Youth Volunteer Vacations

Our Youth Volunteer Summer Vacations are opportunities for youth ages 14-18 to spend a week outdoors building and maintaining hiking trails in a safe, teamwork-oriented environment throughout the state. Learn more about the details and schedule.

Each summer, teens from across the state join WTA to learn about the world of building and taking care of hiking trails. These opportunities allow teens to meet new friends, try new things and explore some of Washington state's best outdoor places. All of our trips provide you with experienced crew leaders, great projects and all of your meals for the week. Camping gear is available to borrow.

3 Vacation Types
Frontcountry (NEW & RETURNING YOUTH OF ALL IDENTITIES)
WTA frontcountry trips provide opportunities for youth of all identities to experience projects near the ocean and in the mountains. All of our trips provide you with experienced crew leaders, a great project and all of your meals for the week.
Packing List for Frontcountry Trips

Youth of all identities, ages 15 and up, who have previously completed at least 5 days of trail work may be eligible for one of our youth backcountry trips. Participants on these trips backpack to a basecamp where they will live for the week. Youth volunteers will have a chance to grow their trail and leadership skills with the support of WTA crew leaders and other experienced youth.
Packing List for Backcountry Trips

WTA knows that significant barriers, including lack of representation, have kept many people from hiking and camping. Our shared-identity trips are a fun and inclusive introduction to camping, trail work, hiking and the WTA community where youth have their identities recognized and celebrated. In 2022, WTA will be offering the following shared-identity trips: All Girls Crew and LGBTQ+ Crew.