Beyond the Trail
Every year, nearly 40,000 youth, families, and individuals adventure outdoors with us.
We camp, hike, and paddle across more than 20 destinations and 80 communities.
But the impact of a Wilderness Inquiry adventure goes far beyond the trail.
2025 by the Numbers
38,312
youth, families, and communities paddled, learned, and explored outdoors through Canoemobile and day programs, from San Francisco to Norfolk
1,970
individuals and families joined extended and near-nature adventures, to camp and explore along rivers, mountains, and sea caves.
403
individuals participated in leadership and career pathways, building outdoor and professional skills that support future learning and job opportunities in the outdoor industry
The Impact of a Wilderness Inquiry Adventure
Confidence & Personal Growth
Nature is a powerful catalyst for self-discovery. We use outdoor adventure to help people explore and stretch their perceived limits and realize they are capable of more than they imagined. By focusing on self-discovery and shared challenge, we help participants build the lasting confidence and sense of accomplishment that leads to more engaged, adventurous lives.
Community & Belonging
Where we go is exciting, but who we go with is everything. Shared outdoor experiences create a profound sense of identity and purpose. By adventuring together, we celebrate the unique strengths of every individual and cultivate a deep sense of community pride. When we explore as a group, we don’t just find a trail—we find where we belong.
Inclusion Without Barriers
Everyone deserves a lifelong relationship with the natural world. From backyard to backcountry, we provide the support and opportunities people need to connect with nature on their own terms. By fostering inclusion at every level, we improve health and emotional well-being for people of all backgrounds and abilities, and open doors to new leadership and career pathways for the next generation.
With every adventure, Wilderness Inquiry strives to create happier, healthier people and communities, and spaces where everyone belongs.
of the youth participants, say canoeing is their first organized outdoor experience.
of youth participants on Extended Camping trips made statistically significant growth in one or more areas of Outdoor social-emotional learning capacities.
of Military Families Outdoors participants on Wilderness Inquiry trips reported a greater sense of physical well-being.
of participants reported feeling a greater appreciation of and motivation to protect nature and the environment.