10 Stories from 10 Years of Outdoor Leadership Training: How WTA Helps Community Leaders and Kids Get Outside

Over the last decade, WTA has met some incredible leaders through the Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) program.

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• If you work with youth and families and serve communities where 40 percent or more are low-income or communities of color, we invite you to join the OLT story by participating in our upcoming workshop on Nov. 4. We can help you get outside with the kids you work with.

OLT has supported leaders from a variety of programs, including educators, therapists, youth ministers, scouts, environmental justice workers and members of tribal and affinity groups. They each bring a strong connection to the communities they serve and an interest in getting those communities outdoors and experiencing nature. 

We’ve learned a lot and are truly amazed at what these leaders have accomplished over the years. As a way to look back and celebrate the OLT program’s 10th anniversary, we wanted to revisit 10 stories from our partners.

1. Getting first-timers into the wild (and a chili recipe)

Leaders on a 2015 camping workshop. Gladys Martinez (front row 3rd from the left) and Renee Pierce (front row 3rd from the right). Photo by Andrew Pringle. 

On one of the first camping workshops WTA hosted, Gladys Martinez and Renee Pierce were motivated to learn as much as they could so they could create a camping program for families. Renee Pierce continues to lead family camping trips and since 2015 she has supported more than 210 camping experiences through her work at North Seattle Family Resource Center. The Seattle Times joined one of their campouts.  

2. Gear Library Helps Young Women Discover the Outdoors

Young Women Empowered (Y-WE) participants on an outdoor trip in 2017. Photo courtesy of Y-WE 

For years, the team at Young Women Empowered (Y-WE) has been integrating outdoor experiences into their amazing programs for those who identify as women, girls, trans, non-binary or gender expansive. Since 2015, OLT has supported more than 100 Y-WE outings with gear and Y-WE has created more than 2,180 outdoor experiences.

3. Sharing Joy in the outdoors

Pinnacle Outdoors snowshoe outing 2017. Photos by Sean Chan.

One of the many benefits of living in the PNW is that it’s possible to get outdoors all year. Our gear library provides winter gear like warm layers, gloves and snowshoes, which has allowed some of our program partners, such as Pinnacle Explorations Outdoor School, to expand their program offerings.

4. Rockstar Community Leaders Champion Outdoor Adventures

Darrington Outdoors backpacking trip 2019. Photo by Gary Paull.

We are constantly inspired by the leaders creating memorable experiences for their communities, including these rockstars from Darrington Outdoors, St. Joseph/Marquette School and ECOSS.

5. Youth Stewards Explore and Lend a Hand on Washington Trails

Students from Mount Tahoma High School explored Ruby Beach, with a little help from WTA's gear library. Photo by Kelsey Johnson.

It’s always so wonderful to learn about the partnerships that leaders develop and the unique experiences those collaborations can create. This partnership was with the National Parks Service, Mount Tahoma High School’s Deaf T-Birds, Greater Seattle YMCA and WTA. 

6. students at Seattle Nativity School Build Connections to Nature and Each Other on Trail

Students from Seattle Nativity School share their takeaways from their outdoor experiences. Photos by Sam Bennett.

The skills and experiences that young people gain on outdoor trips can have a positive impact and help them navigate future situations in school and their personal lives.

7. El Centro de la Raza on the Trail: An Outdoor Field Trip for Teens

Students from El Centro de la Raza’s summer programs in Seattle and Federal Way come together for a hike at Point Defiance Park. Photo by Lily Poppen.  

We applaud the determination and dedication leaders put into planning outings and creating impactful outdoor experiences for their communities. Liz Huizar from El Centro de la Raza attended a hiking workshop in April 2021 and took 36 teens hiking in July that same year.

8. Expert voices: 3 ways time outside is good for your mental health

Taking youth hiking can provide a powerful way for them to form strong connections and help each other. Photo by Cory Lane.

We love hearing how some leaders are utilizing time outdoors to support the mental health of their participants and seeing the direct benefits. 

9. How one Forest Service Leader is inspiring a new generation

For nearly two decades, Aleta Eng has been working to make public lands more accessible. Photo courtesy of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

We have been inspired by leaders like Aleta Eng at the Forest Service who have dedicated their careers to breaking down barriers to the outdoors, increasing access to public lands and developing career pathways.  

10. Taking Students Hiking and Backpacking — with a little help from wta

Mother and son enjoy a shared backpacking experience with Rainier Prep Middle School. Photo by Amina Abdile. 

Over the years, we have enjoyed helping programs develop outdoor experiences that engage students as well as their families. Rainier Prep is building skills for students and parents alike to use beyond the classroom. 

Honorable Mention: making sure no child is left inside

Some WTA Youth Ambassadors traveled to Olympia to speak about how the outdoors and spending time outside has positively impacted them. Photo by Britt Lê.

Not only do leaders get youth outdoors, but they also make sure access to the outdoors is available for others. In 2020, partners brought youth from their programs to Olympia to speak with elected officials.

Gratitude for all the stories shared with us

Thanks to all the amazing leaders that we’ve had the opportunity to partner with over the past 10 years who have shared their stories with us. We are forever grateful for the incredible work you are doing to help make the outdoor community more welcoming to all.