Our Program
At the heart of the Vashon Wilderness Program lies a commitment to fostering resilience and connection in the face of adversity. We believe that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has the inherent right to create deep connections with the natural world and with one another. It is this belief that fuels our work and drives us to cultivate spaces where individuals can thrive, grow, and discover their truest selves.
Our programs are more than just fun adventures in the forest; they are sanctuaries of learning, healing, and belonging. They are places where children find solace in the embrace of towering trees, where teenagers uncover newfound strengths within themselves, and where families rediscover the joy of shared experiences under the open sky.
Our programs instill real and deep skills for navigating life.
Our Impact
"My son enjoys spending the day outside with mentors that have fun and are full of love for both nature and humanity. He has especially loved learning survival skills--how to start a fire, how to handle a knife, how to build a shelter. But as a parent, I feel like the most important skill he is getting through this program is the gift of awareness--how to stop, listen, observe, and be still. While this might not be something my son would point out as a highlight, to me it seems the best survival skill of all. Because, through cultivating his awareness, he has not only discovered more about nature, he has also started to discover his inner self--how to listen within, how to get to his core and sit with it. This is something the standard school experience is not designed to provide. But it is an anchor that we all need to get through life and I am grateful there is a community of teachers paying attention to it.” ~ BP, alumni parent
As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empower youth to navigate challenge with grace and resilience; to inspire them to quiet their minds, and listen to all beings with an open heart; to ensure that they grow in their capacity to appreciate difference and diversity, solve problems with creativity and contribute to communities living in peace.
The impact of our work is palpable within the lived expression of our alumni and larger community. More than 6,000 youth and families have been transformed through our programs and practices since our founding in 2007. Whether you have witnessed us grow from our humble beginnings of serving 24 homeschooling children, or you are new to our community of over 400 youth and families this year, your support matters!
Now, more than ever, it’s essential to ensure that the values of the Vashon Wilderness Program endure for generations to come. Our youth are counting on you.
Our GiveBIG goal is to raise $15,000. Funds will be used to provide scholarships and expand our programming.
giveBack
Please join us in celebrating the transformative power of nature and community! Make your donation now through May 8th as part of our GiveBIG campaign. Every dollar makes a difference and is deeply appreciated.
Thanks to our generous donors like you, families received over $52,000 in tuition assistance this year, including over $16,000 to ensure Indigenous youth can attend for free. Please help us ensure equitable access to our programs next year with your GiveBIG donation. Our goal is to raise $10,000 by May 8th.
Together, we are cultivating a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive in harmony with the natural world and with one another. Please GiveBIG today.
With deepest gratitude, for the children,
