Outdoor Leadership Training Success Stories

Read how WTA's work has touched the lives of people across the state.

Outdoor Leaders Who Inspire Us: Sea Potential

Jul 13, 2022

We recently talked with a few local outdoor groups we admire to learn more about how they are building better futures for their communities.

How One Forest Service Leader is Inspiring a New Generation

Jun 30, 2022

For over two decades, Aleta Eng has been working to connect people to public lands and inspiring the next generation of U.S. Forest Service leaders. As the partnership specialist for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Aleta has been thoughtful, innovative and creative in building a strong youth and community engagement program.

How WTA's Second Gear Library is Helping One Group Get Outside

May 06, 2022

In August last year, WTA was excited to open the doors to a second gear library, located in Puyallup’s Meridian Habitat Park. We choose this location to help us better meet the needs of communities in the South Puget Sound region. And we’ve been thrilled to see groups already getting outside, with support from the new gear library.

Rep. Strickland Visits WTA Gear Library and Talks Trail Funding

Apr 18, 2022

WTA met with Representative Marilyn Strickland to tour our Puyallup gear library and talk funding for trails.

Q&A With a GirlTrek Leader: Harriet Tubman, Walking and Community

Mar 04, 2022

On March 10, GirlTrek encourages folks to walk in honor of Harriet Tubman's 200th birthday. We talked with Trina Baker, a leader for GirlTrek and a member of WTA's board, about why this event is so important — and why she's so passionate about the power of walking and community.

Beating the Winter Blahs Thanks to WTA’s Gear Libraries

Feb 14, 2022

WTA has been excited to see our partners borrowing snowshoes to get outside with youth. We wanted to know how the trips were going, so we asked three groups to share the highlights of their snowy adventures.

Expert Voices: 3 Ways Time Outside is Good for Your Mental Health

Feb 15, 2022

We talked with three of our partners, all mental health professionals, about the benefits they see when youth and families spend time outside.

Wild Society, a WTA Partner, Teams Up With Communities for Outdoor Adventures

Dec 20, 2021

Wild Society, a wilderness education nonprofit based out of Kitsap County, developed two amazing new partnerships that brought epic adventures and rewarding relationships.

This Summer Was WILD

Oct 04, 2021

InterImCDA’s WILD program, Wild Society and Wild Grief all took teens backpacking this summer (with gear from WTA's gear library). We ask them to reflect on the value of time spent in the “wild” for the youth they work with and some unexpected logistical challenges they encountered.

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

Sep 02, 2021

This trip, which was supported by WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program, was a chance for teens to connect with each other and the outdoors.

Hiker Headlines: Gear Libraries, Lyle Cherry Reopening, Wolverines, Community Science

Aug 26, 2021

WTA is excited to open our second gear library in Puget Sound. Lyle Cherry Orchard trails are once again open to hikers. Wildfire season isn't over yet — but we can help you plan around it. Wolverines are making a comeback in the Cascades. And, our local pikas could use your help. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

WTA Opens Second Gear Library in South Puget Sound

Aug 20, 2021

New location will make it easier for more groups to get the gear they need to get outside with kids and families.

Students at Seattle Nativity School Build Connections to Nature and Each Other on Trail

Dec 17, 2020

Seattle Nativity School hosts annual hiking trips with students across every grade, along with a summer backpacking trip for alumni. Two former students, Layla an Christian, reflect on these outdoor experiences and what memories have really stuck with them.

Hiker Headlines: Fall, Outdoor Learning, Road Closures

Sep 24, 2020

It's Sept. 24. We definitely recommend fall hiking. We're excited to be able to resume our Outdoor Leadership Training program. And some roads are closing soon in the Olympic National Forest. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Outdoor Leadership Training Workshops and Gear Library Restart with New Safety Protocols

Sep 22, 2020

Outdoor Leadership Training experiential workshops and gear library lending are starting back up with new safety protocols to support community groups and organizations with their outdoor learning plans.

Four Gear Tips for Family and Group Camping

Aug 31, 2020

Are you headed out this long weekend to enjoy an outdoor adventure with your household or social pod? Here’s a few gear tips from WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training program staff to make things a bit easier, and maybe even help to reduce the environmental and social impact of your group’s outing.

Finding Connections — With Nature and Each Other — During a Pandemic

Aug 21, 2020

Although in-person trips aren't possible right now, Wild Grief is finding a way to fulfil their mission.

Our Community & Coronavirus

Mar 13, 2020

How we're working to keep our community safe. Updates on cancelled and rescheduled trail work parties and workshops. We are here for you: how we hope to be a source for moments of joy and inspiration.

3 Tips for Planning a Group Hiking Trip

Outdoor Leadership Training participants share the lessons they've learned. By Andrew Pringle

10,000 Outdoor Experiences: WTA's Training Model Grows from Community Needs

Through our Outdoor Leadership Training program, we're supporting community leaders as they nurture the connection between youth and the outdoors.

Teaching on Trail: Custom Workshops For Educators of Youth

Jan 06, 2020

Through workshops, a free gear library and trip funding, the OLT program provides customized training for educators who want to take youth groups outside.

Collin Tasaka, New OLT Instructor, Gets Youth Stoked to Go Outside

Oct 24, 2019

The newest member of WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program is an enthusiastic advocate and role model for getting youth outside and on trail.

Young Stewards Explore and Lend a Hand on Washington Trails

Sep 09, 2019

The power of partnerships helps the Deaf T-Birds, a high school group, get out to explore and clean up Olympic beaches.

Sharing a Love for Nature Through WTA

Jun 12, 2019

WTA member Maggie Oliver passes on the values of conservation to her students.

Connecting Youth and Nature — for Learning and Fun

Mar 25, 2019

Since 2014, the Glacier Peak Institute has been creating paths for local youth to get outdoors. The institute is a strong example of a WTA Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) program partner with a deep dedication to providing outdoor experiences to youth.

Teacher's Night Out with Every Kid in a Park Collaborative

Jan 30, 2019

Calling all educators, teachers and people who work with youth! Get new ideas and resources for getting your youth outdoor experiences.

Rockstar Community Leaders Champion Outdoor Adventures

Dec 20, 2018

Meet three determined outdoor leaders who led memorable trips for their schools and programs this year.

3 Organizations That Go Outside to Train the Next Generation of Scientists

Nov 13, 2018

Three ways that graduates from WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program are taking kids outside to learn about science and inspire the next generation of outdoor leaders.

How a Teacher Is Opening Up a Whole New World for Seattle Teens

Dec 27, 2017

We sit down with Center School teacher Alex Scilletta to find out how a simple snowshoe adventure can make a difference in the lives of students.

Join WTA at our Outdoor Workshops for Educators

Dec 13, 2017

Do you work with youth? Would you like to get them outside? WTA can help!