Outdoor Adventure Program
It’s time to hit the trails and explore the great outdoors! We’re excited to introduce our Outdoor Adventure Program where campers get to enjoy the magic and beauty of nature through an optional one-night backpacking trip as part of our summer Resilience Retreats, or they can even join us for longer backcountry adventures and camping trips throughout the year.
Learn How to Build Fires.
Cook Meals in the Wilderness.
Sleep Under the Stars.
Pack Your Bags!
Transcending Adolescence's Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) is an incredible initiative thoughtfully crafted by our Recreation Director and Cal Poly Humboldt alumni, Jacob Hofheimer, as his undergraduate senior project. This program was created out of a genuine desire to make the outdoors a more inclusive space for transgender individuals, and it is a significant component of Transcending Adolescence's Resilience Retreats (TARR).
Adventure in Every Step!
By immersing TGNB youth in backcountry adventures and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones, we give them opportunities to learn valuable skills and boost their self-confidence. We're opening up the world of outdoor recreation to those who are often excluded. Our program creates a queer affirming space that acknowledges and respects the life experiences of TGNB young people, fostering a sense of learning, community and confidence-building.
Now led by the incredibly talented Nat as our Outdoor Adventure Program Coordinator, we have expanded OAP from our original single night backpacking trip during camp. We are proud to announce that we now offer full backpacking resilience retreats for small groups of teens ages 14-17 as well. On these 5-night/6-day expeditions, participants will learn a variety of wilderness survival skills, leadership skills, make friends, and gain community.
Overcoming Obstacles Together
Much like our other resilience retreats, OAP is based on the SPEAR curriculum. We will conclude each evening with Campfire Convos where we will tackle the challenges that trans people face daily. Much like life, we will encounter obstacles on the trail, however overcoming these challenges and taking the time to reflect on our experiences will help us to build resilience.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Nat, Jacob, and Cal Poly Humboldt's Recreation Administration Department for making all of this possible!