Entering grades 10-12 in the fall of 2026
Get ready to put your skills to the test in this challenging and rewarding four-week expedition through the San Juan Islands. Led by experienced staff, Islander participants learn advanced boat handling, expedition planning, and navigation skills. Working as a team, the group plans and executes their own multi-day kayaking journey—an experience that builds perseverance, leadership, and technical ability.
Throughout the course, participants rotate through the role of Leader of the Day, practicing peer leadership in real-time. As the expedition nears its end, participants may also engage in a solo experience—a period of rest and reflection supervised by instructors, who select the location and conduct regular check-ins.
All participants must demonstrate a wet exit and re-entry with a paddle partner before departing on the expedition.
Cabin Assignments: Teen participants live in all-gender cabins alongside staff members and the other members of their program group. When on kayaking trip, participants sleep under tarps in groups organized by gender identity and/or personal comfort.
*Basic paddling skills are recommended but not required.
*An application and interview process is required. Accepted applicants will receive registration instructions.
We are committed to making YMCA Camping and Outdoor Leadership programs more accessible for everyone. We have created our pricing options and developed a voluntary sliding fee schedule. Simply select the price most appropriate for your family. Your selections are completely confidential and do not impact the quality of your participant’s experience.
$150 non-refundable deposit is required for all registrations and is applied to the total amount due.
Price A reflects the full price of sending a participant to the program selected. This level represents the full price of camp operations, including industry leading training and staffing, support for long-term maintenance, repairs, and facility enhancements.
Price B is partially sponsored by funds generously contributed by our supporters to help families unable to afford the full price of the program.
Price C is our most accessible rate, supported by generous contributions from our donors to ensure a positive camp experience for as many participants as possible.
Our goal is to remove barriers that prevent anyone from participating in our programs, including financial barriers. If our lowest price still creates a financial barrier that prevents you from participating in our programs, we invite you to fill out a Financial Assistance Application. Once we have reviewed and approved your application, you will receive an email confirming the percentage you have been awarded.* A $50 deposit is still required to confirm your reservation.
*We are only able to offer financial assistance for one registration per participant each summer.