'An incredible accomplishment' — How WTA helped get 20K kids outside

After a record-breaking year in 2025, WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) program surpassed another exciting milestone recently. Since it began in 2013, the program has supported 20,000 youth experiences (and 30,000 total experiences)! That means that 20,000 times, youth have utilized OLT resources for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, snowshoeing or backpacking. 

For 13 years, the OLT program has collaborated with many wonderful organizations that get school-age youth outside. These experiences would not be possible without their hard work to build intentional outdoor programs and communities.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for the OLT program,” said Krista Dooley, director of Community Partnership and Leadership Development for WTA. “We know there are many logistics and barriers to creating outdoor experiences for youth groups. WTA is proud to be able to help reduce some of those barriers to support program leaders. ”

WTA offers access to free outdoor gear through our gear libraries and OLT workshops, which help people who want to get outside with kids learn valuable outdoor leadership skills.

This map shows where youth have been able to get outside, over time, with support from OLT. The more white an area has, the more youth have visited that area. 

Nine years after it had launched, the program had supported 10,000 youth experiences. That number doubled in just an additional 3.5 years. Opening a second gear library in 2021 to support South Puget Sound organizations helped support that rapid growth.

“It’s been so amazing to see educators and program leaders create opportunities for youth in their communities to spend time in nature,” Krista said. “We are thrilled to continue to collaborate with organizations that we’ve been partnering with over the years and always look forward to connecting with new organizations that are interested in incorporating more outdoor activities into their programs.”     

Homeschool Adventure Club on a recent snowshoe trip to Crystal Mountain. The group borrowed gear from WTA's gear library to help make the trip possible. 

To celebrate this incredible record, here's what trip leaders had to say about some recent trips. 

“This was the first time snowshoeing for most of the participants. Many of them enjoyed the opportunity. As they came as families, it was very bonding for the families to experience walking in a new way and enjoying a beautiful winter hike. Many of them mentioned getting themselves some [snow]shoes.” — Snowshoe trip at Crystal Mountain.  

“This [trip] was a great success. Students were excited and engaged. Borrowing gear allowed students to travel safely and comfortably while they learned new skills.” — Snowshoe trip at Gold Creek Pond. 

“We had the largest group of students for a snowshoeing trip yet. Many participants were repeats from last year, which was great, and allowed for students to guide the newer, younger ones…[The] youth were so excited to have a snowball fight and bury each other in snow. They had a great time!” — Snowshoe trip at Snoqualmie Pass.