What's so special about this Wilderness Ventures trip?
This service trip combines a wonderful mixture of meaningful and challenging service work, and thrilling adventure. We will be working side-by-side with various land agencies in an effort to ensure quality and long lasting improvements to the land. Furthermore, you will be able to enjoy a variety of activities without driving all over Wyoming. You backpack, rock climb, sea kayak and white water raft all within a sixty mile radius, and we're the only program for young adults which can do this. This trip has been conducted since 1973.
How challenging is this trip?
The Yellowstone / Teton Service Adventure is one of the more challenging service trips that we offer. This trip combines a little bit of everything: meaningful service projects, backpacking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and sea kayaking. It's perfect for beginners and returning students alike who seek both adventure and challenging service opportunities, with very little vehicle travel.
Will I be the only one who’s never backpacked or climbed before?
No. The Yellowstone-Teton Service program is for those interested in service learning about the outdoors. Along with two service components, there are four different activities on the 22-day expedition and within each you will find challenges, whether you are a beginner or an experienced outdoors person.
Do I need to have my own rock climbing gear?
No. All gear for climbing (harnesses, shoes, ropes, belay devices, helmets) is provided by Wilderness Ventures.
What will the backpacking be like?
This trip takes you backpacking into the remote wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. You’ll be hiking 4-7 miles a day. We’ll teach you how to pack your backpack, so that it rests comfortably on your waist. The sense of accomplishment you’ll experience by carrying your home on your back will fill you with confidence to last you a lifetime.
What will we see while we are kayaking in Yellowstone?
Kayaking in Yellowstone National Park is such a unique experience. Paddling close to the shore will allow you to see moose, elk, swans, eagles, trout, and white pelicans. Each night we’ll recap the day’s events around a fire, toasting marshmallows, laughing about the water fights we had, and planning the next day.
I’ve never been white water rafting before; do I need experience?
Absolutely not! You will raft the thrilling waters of both the Yellowstone and Snake Rivers in safe, multi-person paddle rafts. You will be with professional guides who will teach you and your peers how to raft these Class II and III rapids as a team. It will be a fun-filled day bonding with your group.
What’s the weather like in the Jackson Hole area?
Jackson Hole is beautiful in the summertime. Daytime temperatures are in the 80’s and nighttime temps fall into the 50’s. The humidity is very low, thus creating the perfect atmosphere for being outside.
Isn’t Yellowstone crowded in the summer?
Yellowstone is very crowded during the summer months, and that’s what makes this trip so special! Over 90% of people who visit Yellowstone never wander further than three miles from the road. You on the other hand will see sites few ever set eyes on. You’ll have the opportunity to explore trails, geyser basins, meadows and lakeshores most people miss out on when visiting our country’s first National Park. On this 16-day adventure you will discover Yellowstone’s true “off the beaten path.”
What kind of food will we eat?
Your fellow trip participants, with the help of your leaders, will create the menu 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 and shop for great food for camping expeditions. The food is delicious, healthy, and there will be plenty of it!
Will I get to call home during the trip?
Yes. Upon your arrival into Jackson Hole 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 and post on the web.
What are things I can do before the to physically prepare myself?
Any reasonably fit and active high school student will be successful on this 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 Yellowstone-Teton Service experience will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken in boots.
