What makes the Puget Sound Adventure special?
If you only have 22 days, why spend it in a van? We designed this trip to maximize your time adventuring so you won’t be spending your summer looking at scenery from a van window. All of our activities are quality multi-day experiences, not a series of one or two-day activities commonly found in other programs. This trip offers tremendous variety, including a sea kayaking trip under the leadership of our own staff members. We’ve been conducting this trip every year since 1983.
Is the backpacking hard?
We design our backpacking itineraries with the idea that most of our participants have not done it before. The first days are short and allow everyone to get used to carrying a pack. We gradually work our way up to longer and harder days. Anyone in average physical condition can backpack with us. The physical challenge is what makes the reward so great. You will be amazed at how good you feel after a day on the trail.
How do you backpack on a beach?
The Olympic beaches offer some of the most unique and beautiful terrain for backpacking in the world. This is a great place to learn how to backpack. Most of the time is spent on long flat beaches that can only be traveled to by foot. At some spots we climb up and over the headlands of points to link different beaches together. We usually camp just on the edge of the old growth forest, right next to the beach. The sunsets are amazing and the area is great for a fantastic backpacking experience.
Will I see whales while sea kayaking?
The Puget Sound area offers some of the best opportunities to view all kinds of wildlife, including whales. While we cannot guarantee that you will see whales, there is a good chance of it happening. Every year we have many groups that encounter whales and other magnificent wildlife while kayaking the water around Puget Sound.
Will I get to call home during the trip?
Yes. Upon arrival, at the start of your trip, you will be asked by your leaders to call home and let your parents know you have arrived safely. You will also have the opportunity to send home as many letters as you want and your parents will be able to follow your trip through a series of updates that your leaders will write during the summer.
What are things that I could do before the trip starts to physically prepare myself?
Any reasonable fit and active teen will be successful on the Puget Sound trip. If you are playing a sport this spring that will provide you with the preparation you need. At least four weeks before your trip you should begin to break in your boots. Start out with small walks around your neighborhood and work your way up to three-hour hikes. Your Puget Sound experience will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken-in boots.
Will we be taking showers and doing laundry?
Yes! After each backcountry section we will be taking showers and doing our laundry. It’s also a great time to write a letter home to tell your family and friends about the backcountry section you just completed.
What kind of food will I eat this summer?
Your fellow trip participants, with help from your leaders, will create the menus for your trip. Everyone will be involved in this process to ensure a wide variety of food choices that provide a balanced diet to fuel our bodies. We shop in regular grocery stores and teach you how to plan for and obtain great food for backcountry travels. The food is delicious, healthy, and there will be plenty of it.
Where will I sleep this summer?
This summer you will be sleeping in lightweight 2-3 person tents. You will be assigned a tent partner by your leaders before you arrive. Every night will be spent alongside a trail in the mountains, on the beach, next to a high mountain lake, or on one of the Northwest’s famous mountains. Every night you will also have the option to sleep out under the stars and fall asleep to shooting stars.
Will someone be at the Seattle airport to meet me on the first day of the trip?
Yes! When you enroll in the Puget Sound trip we will send you all the information you need to book your airfare. Once your parents have booked your airfare they will send all the details back to us. Before summer begins we will send you a Wilderness Ventures t-shirt to wear on arrival day. Your leaders will be wearing the same t-shirt, so it’s easy to find each other at the baggage claim.
