Backpacking Summer Camp
Who are the Wild Society guides?
One of the things that makes Wild Society so special is our guides! We have a wonderful group of experienced, certified, and passionate guides. Every guide is trained in wilderness medicine (most as certified Wilderness First Responders or higher) and Wild Society risk management policies, and has extensive backcountry experience. Each summer, guides go through our staff training, where we cover a variety of topics from group dynamics to backpacking routes and run through scenarios. Our guides range in age from their mid-20s to 70s, bringing a diverse perspectives and passions to this work.
Guide bios can be found on our staff page.
What size is the group?
The maximum number of campers on a trip is 10. Every trip has at least two guides. Because most trips fill up each summer, the majority of trips run with 10 kids and 2 guides. All of our trips are all genders and ages 12-18.
What kind of food will there be? What if I have a dietary restriction?
We will have all of the trip’s food packed and ready to go upon the camper’s arrival. We ask participants not to bring their own food, as we will provide plenty of food that meets everyone’s dietary needs. If this is a concern, please reach out. We are ready to accommodate most dietary restrictions and have menus that are easily (and often) adapted to be vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, or other allergen-free. Please make sure that any dietary restrictions and allergies are listed in your camper’s medical forms, and any information you can provide as to the severity and general level of precaution you would like us to take is very helpful.
Most days meals will be; a hot breakfast such as oatmeal, a buffet trail lunch with items like tortillas, salami, cheese, and dried fruit, and a hot dinner at the campsite. Some of our dinners include ramen, burritos, or mac & cheese. Each camper will get their own personal ziplock bag full of trail mix and granola bars that is theirs to eat whenever they want a snack. We try to air on the side of having extra food. We don’t want anyone to be worried about not getting enough to eat.
How will the group get water?
The group will collect water along the way from streams and rivers. All water will be safely treated before drinking, cooking, or washing dishes. The group will have three ways to treat water; filters, sterilizing drops, or boiling.
What does a typical day of summer camp look like? What can campers expect?
We fit a lot in during a day of camp! Check out our daily camp structure to get a sense of how campers will spend their time. Groups typically hike 3-7 miles over uneven terrain on any given day.
What about going to the bathroom and showering?
Each night the group will stay at a designated campsite in either the Olympic National Forest or Olympic National Park. These are all backcountry sites, so facilities are limited. Some campsites will have outhouses, many will not. The guides will go over how to hygienically, comfortably, and responsibly go to the bathroom outside. The group will carry a trowel, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer as a ‘bathroom kit’. We know the prospect of going to the bathroom outside can be uncomfortable for a lot of campers, but we like to remind everyone that our guides are well prepared to talk about best practices and it’s honestly more hygienic than most public restrooms!
As for showering, there won’t be any shower facilities but the group will start every day by at least washing their faces. Many campsites will be along rivers or lakes, where they can rinse off.
Can we go swimming?
While most trips will have a chance to get into a river or lake, because safety is always our number one priority, we only wade up to waist deep. Rinsing off in a cold mountain lake is still a trip highlight for many!
Wait, no electronics!? Can I bring a camera?
We ask that everyone leave their phones and other electronics behind. Our trips are a nice break from phones and it’s often one of the things we get the most positive feedback about after trips!
Yes, you can bring a camera, but there will also be a shared camera the campers will use to document the whole trip. After the trip, the photos will be uploaded and shared with participants and families. If anyone would like to bring a personal camera, we ask that they are respectful of each other.
Should I do anything to prepare for summer camp? Do I need to train?
No training is required and we welcome all experience levels. However, we found that campers have a richer experience when they break in their hiking boots ahead of time and move their bodies everyday leading up to camp. We recommend walking at least 1 mile a day for a month leading up to camp, with some longer hikes sprinkled in if you can!
General Program Questions
Uh oh, something came up! Can I get a refund?
The answer… well it depends! In order to keep our programs affordable, we plan way ahead and count on a full roster. It’s very difficult to fill spots at the last minute. Our full cancellation policy can be found here, but please reach out if you have any questions!
I’m interested in attending but it’s not in my budget, do you offer any scholarships?
Yes! We are a nonprofit organization committed to keeping the cost of our programs low and providing as many scholarships as possible. It is part of our mission to design programs that are accessible to people of all financial backgrounds. We encourage you to ask for assistance if you need it and pay what you can. You can find more information here!
What should I pack for a backpacking trip?
We get it! Even seasoned hikers forget something from time to time. Prior to your trip, Wild Society staff will send out an information packet that includes the packing list specific for the trip you or your child are attending, but you can download our general packing list below to get started! And as always, leave some empty space in the bags for Wild Society group gear. Think light and compact!
So you started packing, missing something?
Don’t fret! We also have gear loans available, you can request gear when you sign up for any one of our programs. In fact, we recommend it for larger items (packs, sleeping bags, etc) especially if this is your first backpacking trip, so you can try things out before spending a ton. All gear loans are included in the trip price. See the Gear Request Form for a list of all personal gear that is available to be borrowed.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Bad is relative, we run our trips rain or shine! That being said, if weather conditions are unsafe, we will reschedule or cancel the program and issue a full refund. Our program staff keep a close eye on storm warnings, fire season, and wind advisories.
What kind of medical training do your staff have?
All Wild Society guides are certified in CPR and first aid. Backcountry guides have Wilderness First Aid certifications and there is at least one Wilderness First Responder (usually two!) on every backcountry adventure.
How do guides communicate when they are in the backcountry?
Our guides carry a satellite device called a Garmin InReach. This allows communication via text and emergency alerts.