Teen Programs
Finding peers who are also experiencing a loss can help you on your grief journey. In Wild Grief’s teen programs, you connect with other teens, immerse yourself in the timelessness of nature, and find ways to reflect and heal that make sense for you.
If you’re age 13 to 18 and are grieving the loss of someone important to you, explore these ways to find solace and meaning through experiences in the natural world.
Teen
Wilderness Adventure
Join other teens on this guided summer backpacking adventure to explore the wonder of wilderness far from the daily grind. Our programs are free to all participants and we provide all needed gear and food.
Our Teen Wilderness Adventure is not a mopefest - it is fun! We laugh a lot on the trail together as we experience the beauty and peacefulness of Washington’s majestic forests and waterways. You can share as much or as little of your grief as you wish. Whether you express your grief out loud or not, you will share the trail with peers who are on a similar grief journey and that can make a big difference in your life.
Our trained guides are experienced in working with youth, grief, and living outdoors. We design hikes that are challenging but manageable for teens who move some in their daily lives.
For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions
Who: Teens age 13-18 who are dealing with grief from the death of someone important to them
Where: Various backcountry trails in western Washington State - mountains and the coast. Drop off & Pick up is in Olympia, WA.
Cost: The trip as well as all meals and backpacking gear are provided free of charge to all participants.
When: Various dates in July & August.
Teen
Day Hikes
Our day hikes happen a few times a year and are a chance for a small group of teens to have fun and explore nature among others who have been through something similar. Our day hikes are moderate in difficulty and designed to be manageable for a wide range of people. Every day hike is led by a Wild Grief guide with training in leading hikes, administering first aid, and facilitating grief support for youth.
Who: Teens age 13-18 who have experienced the death of someone important to them and want to try out a grief-focused hike. No hiking experience necessary.
Where: Drop off and pickup is in Olympia, WA. The Hikes occur on various trails around South and Central Puget Sound, usually within a 1-2 hour drive from Olympia.
Cost: Free!
When (in 2025): Saturday, May 17th & Saturday, October 4th
Unlike our overnight programs, there is no need to apply and wait to hear back if you got in. Simply register and we will send you more detailed information as the date gets closer.
Hear from our teen participants:
Other programs that include teens:
Teens are also welcome to join their families for our Family and All Ages Programs.