Outdoor adventures for teens of all abilities.

Outdoor Adventure + Inclusion = Unique Leadership Opportunities

Wilderness Inquiry’s Adventure Leadership Program provides top quality wilderness ad ventures that build character, teach a multitude of skills, and help develop environmental stewardship. While these elements are important and life changing by themselves, they are not what distinguish ALP from other high quality wilderness youth programs. ALP is unique among youth programs in its purposeful approach to inclusion. By including youth of all ability levels and backgrounds, ALP enriches the outdoor experience and equips teens with inclusive social skills. This, in turn, provides opportunities to practice inclusive leadership--exactly what Wilderness Inquiry Trail Staff provide on our programs for adults and families. In short, a typical ALP group is a mix of youth of all abilities and backgrounds who share a sense of adventure and openness to other kids, regardless of skin color, religion, or level of ability.
 

What do we mean by inclusion?

Inclusion is an attitude and approach that seeks to ensure that every person, regardless of ability or background, can meaningfully participate in all aspects of life. It is our mission to figure out how youth from diverse backgrounds and with varied levels of ability can come together and experience the outdoors together, as peers. Our goal is to give youth life experiences that will allow them to remain open to new people now and throughout their lives.  With over 30 years of experience behind us, we have found this inclusive approach provide high quality, life-changing experiences for everybody.

One of the ALP slogans is: "Leave your stereotypes behind--at 10,000 feet you won't want the extra weight."

A Proven Record

We’ve conducted extensive research on our trips and programs to document outcomes and continually improve the quality of our service. These efforts have taken many forms, from very personal inquiries into the effects of individual participation to Congressionally mandated studies on how the federal government can improve access to outdoor recreation. More than 50 studies have been conducted documenting the effects of WI’s integrated adventure experiences. The majority of participants experience positive changes in major life areas such as the ones listed below:

ALP provides a unique opportunity for youth of all abilities to learn from one another while enjoying high quality outdoor adventures. Teens come out of ALP with greater independence, stronger relationships, and higher levels of self-esteem and confidence.