JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — What started as one trip with 12 high school students from the Midwest, led by founders and former directors Mike and Helen Cottingham, has grown to serve over 30,000 youth from 50 states and countless foreign countries.
Today, under the guidance of current owners and directors Tom and Catherine Holland, Wilderness Adventures continues to offer traditional multi-day adventure programming for youth ages 10-19, and so much more.
And the program is growing every year
Five years ago, Wilderness Adventures added a day camp which operates at the base of Snow King Mountain Resort. This year, ‘Base Camp’ serves 800 campers ranging from 5 to 14 years old. Most recently, Wilderness Adventures has added a Gap Semester program for 17–22-year-olds. Participants in this program are eligible to receive academic credit through the University of Wyoming.
“Wilderness Adventures is respected throughout the nation as a premier outdoor adventure camps for youth, and it’s purpose is just as important today as it was when the Cottingham’s founded the company in 1973,” Tom Holland says.
Wilderness Adventures trips have always been about three things: building community, leadership education, and the power of wild and natural spaces. Since the start, Wilderness Adventures has focused on bringing these core values to life for youth. This year, Wilderness Adventures (formerly Wilderness Ventures) will continue to pursue these goals while celebrating its 50th year of serving youth.
“The past few years have reminded all of us of the importance of the experiential education that our program can provide. Moreover, kids need time to have fun, to build community, to unplug and to be guided by superb role models.’
The essence of the program is based on the concept of 10-12 participants being guided on outdoor adventures by qualified and influential role models. Sometimes, like on the program’s Gap Semester program, these outdoor adventures can last upwards of 70 days. These role models are integral to the 3 core programs of Wilderness Adventures: multi-day adventures, Base Camp, and Gap Semester extended trips.
50 years strong
This year, hundreds of youths from Teton County will have a Wilderness Adventures experience.
“We are so grateful for the support we have received from this community. Wilderness Ventures and Wilderness Adventures has been a part of the Jackson community for so long, it is awesome to see so many alumni and former staff in town,’ Holland says.
To mark the 50th year, Wilderness Adventures will be hosting an end-of-summer celebration for alumni and friends of the company. Additionally, the Hollands have launched the Wilderness Adventures Foundation to ensure that all youth can participate in programs like Wilderness Adventures, no matter their socioeconomic background.
Spaces remain on some programs for this 50th season of operation. To find out more about these great programs for youth, and what programs may be available for the summer of 2022, visit the website, or call the WA office at 307-733-2122.
