetings/reviews.
What is the staff to camper ratio?
We always have at least two staff members for each youth group that doesn’t exceed 10 youth.
What kind of food is supplied on these trips?
We eat good food!
- Breakfasts and dinners are prepared and eaten together.
- Typical breakfasts might include breakfast burritos, oatmeal, eggs & breakfast meats, dried fruit, bagels, etc.
- Dinner examples include a variety of pastas (Mac & Cheese and others), burritos, stews, veggies, etc.
- Lunches consist of trail food, fruits, and veggies. Examples include pita, bagels, salami, cheeses, hummus, fresh veggies, dried fruits, peanut butter, trail mix, and energy bars. Lunches are carried in a shared bear can or stuff sack that the participants can pull from as needed.
What about special diets and/or dietary restrictions?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We have a long history of meeting the needs of almost all dietary restrictions, including some very complex ones. When registering, you will complete a questionnaire to provide a brief overview of your needs. Later, you will complete a more detailed Medical form to provide additional information. The staff guiding your trip will call you the day prior and, when they are packing the food/gear for the trip, will go over your needs and modifications in more detail. Although we have many options in stock, we respect it if you ultimately decide to bring your preferred substitutions.
Will bathrooms and/or showers be available?
We operate traditional wilderness backpacking trips, and participants should prepare themselves for not having access to bathrooms/showers. Participants will be instructed on how to conduct their business in the wilderness while following the Leave No Trace Principles. There will also be time to rinse off, as we camp near rivers, streams, and/or lakes daily. Less often, we may stay in campgrounds with toilets or outhouses.
What about the wildlife?
The wildlife in the parks we operate in is not really a significant threat. Black bears are naturally afraid of people and are easily scared away. In addition to the bears, we encounter many other animals and critters, including deer, squirrels, marmots, birds, and even rattlesnakes and scorpions. We work with participants to teach them to respect animals and wildlife, so we do not encounter any issues.
Will we receive updates during the summer camp session?
Unfortunately, no. We go by the principle that no news is good news. Because these groups backpack in wilderness areas, there is little to no cell service, and communication is limited. However, group leaders use satellite technology to stay in contact with our office and send the required nightly “All-ok” check-ins, including their GPS location, which aligns with their intended itinerary on file with our office and in each park’s systems. They can also send custom messages for any other emergencies or issues requiring support. As always, if there is ever any emergency or concern involving your child, you will be one of the first to be notified.
If you need to reach us, please note that both our 1-800-513-8651 voicemail and Staff@LastingAdventures.org email are actively monitored by multiple members of our on-call Admin team. Your contact will be responded to as soon as possible.
About one-two weeks after the camp has concluded, you will receive an email that includes a daily journal, trip highlights, and a link to pictures from the trip.
How much experience does Lasting Adventures have in operating youth wilderness trips?
Lasting Adventures has been operating youth wilderness backpacking trips since 1997. We are highly experienced in the industry and know the parks we operate in better than many others. Additionally, the park staff knows us and respects our experience.
What if there is an emergency or a child gets sick or injured?
With over 30 years of experience operating youth wilderness camps, Lasting Adventures has faced a wide range of issues, including bug bites, twisted ankles, illnesses, and wildfires. If there is an emergency with your child or their group, you will be notified as soon as possible. Our highly trained staff also has direct contact with our on-call admin team and with the dispatch for Ranger and Search and Rescue (with helicopter support) in the parks, as needed. Fortunately, because we focus on managing risks and educating youth on safety protocols from day one, our evacuation needs have been minimal.
As far as wildfire concerns go, we are fortunate to operate in alpine areas (or beach areas in Olympic) where the risk of rapid wildfire growth is minimal. (Simply put, our normal hiking speed is typically faster than a wildfire can spread in these areas.) However, if a wildfire erupts, park personnel are dispatched promptly and will support an evacuation if necessary. The bigger threat is unhealthy smoke levels coming from wildfires many miles away. When a distant wildfire erupts, we use an established evacuation criterion based on smoke levels and wind patterns, which we monitor consistently while in contact with field groups.
Is there transportation provided?
Yes, we operate a shuttle from San Francisco International Airport with additional stops in the Bay before heading to Yosemite National Park. See here for more information: Yosemite Adventure Shuttle.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes, Lasting Adventures is a nonprofit with the mission to foster environmental stewardship, teach responsible recreation, and provide opportunities for personal growth by facilitating impactful wilderness experiences. You can see here to Apply For a Scholarship.
What is your cancellation policy?
Lasting Adventures offers a very forgiving and structured Cancellation Policy, with lifetime, transferable credit always available up to 30 days prior to the trip. For a full description, visit our Terms and Conditions page.
Do you have a parent referral list of past participants parents I can contact to hear first hand about their experiences?
Yes, see here for our Parent Reference List.
Also, feel free to search our Google and TripAdvisor reviews, which feature hundreds of testimonials from past summer camp participants and parents.
- See here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
