Success Stories

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

Lost Trails Youth Corps: Tackling Backcountry Trails with Teamwork

Jun 12, 2019

This June, an all-star crew of 10 hardworking teens will embark on a 5-week long trail maintenance and leadership development journey thanks to the continuation of our partnership with the Northwest Youth Corps (NYC).

Fourth Graders, Fifth Graders and Fun: WTA Youth Ambassador Leads Classroom Hikes

May 23, 2019

The Youth Ambassador Program gives leadership training opportunities to teens, who use their skills to plan trails-related projects in their own communities.

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.

Where Are They Now: Jessie Thoreson Has Spent Every Summer Outdoors

Mar 11, 2019

Youth program alum and volunteer Jessie Thoreson been working outside since the summer she spent interning with WTA. She told us how interning with WTA helped her choose her major, and what she's been up to since then.

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.

Youth Ambassadors Do it Again!

Aug 08, 2018

Hard hat's off to another successful year of WTA's Youth Ambassador Program. This year’s Youth Ambassadors went above and beyond the expectations, setting an even higher bar for the class of 2018-19.

Teaming Up with Northwest Youth Corps Up in the Pasayten

Jul 23, 2018

Thanks to WTA supporters and new partnerships, a Lost Trails Youth Corps crew will spend five weeks fixing hard-to-reach sections of trail in the Pasayten Wilderness.

Where are They Now? Alex Compeau, Youth Ambassador

Jun 29, 2018

Learn how a past Youth Ambassador has used his experience with WTA to further his passion for trails, outdoor recreation, and the sciences.

Like a Boss -- One Youth Volunteer Learns to Lead on Trail

May 22, 2018

Learn how Haylee Darby went from volunteer to youth ambassador to assistant crew leader.

Learning Skills, Building Strength on All-Girls Work Parties

Apr 04, 2018

For 10 years, WTA's all-girl trips have empowered young women on trail.

Youth Volunteers Restore Years of Neglect on Ingalls Creek Trail

Feb 23, 2018

This past summer, a group of 10 dedicated teens spent sixteen days camped beside Ingalls Creek, improving one of the key access routes to the Stuart Range and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Where are They Now? Simon van Tulder, Youth Ambassador

Feb 15, 2018

Learn how a past Youth Ambassador is using his leadership development to further his passion for engineering.

Prepare Yourself: Backcountry Trip Signups Are Coming

Jan 23, 2018

WTA's backcountry trips are some of the most popular volunteer events we host. Learn how you can be the best prepared for when registration opens.

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.

Help Save the Every Kid in a Park Program

Oct 10, 2017

Now in its second year, the Every Kid in a Park program has allowed hundreds of thousands of fourth graders from around the country to gain free entry to over 400 National Parks and Monuments. Although the successful program has already been approved for a third year, Congress has recently delayed action on a bill that would have made the program permanent.

Youth Involvement Leads to Improved Trail Resources

Jul 24, 2017

Ingrid Phillips, an avid hiker, backpacker, and sea kayaker, is a sophomore at Stanwood high school, and member of WTA’s 2016-2017 Youth Ambassador cohort. This winter, she worked with an elementary school class to improve trail visibility on Camano Island.

With WTA Support, Community Partners Get Youth Outside

Jun 23, 2017

This spring, our youth program worked with more than 15 organizations to bring hundreds of kids, tweens and teens out for at least one day of service. Over the past few months, WTA has been honored to partner with such a diverse range of schools and youth groups across the state.

Youth Ambassador Program Reaches New Heights

Jun 20, 2017

Over the past nine months, WTA's youth ambassadors have blown us away with their creativity, hard-work and dedication to the hiking community. Whether they hail from Darrington, Olympia, Yakima or Stanwood, our ambassadors have been giving back in more ways than we could have ever imagined.

10 Years of Youth Engagement

Apr 12, 2017

Thanks to our members and donors, over the past 10 years, WTA’s youth engagement has grown into a comprehensive program serving thousands of students. But that’s not all. It’s also fostering the next generation of environmental advocates.

With WTA's Help, Youth Ambassadors Share Their Love for Trails

Mar 04, 2017

Through WTA's Youth Ambassador Program, young people who love to hike and volunteer gain valuable skills and share their love for trails

Youth Ambassador Spotlight: Julianna Hoza

Feb 03, 2017

Learn how this Youth Ambassador has been making big waves in her local hiking community.

Alumni Survey: Collecting a Decade of Memories from Youth Volunteer Vacations

Dec 19, 2016

To commemorate these last ten years, we are looking for volunteers who participated on a youth volunteer vacation from 2007-2016 to share their experience with us.

WTA's Krista Dooley Recognized at Washington State Trails Conference

Nov 01, 2016

Krista Dooley, Washington Trails Association’s youth programs director, who recently received the Youth Advocacy Award from the Washington State Trails Coalition.

New Youth Volunteer Vacation Trip! Pacific Crest Trail at Goodwin Meadows August 20-27

Jul 21, 2016

Finish your summer off right with a week in the beautiful William O. Douglas Wilderness. WTA has added an incredible late summer hiking, backpacking and trail maintenance opportunity to work on the Pacific Crest Trail. This trip is open to teens ages 15 to 18 with some previous trail maintenance experience.

Get Your Kid in a Park This Summer

Jun 08, 2016

Maximize your Every Kid in a Park pass with these starter ideas.

Raising Tomorrow's Trail Stewards

Apr 11, 2016

The Homeschool Stewardship Squad allows kids and parents to volunteer, play and learn together outside. Heidi Watters organized the squad in 2011, and we asked her some history and tips for encouraging your own little ones.

Outdoor Adventures for Girls: Sign Up for a Summer Volunteer Vacation

Mar 31, 2016

Youth Ambassador Program Doubles in 2015

Dec 11, 2015

Twenty-four incredible students, WTA's Youth Ambassadors, recently spent a weekend at a leadership summit preparing to become the youth voices of WTA in the year ahead.

My 2,500 Mile Journey to Build Trails

Aug 24, 2015

Youth volunteer Elizabeth Hopmann traveled from Texas to participate in two youth volunteer vacations this summer. Read her perspective of the experience.