Junior Guide Leadership Expedition

Yosemite Leadership Expedition

Yosemite National Park

Trip Highlights:

Ages 14-17

Co-ed

Leadership Skills

Leave No Trace certification

Wilderness First Aid certification

Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks

Lasting Adventures is proud to offer a 27-Day Leadership Expedition for teens ages 15-18! This 27-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” Yosemite and surrounding forests along many of the same paths as early Yosemite pioneers traveled.

Due to a record setting snowpack this winter, we anticipate late seasonal openings for the 2023 summer at higher elevations (with Tioga Road opening between July 1-15th) and modified itineraries at lower elevations and on early season trips as needed. Our online offerings have been updated to reflect this.

Throughout June and into July as needed, Yosemite Summer Camps will be based at lower elevations accessed from the Yosemite Valley, the Glacier Point Road, or relocated to areas above Hetch Hetchy reservoir. Most all summer camps scheduled to meet/end at Curry Village in Yosemite Valley will still be doing so. Through June, expect most all 6-Day Yosemite High Country Adventure programs to be relocated to a meeting location either in Yosemite Valley or at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Updated meeting locations will be communicated in advanced camp emails and based on the most updated conditions as well as permit availability. Be prepared for wet/muddy trails, and the possibility of stream/river crossings and/or walking on/crossing/camping on/near snow. Trekking poles will be provided. Also be prepared for added adventure as you experience Yosemite in unparalleled beauty as it comes to life after one of the wettest winter seasons on record.

For more information and what to expect, see: Yosemite’s 2023 Snowpack & 2023 Summer Expectations.

Age Range

14-17

Price

$7,880

Length

27 Days

Length

27 Days

Mileage & Difficulty

100-120 Miles

Strenuous

Mileage & Difficulty

100-120 Miles

Strenuous

Departure

Curry Village Parking

12 pm

Pickup

Curry Village Parking

12pm

Book Now

2023 Departure Dates by Month

27-Day Junior Guide Leadership Expedition

What To Expect

Lasting Adventures is proud to offer a 27 Day Leadership Expedition for teens ages 14-17! This 27 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” Yosemite and surrounding forests along many of the same paths as early Yosemite pioneers traveled.

Our Leadership Expedition is a 27 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 week of the course at a front-country base camp within either Yosemite National Park or adjoining National Forests. Here, they will learn the principles of expedition culture while taking courses to earn their Wilderness First Aid and Leave No Trace certifications. Beginning the second week, participants will begin applying their knowledge as the expedition sets out backpacking toward Yosemite along many of the same routes as the original pioneers in the 1800s. As participants discover Yosemite, they will continue to 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. During the final week of this adventure summer camp, the group will be deep in the wilderness 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 while Guides are 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
Wilderness First Aid Certification

By the end of the end of the expedition, participants will have been trained in, and utilized, both the logistical and practical aspects of backpacking expeditions as well as the skills needed for effective leadership and teamwork.

Space is limited!
This program is open to participants ages 14-17 years old. (18 year olds can attend also if they just graduated from high school.)
The Leadership Expedition is popular and these spots fill up quickly. When spots are completely 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 prior to the trip. While no previous backpacking experience is necessary, it is important that potential applicants take into consideration the rugged nature and extended nature of the expedition.
Our Leadership Expedition begins at the Curry Village Day Use Parking Lot (near bus stop #14) at 12pm on Sundays and ends on Friday at 12 pm in the same location. Late arrivals can usually be coordinated but please let us know if you will be arriving after 1 pm, as this may affect the group’s itinerary.
Scholarship Application – Every youth deserves this opportunity!

RECREATIONAL SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM

Our summer camp programs are purely recreational in nature and should not be confused with a wilderness therapy program. Our staff is trained as summer camp counselors, outdoor educators, and/or guides and they are not required or expected to have training/experience in therapeutic programs. Your child should individually have the desire to participate in this program and should not be sent against his/her will. Additionally all participants should have experience at sleepaway camps and/or being away from their parents/guardians for multiple nights. No refunds will be given for evacuations due to social, emotional, and/or behavioral reasons. In addition, there will be a minimum fee of $500 for any field evacuation due to said concerns.

REQUIRED FORMS

In addition to full payment; final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all the Required Forms. These forms are also attached to your confirmation email once you register online.

We will require an additional medical release for any participants on multi-day trips or any participant who is currently under the care of a physician for any ongoing disease, illness, or any other condition/factor that may be a concern on the trip.

DIETARY CONSTRAINTS

Although we are able to accommodate many specific dietary constraints and choices, we prepare foods in a facility with peanuts, gluten, soy, and other major allergens, and are not certified as an ‘allergen-free’ facility. We take steps to limit the risk of cross-contamination, but we cannot guarantee that foods we prepare will be fully free of major allergens.

We have experience accomodating a variety of dietary choices and concerns, including, but not limited to:

Vegan and Vegetarian
Peanut and/or Tree Nut Allergy
Lactose Intolerant
Celiac’s or Gluten Free
Kosher

If we have questions or concerns about the information on your medical form, we will call you the day before your trip to ensure we are packing foods you are able to eat without issue.

TRADITIONAL BACKPACKING

Lasting Adventures runs “traditional backpacking” trips. This is done without the use of porters, stock, or other outside assistance. You will be expected to carry all of your own personal gear and a share of the group gear and food in a backpack for the duration of this trip. The weight can be expected to be 30-50 lbs and no more than the recommended ⅓ of your body weight.

As needed, it is recommended that participants discuss their ability to conduct a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) the ability to carry heavy loads over long distances and strenuous and uneven terrain. Levels of difficulty listed on our website are relative and in no way an objective declaration of difficulty, and a regular physical exercise program is recommended prior to going on your adventure.

TRIP ITINERARIES

All trips are subject to itinerary changes for a wide variety of reasons including, but not limited to permitting, weather, forest fires, park or public land closures, and/or road closures. In most all situations we will offer an alternative itinerary of equal value and quality or a credit through the end of the following season. Payments are non-refundable for itinerary changes. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control prior to its start date a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued.

STAFF SCHEDULES

Due to the nature of backpacking, our guides work long hours. In order to provide the best possible experience to our guests and our guides, we limit the number of hours that our guides work to 15 hours per day. Guides will not be required to be available from 9 pm to 6 am, unless a different time period is agreed upon by the group prior to this standard break period. This varies on our summer camps, where our outdoor educators are available as needed at all times.

During time off, our guides will be available for emergencies, but should be allowed to rest and should not be considered available for other purposes outside of working hours. Please refrain from requesting non-time-sensitive assistance from guides during this period. Our guides are also entitled to take off 10 minutes every four hours, as well as 30-minute meal breaks every 5 hours, between 6 am and 9 pm. We appreciate your cooperation with these scheduling requirements.

FIREARM POLICY

Lasting Adventures understands that firearm laws and policies vary in every area we operate in. Regardless of local laws and policies, Lasting Adventures does not allow firearms on any of our trips. Participants who bring firearms will not be allowed to participate while in possession of their firearm.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For your protection and ours, we strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance or Trip Protection, which can provide you with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption (including COVID-19), travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, airfare, and baggage loss/delay to protect your financial investment. One option offered through our booking system is the Enhanced Refund Terms through the Protect Group which is available at checkout for 10% of the total cost of your trip. See more information on this policy HERE. You are also welcome to purchase any other travel insurance or trip protection of your choice.

Travel Insurance is the easiest and best way to protect both yourself and our smaller non-profit organization against last-minute cancellations. We will happily provide timely and accurate documentation for any insurance claim related to our trips upon request. Please note, we are unable to provide refunds for trips covered by insurance. Your first course of action should be to contact the company responsible for insuring your trip.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full payment is preferred for all Youth Summer Camps. During check-out you may opt to pay a 50% deposit at time of booking and the remaining 50% 30 days from departure. If choosing this option you can either complete payment on your own with the self-service link in the confirmation email or you will be billed automatically at or shortly after the 30 day interval for the remaining amount. Any new multi-day booking made at/within 45-days in advance will be required to pay in full. Feel free to contact us directly to set up any other payment plan. When registering online expect to pay a booking fee of 3.0% (which is capped at $30) and a processing fee of 2.7% (no cap). These fees can be avoided when paying by check. For detailed information see Payment Options.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES

Lasting Adventures reserves the right to cancel trips. If a trip is canceled due to circumstances beyond our control a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. Lasting Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred while preparing for the trip.

Multi-Day Adventures/Summer Camps Cancellation Policy

More than 90 days prior to the start date, we will grant you a full refund.
Between 90 and 61 days prior to the start date, we will grant you a full refund minus a $50/person processing fee.
Between 60 and 46 days prior to the start date, we will retain 25 percent of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
Between 45 and 31 days prior to the start date, we will retain 50 percent of the total trip cost. You may also take a non-refundable credit of the full value paid.
Less than 31 days prior to the start date, or once the trip has begun, there will be no refund or credit.

48 Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy

Cancellations of any trip can be made without penalty within 48 hours of the initial booking. After 48 hours our standard terms and conditions apply. To cancel, please email us at staff@lastingadventures.org or leave a voicemail at 800-513-8651. This policy does not apply if the booked trip occurs within 96 hours of the initial booking.

Fire/Smoke Cancellation Policy

Fire/smoke cancellations are considered circumstances beyond our control. If your chosen travel insurance does not cover fire/smoke cancellations, a credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. In this case, you will be required to submit proof of the purchase of said travel insurance. If we cancel during your adventure with us, we will refund a credit equal to the amount of days not used. In both cases these credits will be lifetime/transferable.

Other Considerations

Departing From a Trip: Once a participant has joined a trip and the trip has begun, no opportunities for refunds or credits will be possible, regardless of the reason for departure. Costs associated with assisting a participant with evacuating from the wilderness will be passed on to the participant. Travel Insurance (below) is strongly recommended.

Minimum Participants: Our Summer Camps have a four person minimum. Should we fall short on these minimums, we will contact you 30-days in advance of your scheduled start date with options that may include switching to another trip/date and/or a single-participant surcharge.

Infectious Disease Policy (including COVID): Any participant, on any program/trip, with any sign/symptom of a potential illness will not be able to participate and no refund/credits will be given. Many forms of Travel Insurance cover these circumstances. We ask that you screen yourself and/or your child prior to participation and contact us to cancel should any sign of illness be present. Health screenings can be expected on all youth programs.

Half Dome & Other Summits: Reaching the top of a summit, such as Half Dome, is a risky activity which can be made far worse by inclement weather. While we aim to get everyone to the top, summiting is not guaranteed. Lightning and rain can be deadly on exposed summits and our experienced guides may have to call off a summit bid if weather conditions are unfavorable.

TRIP CHANGE/CREDIT POLICY

Once you book a trip with Lasting Adventures, the value you paid is valid towards switching to another trip in the current or the coming year, pending available spaces on the new trip. Changes to your booking and conversion to a credit must occur more than 30 days prior to your original start date. Changes within 30-days are subject to fees. Once changed to a lifetime credit, credits are non-refundable and are a dollar-for-dollar value.

COUPONS

See our Coupon Use Terms and Conditions

#1 Rated Guide Service in the West

“From a parent's perspective, Lasting Adventures provided plenty of communication before and during the trip, so I knew he was in good hands. From a kids perspective, this adventure taught him skills he may not have otherwise learned, built up his self-confidence and independence, and fostered a love for the outdoors. He already can’t wait to do this camp again!”

“The guides were so knowledgeable of the area, cooked amazing meals, taught the kids about nature, kept them safe, and most importantly helped each kid prove to themselves they could do it! That built more confidence in my daughter and made her more reliant on herself and trusting of herself.”

“My friends and I (aged 13-15) went on a two-week backpacking trip with Lasting Adventures. Our group grew close as a family, and on the last night, we had a very joyous celebration. We joked, messed around, and ate delicious food prepared by the guides. I strongly recommend them if you are looking for a physical and active summer camp, with amazing views along the way.”

“My daughter participated in the 7-Day summer camp in Yosemite and, WOW, is all I can say! I was nervous, but the staff was quick to respond via email to all my questions. She had the time of her life and she can’t wait to do it again next summer!”

“My 15 (Nearly 16) year old son just got home from an EPIC trip with Lasting Adventures on the Outdoor Leadership Expedition. He had such a wonderful time and communicated that his guides were "the best." If you're looking for a journey for your young family members this comes genuinely, very highly recommended. All of the kids were thrilled, and all of the most free and relaxed of smiles!”