Lobbying for the Outdoors in Washington, DC

AO members represented here include Adventure Treks, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Northwest Rafting, Canyons Rafting, Western Rivers Expeditions, Cascade Raft & Kayak, Triangle X Ranch, Upper Canyon Outfitters, Idaho Outfitters and Guide Association, Ober Mountain, Grand Canyon Rafting Outfitters Association, Hatch River Expeditions, French Broad Adventures, Wilderness Voyageurs


By Dave “Dmac” McGlashan

On Monday, February 24, I went to Washington, DC, for an annual lobbying event hosted by the America Outdoors Association, which is the largest national guide and outfitter association in the United States. I am honored to serve as the president of the board and have been going to “Camp Washington” to lobby on behalf of the outdoors for the last eight years. With everything happening at the National Parks Service and National Forest Service, we at AO knew this would be one of our most important visits in recent years.

Our group, consisting of AO board members and outdoor recreation company owners, gathered for a dinner and strategy session on the night of the 24th. There, we were greeted with some good news: The NPS had received the green light to go ahead and hire their seasonal staff! By Tuesday morning, several hundred jobs were live, with almost 2,000 more preparing to launch. This helped alleviate some fears around operating in national parks this summer.

Dmac with Washington representative Dan Newhouse

The biggest event of Tuesday morning was a meeting with the recently installed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. Though we were originally told that he would only be able to give us 10 minutes of his time, what unfolded was an hour-long meeting with approximately 25 business owners from our association. We pressed upon Secretary Burgum the importance of fully staffing the NPS, from their seasonal workers to those who had recently been laid off. Before the meeting was over, the secretary ensured us that he would meet with the current administration officials because, as he said, “The parks are the envy of most countries and one of our most prized posessions.” I couldn’t agree more.

Now, you can’t always believe a politician will follow through on their promises. However, I left this meeting with some faith that the secretary would try his best to support not only the National Park Service, but also those of us who operate in the outdoors, as many of our livelihoods rely on being able to run trips in the parks. Fortunately, Secretary Burgum is an avid outdoorsman and expressed his desire to keep the NPS running at the highest level possible.

The rest of Tuesday and all day Wednesday, America Outdoors held meetings with members of Congress from more than 30 states—on both sides of the aisle. We spoke with the offices of Patty Murray, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummis, Mark Kelly, Ruben Gallego, Mike Crapo, James Risch, Dan Newhouse, Virginia Foxx, Chuck Edwards, Thom Tillis, Lindsey Graham, Ted Budd, Michael Bennett, Brittany Petterson, Shelley Moore Capito, and many more from West Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Maine, Utah, Indiana, Montana, and Oregon.

Overall, the mood (as it related to the outdoor recreation industry) in DC was better than expected. By the end of the week, we received word that the NPS was able to hire back employees they’d had to terminate. The great thing about the outdoors is that it tends to bring people together, regardless of their political beliefs or backgrounds. I flew out of DCA feeling more positive than I anticipated.

Your question might be, how does this impact Adventure Treks?

I believe in our ability to operate as expected this summer. Just like any other year, there will be issues we’ll have to face. We operated through a government shutdown in 2013. In 2016, high snowpack in California led us to lower elevation hikes. In 2017, we had to switch our itineraries around in British Columbia due to wildfires, and then in 2022, we got creative with our backpacking routes with provincial park flooding. In 2020, we had COVID. In 2021, fires in California led us to raft instead on the Rogue River in southern Oregon, where we still operate today because it’s so fun! In 2022, severe flooding closed northern Yellowstone temporarily.

All this is to say that Adventure Treks can and will creatively problem-solve when the need arises, and we will always keep our students’ safety as our top priority, while still having lots of fun.

If you’d like to chat more about our involvement with legislative affairs in the outdoors, give us a ring at 828-698-0399!

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The Power of Outdoor Family Adventures

How often do you get the chance to truly connect as a family—free from screens, packed schedules, and the hustle of everyday life? Nature offers a refreshing escape from modern distractions, creating space to reconnect, strengthen relationships, and build lasting memories. At Adventure Treks, we’ve seen firsthand how shared outdoor experiences can transform relationships. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our family and adult adventure programs, designed to help families enjoy these unforgettable moments together.

Create unforgettable shared memories

Shared outdoor adventures have a unique way of bringing families closer together. Whether it’s hiking to a scenic viewpoint, laughing around a campfire, or working as a team to set up camp, these experiences foster a sense of bonding for families. These moments away from daily distractions allow families to engage in meaningful conversations, experience new challenges together, and enjoy quality time without interruptions.

“I still tell people I was the happiest I’ve ever been on those trips. Being in the backcountry with a group of amazing leaders and friends was life-changing.” – Ally Krause, student from 2014–2016

The same transformative magic that shaped her experience as a teen is equally impactful for families venturing into the outdoors together, providing the chance to deepen connections with loved ones while surrounded by some incredible landscapes.

Build confidence and resilience as a family

Challenges in the wilderness—like navigating a steep trail, adapting to unexpected weather, or managing camp tasks—provide valuable lessons in resilience, problem-solving, and trust. These lessons aren’t just for individuals—they strengthen family dynamics, too, as kids and parents work together to overcome obstacles, celebrate achievements, and learn from setbacks.

Plus, outdoor trips help family members take on different responsibilities. Whether it’s setting up camp, cooking meals, or planning the next group activity, everyone plays a role in ensuring the success of the trip. Parents often see their children rise to the occasion, sometimes even taking on leadership roles or caring for the safety and well-being of others in the group. These moments of responsibility help develop a stronger sense of teamwork and give children opportunities to practice decision-making with the whole group in mind—and they’re skills that kids can take home and apply to everyday lives. We often hear from parents about how their teens become more involved in household chores (of their own accord) after an Adventure Treks trip!

“It’s hard to express how much I value the experiences I had on my Adventure Treks trips as a teenager. I look back on them so often and am just so grateful I had AT in my life. Not only did it help me develop a lifelong love of the outdoors and outdoor activities, but it gave me so much more confidence in myself at that point in my life. AT was the first time I felt truly comfortable and accepted away from my home community.” – Issy Schwartz, student from 2017–2020

Imagine the impact of building that confidence and resilience together as a family unit, while learning how to be responsible for the group and the environment.

Encourage curiosity, creativity, and imagination

Time outdoors goes beyond physical activity—it’s a chance to spark curiosity, creative thinking, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Adventure Treks’ programs are designed to inspire families to explore, imagine, and learn together. Studies compiled by the Children and Nature Network show that time in nature encourages critical thinking and problem-solving in children—skills that are vital for lifelong learning and success.

Simple activities like identifying plants on a hike or creating stories about the shapes of clouds can inspire imagination, helping parents see the world through their kids’ eyes and vice versa. It’s an incredible opportunity to grow and learn together in nature’s classroom.

Better physical and mental well-being

The mental health benefits of spending time outdoors are well-documented. According to Connections Academy, outdoor play reduces stress, improves mood, and builds deeper bonds. Families who spend time together outside report feeling more connected, happier, and recharged.

Outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and backpacking are not only excellent ways to keep the whole family physically active, but they also promote better sleep. Unlike structured gym routines, these adventures feel more like play, making exercise fun and accessible for all ages and fitness levels. Physical activity in nature also encourages better sleep patterns by allowing families to unwind after a day of outdoor exploration.

Our family trips are designed to meet families where they are, providing activities that challenge and inspire without overwhelming or intimidating. Whether you’re new to outdoor adventures or seasoned explorers, our trips help everyone stay active while having fun together—and enjoy the added benefit of deeper, more restful sleep at night.

Increased collaboration, communication, and social skills

Outdoor adventures provide a natural environment for families to practice teamwork and communication. From sharing responsibilities like cooking meals to solving problems together on the trail, these activities help family members hone their social skills in a supportive, fun atmosphere.

“Adventure Treks had a profound impact on my life by building my confidence and reshaping the way I see myself and the world around me. It was with AT that I learned the basics of conservation and fell even more in love with nature. This exposure not only broadened my worldview but also strengthened my ability to connect with others on a more authentic level.” – Jessica Zied, student from 2014–2016

Whether it’s planning the day’s activities, navigating a challenge, or ensuring everyone’s needs are met, outdoor recreation provides plenty of opportunities for families to develop important communication skills that last long after the adventure ends.

Incorporating outdoor time into your family’s routine

Adventure Treks family and adult programs

For families seeking a more immersive experience, Adventure Treks offers transformative trips tailored to families and adults. Our family program in the Pacific Northwest provides the perfect backdrop for bonding and adventure, while our adult trip in Peru offers a chance to explore breathtaking landscapes and build lifelong connections. These programs are designed to create shared experiences that deepen relationships and create lasting memories.

Simple ways to get outside year-round

Not ready for a multi-day adventure? There are plenty of ways to incorporate outdoor time into your family’s routine:

  • Take evening walks around your neighborhood or local park.
  • Plan weekend camping trips to explore nearby nature reserves.
  • Try a new outdoor hobby, like birdwatching or gardening.
  • Create a backyard scavenger hunt or stargazing night for the whole family.

Even small steps can help your family enjoy the benefits of time spent outdoors.

A call to adventure

Outdoor spaces hold something transformative for every member of your family. These experiences not only create lasting memories, but they also instill values that stay with you for a lifetime. This year, we invite you to embark on a journey where the challenges faced together can be just as meaningful as the milestones achieved. It’s more than just a trip; it’s an opportunity to discover new strengths and experience the world through fresh eyes. Whether you join us for Adventure Treks’family program in the Pacific Northwest or explore our adult trip in Peru, you’ll find the perfect setting for a life-changing adventure.

“I consider my AT experiences fundamental to my growth as a human. For the first time, I felt truly comfortable and vulnerable with others and like I could be myself. I was proud of my accomplishments, in awe of the world, and so so so happy. In my adult life, I strive to be the kind of person I was at AT. It rekindled a love for the outdoors and a genuine faith in the good of other people.” – Hunter James, student from 2013

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BIG NEWS! Introducing Adult Trips to Peru and PNW Family Camps

Adventure Treks is SO EXCITED to announce new programming for 2025: A hiking and rafting adventure to Peru for adults, and a family camp in Olympic National Park in Washington!

Why adult and family trips?

After hearing “Do you run trips for adults?” for more than 30 years, Dmac and I have decided to turn that dream into a reality. We’ve created an incredible seven-day itinerary in Peru’s Sacred Valley, including a hike to Machu Picchu—a destination and achievement on so many bucket lists—with the professional guides at Apumayo Expeditions, who specialize in adult luxury travel (and who are celebrating their 30th year!). Dmac and I have scoured the planet on outdoor trips, climbing, biking, paddling, and hiking in stunning locations… and our adventure in Peru with Apumayo guides remains one of the most exceptional experiences we’ve ever had. It was so remarkable that it was an easy decision to launch this as our first adult trip.

We also want to bring the magic of Adventure Treks to the whole family and offer parents the opportunity to bond with their kids on a uniquely special experience that you can’t find in your everyday life—and all without the distractions of busy schedules, phones, homework, and work. Just like our adult and teen trips, no experience is necessary as professional Adventure Treks instructors will make fun outdoor activities accessible to all of our guests. These six days in the Olymipcs will give your family the chance to:

  • Build stronger connections by sharing new challenges and adventures
  • Discover new interests and passions together
  • Take full advantage of nature’s opportunity to relax and have a ton of fun
  • And create lasting memories together

Peru’s Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu itinerary

During your seven days in Peru, you will:

  • Stay in three- and four-star luxury hotels and lodges
  • Eat delightful Peruvian cuisine, prepared by the trip’s chef
  • Whitewater raft the Urubamba River
  • Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Spend a day touring Machu Picchu’s fortress itself
  • Tour ancient ruins and archelogical sites all over the Sacred Valley
  • Descend into the world-famous Maras salt mines and attend a textiles workshop in Chinchero
  • And explore Cusco City’s markets, temples, and more at the end of the trip

Bonus: Parents of students enrolled on the Peru Expedition can fly into Cusco with them, drop off their kids, and head off on their own unforgettable adventure!

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Family Camp: Discover the Olympics itinerary

During your six days in the Olympics, you’ll:

  • Stay in cozy campgrounds and lodges with hot springs and lake views
  • Enjoy delicious meals and snacks organized by Adventure Treks instructors
  • Day hike to waterfalls and to Hurricane Ridge, where you can find some of the most scenic views in the entire Pacific Northwest
  • Hike and spend a night camping on the Olympic Peninsula (a long-time AT haunt and one of our students’ favorite spots)
  • And experience the fun and memorable Adventure Treks traditions you’ve heard so much about from your kids
    ***Optional add-ons include sea kayaking in Port Angeles and canoeing and kayaking on Lake Quinault​

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We are beyond thrilled to extend the incredible benefits of adventure travel to the entire family and beyond, and we can’t wait to embark on these new adventures with you!

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An Experience is Often the Best Gift

students summiting mt adams with ice axes and cramponsUpdated 12/20/2024

Every year in December, I begin searching for the “perfect gift” for my kids. There are things that they want or “need,” but many of those things are not what I am excited about giving them.

The marketing aimed toward consumers, especially at this time of year, erases the line between “want” and “need.” We are being told we need this or that and that we will be happier, more beautiful, better people with whatever they are trying to sell. Of course, we know that isn’t true, but I know it’s easy to get caught up in it. On top of that, our kids are feeling social pressure to have the latest and coolest… whatever.

Like other parents, I want to give my kids something special that they really want. We all want to see that look of pure joy and almost disbelief at what they see under the wrapping. But I also know that look is fleeting. It is pure and true at that moment, and even for days or possibly weeks afterward. But soon the anticipation, the novelty, and the excitement of getting something they wanted so badly wears off. And soon it is just another thing they have in a world of too much stuff.

Most of us have limited resources, and we have to choose to buy one thing over another. While we sometimes succumb to the pressures and temptations of advertising, our family is trying to place more emphasis on experiences over things. Over the past decade, an abundance of psychology research (as well as personal reward) has shown this to be a wise strategy.

Experiences help us feel more connected to others, in no small part due to the memories they create; they also lead to greater feelings of gratitude and more emotional reactions—thus cementing the positive relationship-building even more.

Experiences are like three gifts in one:

  1. First, there is the anticipation of the experience. Thinking about the trip, or the Broadway show, or summer camp is sometimes the best part! Even better, it’s a great family conversation starter around the dinner table.
  2. Second is the experience itself. How great to finally see the band that we love, or board the plane en route to a long-dreamed-about destination, or put well-loved hiking boots to use on a trail.
  3. Lastly, the experience gives memories to relive for years to come. Applauding through two encores, taking your first subway trip, or swimming near a waterfall are all stories to be told and retold. And sharing these memories can help forge family unity. Even if things don’t go as planned (a rainy week at the beach, a missed flight connection, or getting lost in the woods), it’s still a fun story and thus a cherished memory.

students sea kayaking in port angeles washingtonThe idea that experiential purchases are more satisfying than material purchases has long been the domain of Cornell psychology professor Thomas Gilovich. In the journal Psychological Science (August 2014), Gilovich looked specifically at anticipation as a driver of that happiness. He discovered that the enjoyment his subjects derived from anticipating experiences was greater than for purchasing material goods. This supplemented his previous research, which found that people also receive more retrospective enjoyment and satisfaction from experiences than consumer goods.

Experiences fit perfectly into happiness research. Anticipating future experiences, as well as recalling those memories, makes us happy, according to Cornell researcher Amit Kumar. An experience can make a bigger impression because it’s usually something new and different from the daily routine. This activates the neurons of the brain to a heightened state, making the memories more likely to stick.

A big takeaway when purchasing experiences is to remember that because anticipation is such a big part of the enjoyment of the experience, it makes sense to purchase far in advance. The internet age provides endless opportunities for last-minute planning (why book the beach vacation until we know the weather forecast?) but by buying at the last minute, you are squandering a portion of what adds the intrinsic value to the experience.

Taking experiences a step farther, Gilovich says “societal well-being can be advanced by providing infrastructure that affords experiences, such as parks, trails, and beaches, as much as it does material consumption.” Perhaps it’s a case for more summer camps and fewer shopping malls!

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Holiday Gift Guide + Adventure Treks Store Flash Sale!

The holidays are a time for connection, reflection, and sharing gifts that create lasting memories. Whether you’re shopping for an outdoor-loving Adventure Treks student or a family looking to spend more quality time outside, our guide is here to inspire adventure, bring people together, and help prepare for an unforgettable AT experience. This gift guide highlights thoughtful, practical gifts that complement our trips and encourage outdoor exploration—perfect for at home, on the trail, and beyond.

Plus, we want to make shopping for summer 2025 stress-free and fun. That’s why we provide most of the expensive and technical gear your student will need for their summer trip, like tents, sleeping bags, and backpacking backpacks—so you don’t need to worry about picking up those items! (More info on that below.)

Cozy gear from the AT store

Support your teen’s love for the outdoors (and keep a little piece of AT with you!) with these student-approved items from our store:

  • Blanket: Perfect for chilly movie nights or cozying up after long days of exploring
  • Beanie: A warm, stylish way to keep your head warm on mountain summits or in winter
  • Journal: Capture memories on an AT trip, reflect on previous adventures, or jot down goals
  • Mug and travel mug: Great for morning coffee and a post-hike hot cocoa
  • Tote bag: Great for carrying road trip snacks, gear, and everyday essentials
  • Sweatpants, hoodies, and sweatshirts: Comfy and perfect for early morning airport days and weekends

Bonus: From Friday, December 6, to Monday, December 9, everythying in the AT store is 25 percent off!

Gear to prepare for their next adventure

While AT provides most of the big-ticket gear, these person items will complement their packing list and make any outdoor adventure even better. Find these at your local outdoor store, REI, or online (lots of different retailers). (Find more specific recommendations here.)

  • Hiking boots: Durable, comfortable boots are essential for exploring trails, and they’re a must on each AT trip. Check out brands like Altra, Asolo, Hoka, Keen, Merrell, Oboz, Salomon, and Adidas.
  • Camping pillow: Look at lightweight and packable options from brands like NEMO, Klymit, ThermaRest, or Sea to Summit.
  • Headlamp: Whether for early mornings, nighttime hikes, or campfire storytelling, a reliable headlamp is a must. Get one from Black Diamond, Petzl, Ozark Trail, or Coleman.
  • Outdoor apps: Help your teen explore nearby hikes with GSP subscriptions like AllTrails or Gaia GPS. Add Starwalk 2 for stargazing, Peakfinder for IDing the mountains around you, and PlantNet or Seek for plant identification.
  • Wool socks: Who doesn’t love receiving socks? They’re a timeless and practical gift. Brands like Darn Tough, REI Co-op, and Smartwool make socks that are warm, fast-drying, durable, and adventure-ready. Just make sure you don’t get cotton for outdoor trips!
  • Flair: Fun, quirky costumes like banana suits, unicorn onesies, and silly wigs make summit days, Costco shops, and road trips that much more fun and bring a smile to those around you. Check out Amazon, a thrift store, or your old Halloween costumes for great finds.

Gift the outdoors

Sometimes, gifts aren’t things—they’re experiences and ways to connect with each other and the nature around us. Here are a few ideas:

  • An AT trip: Invest in your teen’s growth and development this summer. 
  • AT family program: Stay tuned for more details on our exciting new programs, designed to bring families together outdoors!
  • National park pass: Give the gift of unlimited access to breathtaking landscapes and outdoor exploration—this allows you access to any national park!
  • Donation to the Charlie Wellman Memorial Fund: Honor a late student’s love of adventure and help more students access the benefits of an AT experience by giving a charitable, tax-deductible gift to our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donate here.
  • Family activities: Plan a ski day, a family hike, or a local park or bike adventure for those living in big cities.

This holiday season, give gifts that inspire connection, adventure, and unforgettable memories, whether it’s a cozy hoodie, a life-changing AT trip, or a family day spent exploring the great outdoors. 

Explore the AT store for even more gift ideas and keep an eye out for upcoming holiday promotions!

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On Giving Tuesday, Empower the Next Generation of Leaders

As we celebrate the spirit of generosity on Giving Tuesday, we’re reminded of the incredible impact that kindness and community can have on young people. At Adventure Treks, we are privileged to see this firsthand through our partner nonprofit organization, the Charlie Wellman Memorial Fund (CWMF). For nearly two decades, the scholarship has transformed hundreds of students’ lives through community-focused outdoor adventure.

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Who is Charlie Wellman?

The Charlie Wellman Memorial Fund honors the memory of Charlie Wellman, a beloved Adventure Treks student who embodied the values of kindness, community, and leadership. One of Charlie’s trip leaders, Liz, once described him as “a goofball, a loyal friend, and an awesome community leader.” Tragically, Charlie’s life was cut short in a car accident in April 2005. Yet his love for Adventure Treks and his spirit of adventure lives on through the scholarships awarded in his name.

The impact of the fund

The CWMF provides need-based scholarships to students who dream of embarking on an Adventure Treks journey. By providing financial assistance, this fund has enabled students to be a part of transformative outdoor adventures that foster self-confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

But the impact goes far beyond the trail. Students gain an incredible community and lifelong friends who inspire and support them long after the trip ends. Adventure Treks also creates space for students to simply have fun and be kids- laughing around campfires, dressing up in flair for hikes, and embracing the joy of exploration.

Thanks to this fund’s profound impact, students have summited Mt. Shasta, navigated whitewater outside of Yellowstone, experienced the culture of Peru, and formed lifelong connections while camping under the stars in Goat Rocks Wilderness—and much, much more.

Students’ stories

A.K.’s story reflects the transformative power of stepping outside her comfort zone. Nervous about flying across the country to spend a month with strangers, she was overwhelmed by AT’s welcoming environment. “As soon as I arrived, I was overcome with the sense of community,” she recalled. During her time with AT, A.K. developed confidence, resilience, and a fresh perspective on life. She explained, “I realized I had been viewing life as something to get through to reach the good parts. AT helped me see that every moment is worth appreciating—even the ones that seem mundane.” Her journey didn’t end when she left the program: She now uses the lessons and skills she learned at AT in her everyday life and hopes to one day inspire others the same way.

For P.K., Adventure Treks is a place of reflection and personal growth. Her time in the outdoors has taught her to embrace the unexpected, from laughing through rainy days to reflecting around campfires, Paikea’s outdoor adventures taught her resilience and gratitude.  “The canyons taught me to be eager for the unknown; the valleys taught me gratitude; the rain taught me resilience,” she shared. Through these lessons, P.K., has developed a deep sense of gratitude and joy that she carries into every new adventure, whether in the backcountry or in her daily life.

L.L. found a great community through his Adventure Treks experiences. “I look back on my Adventure Treks trip as the best and happiest part of my life. I was able to push myself to my limits and realized I was far more capable than I thought. The people on these trips are wonderful, and the community is just as fantastic as the places we visit. I could only experience these fantastic things Adventure Treks has to offer because of the Charlie Wellman Memorial Fund. This scholarship fund is incredible!”

A.R. shares how Adventure Treks has helped push the boundaries of her comfort zone while creating connections with people from far outside her home community. “Adventure Treks holds a special place in my heart, and I believe it has played a part in shaping me into the person I am today: Helping me find new interests, connect more with nature, and create lifelong memories. Continually, it has helped me become confident and step up in group settings as a leader. It has also taught me to value self-reliance and independence… to always stick up for myself and my opinions. I have made long-lasting friendships with people from all over the world. I would do anything to have this experience again!”

Legacy of empowerment, support, and adventure

Your donations to the Charlie Wellman Memorial Fund make it possible for our students to experience the beauty of the outdoors, build resilience and confidence, and develop leadership skills. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly impacts a student’s ability to attend Adventure Treks and create memories that last a lifetime.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in making a difference.

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Thank you!

To all of you who have supported the CWMF in the past—thank you! Your generosity has created ripples of change that extend far beyond an Adventure Treks trip.

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Practicing Gratitude with Adventure Treks

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into precious, precious gifts.” – William Arthur Ward

While on an Adventure Treks trip, life becomes simple again. No phones, no Internet or social media, and minimal distractions. This is all by design as we leave behind many of our creature comforts and our routines. We trade a bed for a sleeping pad and a kitchen sink for a three-bin. We get a bit dirty—even a bit smelly. We sit on the ground and enjoy meals in sitting in a circle.

For all those homey comforts we subtract during those few weeks at AT, we gain exponentially more in spirit and character. The greatest of those personal riches is a deep and lasting sense of gratitude.

Gratitude can be a wonderful feeling of thankfulness and appreciation, and it’s something we encounter quite often at Adventure Treks. And it’s much more than a fleeting feeling—rather, gratitude is a practice, a choice. It’s something that unlocks tremendous potential to transform the way you look at your own life.

Greeting each morning with a sense of gratitude helps our students connect with and value others; it helps them focus on the positive even through hardship; it helps them reflect, appreciate, and celebrate; and it helps foster a sense of confidence and courage. Seeing the world through a lens of gratitude instills a sense that the world will not grind you under, but rather it will lift you up.

Many social scientists and neuroscientists agree with us—like Michael McCullough and Robert Emmons at UC San Diego and UC Davis. They have found that gratitude-based practices make us happier, increase our self-esteem, and improve our psychological well-being. In their studies, the effects of a gratitude practice took as little as journaling for five minutes a day! On Adventure Treks trips, there’s even much more going on to instill this perspective. Below, how a summer camp like Adventure Treks can help students adopt a more grateful perspective.

Leaving creature comforts behind

When we leave our literal and figurative comfort zones for outdoor expeditions, we get to see how lucky we are to have such luxuries as fluffy beds and pillows, daily showers, and climate control in the “readl world.” No longer will a kitchen table or dishwasher be taken for granted. And with fewer distractions like constantly buzzing phones, our attention can be focused onto more meaningful things, like connecting with others and finding value in the small things we might normally miss.

Plus, being surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery the outdoor world has to offer makes it easy to practice gratitude.

Living in a community

Although they may start out as strangers, students on an AT trip soon recognize that each of their peers has their own unique and interesting story. Where do they come from? How do they spend their time at home? What brought them to this exact moment? They learn about each other, begin to understand each other, and discover what they have in common—which is almost always much more than they initially assume. That commonality and understanding are the roots of strong interpersonal connection.

Plus / delta land!

This is perhaps our most hallowed tradition. At the end of every day, we share with each other all that we’re grateful for. This looks like highlighting our successes, “plussing” each other out for acts of kindness, and remembering the exciting and fulfilling moments of each day. This is also a time to reflect on how we as a community can improve to make our next day even more fun and impactful for everyone.

Adventure Treks trips provide a fantastic structure to live gratefully, which hopefully makes it easier to apply the same principles to students’ lives in the outside world. Because outside of AT, students still live in a community back home! It may not be the same as at Adventure Treks, but each of your neighbors and classmates have a wonderful story of their own. All it takes is the initiative to be curious and to lead by example.

No matter where we live, we can always step outside and appreciate the nature we have access to. The sky, the clouds, the trees on your block, and even the little blades of grass pushing their way up through the cracks in the concrete are there waiting to be appreciated.

This Thanksgiving and holiday season, let’s remember to look past the distractions, to hold tight to what truly brings meaning and joy to our lives, and cherish all that we have to be grateful for.

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Adventure Treks is American Camp Association Accredited!

Adventure Treks is thrilled to announce that we are now an accredited program with the American Camp Association!

What does being accredited mean for Adventure Treks?

The American Camp Association (ACA) is recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the standards of the camp industry. Within the ACA, an independent committee of experts in summer camp, risk management, youth development, and other relevant fields regularly update a robust set of standards for professional integrity in summer camps. Program providers who earn ACA’s seal of accreditation have undergone a thorough review of their organizational philosophy, professional ethics, community engagement practices, risk management policies, and student experiences, and have been found to uphold the highest professional standards in the field.

Read more about ACA accreditation standards here.

We are honored to join the list of ACA’s accredited summer camps. Adventure Treks has been committed to growing and developing our summer programs since we launched in 1993. We’re confident that with the support of the ACA, our summer trips will continue to provide the most substantive, personal, and carefully cultivated outdoor adventure and leadership programs available.

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Social Media’s Effect on Dopamine and Teenagers

Recently, I read Habits of a Happy Brain by Loretta Graziano Breuning and Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke. Both of these books made me sit up and reevaluate my interactions with my phone and social media, and the ways in which we as a society seek gratification.

In Habits of a Happy Brain, the author talks about the balance of “happy” vs “unhappy” chemicals, and how we often neglect to remember that the unhappy chemicals (important for notifying us of threats, for example), are just as important as the happy ones (oxytocin, dopamine, endorphins). She also talks about how the concept of permanent happiness—never feeling those unhappy chemicals—is philosophically and quite literally unrealistic. As humans, we continuously experience a sine wave of ups (happy) and downs (unhappy). It’s a constant natural cycle.

[Habits also talks about habituation and the importance of making good choices for oneself (because even if you make a bad decision, it’s better to have made that decision yourself than to have given up control and made others choose for you). I highly recommend reading it!]

Dopamine Nation also addresses—you guessed it—dopamine’s omnipresence in our society and our tendency to constantly seek experiences that make us happy (whether that’s substance abuse or shopping or gambling addictions). This author talks about the addictive nature of technology and media (quite literally, how it’s been developed and refined to keep us glued to our screens as much as possible), and the inevitable lows we face after our fleeting dopamine encounters. Dr. Lembke encourages building resilience and self-regulation skills, and similar to Breuning, advocates for a more intentional mindset and making conscious choices to resist behaviors we find addicting.

Now, where does social media fit into all of this? As the owner of a tech-free camp for teenagers that hopes to lessen its participants’ dependency on social media, I started thinking more about this. Social media releases quick hits of dopamine. It gives us snapshots of happiness, and the more we seek it out, the more dopamine we release. And with higher highs comes lower lows. What does that sound like? That’s right—addiction to social media.

We know that there are more meaningful and long-lasting ways of experiencing our happy hormones. When we feel we’re a valued member of a community, for example, our bodies release oxytocin—a more stable “happy” hormone than dopamine. One could argue that social media gives us a sense of community, which in theory should release dopamine. The opposite, however, is true. People post photos and videos in exchange for likes and comments—or, put differently, an engagement score. When you get 100 likes on a photo, you’re happy… until you post the next photo, at which point you’ll hope for 101 likes and not be satisfied with a lower number. It’s an endless loop of chasing fleeting or even superficial happiness.

As I mentioned (and which comes to no one’s surprise), social media is purposefully addictive. Since Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X, and most popular sites are free, you—the user—are the cost. The more time you spend engaging, the more ads in front of your face, the more data that is harvested, and the worse your mental and social health. Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, released thousands of documents that show Meta knew the harm that social media causes, especially for young people. Social media use has been linked to anxiety, depression, sleep issues and is predictive of suicide risk in teenage females.

We all crave human connection. We yearn to be with people who support us, care for us, connect with us, and accept us. Social media unfortunately exploits this need and steers us below our “baseline” of happiness, which leads us to “doom-scrolling” for hours on end—we literally cannot stop watching reels and shorts in an attempt to drive our dopamine levels back up. It also creates FOMO, which itself leads to more anxiety and depression, as our perception (not necessarily reality) is usually that others are doing way cooler things than we are.

Oof. That’s a heavy topic—but it’s important to address because we all want today’s youth to grow into strong, empowered, confident, and competent young adults. Into the next generation of resilient leaders. In both Dopamine Nation and Habits of a Happy Brain, the authors recommend a few common things:

  • Take intentional breaks from your phone
  • Surround yourself with a supportive community
  • Engage in real-life experiences
  • Show appreciation

Incidentally, these four things are intrinsic to Adventure Treks experiences. Students are in a caring, tech-free environment, having unforgettable, tangible adventures. And each night, we get to share our highlights of the day and thank those who helped make it special. We also get to address things that may not have gone as well, and discuss ways to make them better.

In many ways, Adventure Treks is the panacea for getting out of a social media funk and that vicious cycle of dopamine-chasing. Regardless of your plans for this summer, I recommend putting your phone down, telling someone (face to face) that you appreciate them, and going outside to do fun things!

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The Incredible Power of Experiencing Awe in the Outdoors for Teens

One of the reasons that Adventure Treks travels to beautiful outdoor spaces—and why so many of those landscapes have become designated recreation sites like national parks—is because nature often inspires us to feel awe. Experiencing awe can lead to significant benefits in our lives and communities, especially for teenagers. As an Adventure Treks instructor, I have had the great joy of not only experiencing awe with my students, but also watching them encounter it on their own.

What is awe?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines awe as “a feeling of great respect sometimes mixed with fear or surprise.” The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley has a better working definition (at least, in my opinion):

“Awe is the feeling we get in the presence of something vast that challenges our understanding of the world, like looking up at millions of stars in the night sky or marveling at the birth of a child. When people feel awe, they may use other words to describe the experience, such as wonder, amazement, surprise, or transcendence.”

What does awe feel like? Physically, our expression shifts—our eyes widen and our heads tilt up. Sometimes we smile. Sometimes we remain motionless. Goosebumps or chills are common signs of experiencing awe, and it is not uncommon to cry what some might call “tears of joy”—not from sadness but of course, from awe.

We might feel awe when listening to an orchestra play, stargazing on a clear night, experiencing the change of seasons or a particularly beautiful day, watching children play, spending time with family and friends, meditating or participating in religious practices, and in endless other ways. It is usually related to the feeling of recognizing that there are bigger forces at work than our individual selves.

What awe means to us

Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor at UC Berkeley and co-director of the Greater Good Science Center, has dedicated many experiments to the study of this single emotion. His work has shown that evolutionarily, awe had a hand in shifting individualist ancient peoples into social groups and eventually into growing societies. He found that “awe binds us to social collectives and enables us to act in more collaborative ways that enable strong groups, thus improving our odds for survival.”

Awe still plays an important role in society today. Not only is it a magical feeling, but it inspires us to shift our perspective. When we experience awe, we realize that our annoyances and anxieties are one part of a massive whole of the human experience, and this automatically reframes our minds in a way that makes us more social. For me, this means that whenever I see something beautiful or find awe in an everyday moment, I feel the need to share it. My dad has fielded more than his share of phone calls during which I chatter about a beautiful view on a run, a meaningful moment with my mentee, or the red fox I saw in my yard. Dacher says, “Brief experiences of awe redefine the self in terms of the collective and orient our actions toward the interests of others.”

Awe also makes us curious! The emotion might be mislabeled as wonder or amazement, both of which can be stirred by awe. As it is often a positive emotion, and a connective one, it spurs us to ask questions and be excited in our pursuit of new knowledge. Keltner gives the example of a young child who is perpetually experiencing things larger than themselves (a significant part of the Adventure Treks experience) and completely out of their control (something else we learn at AT). What is their most common phrase? WHY! Just like a toddler, when we experience awe, we want to know more.

Experiencing awe at Adventure Treks

I have had the privilege over many trips to feel awe while simultaneously watching students experience it, so I have seen the immense power of this emotion to connect and inspire young people. The most obvious place to feel awe on an Adventure Treks trip might be during one of our most challenging activities, like a summit attempt: The conditions can be intense, our minds are laser-focused, the camaraderie is strong, and the views are beyond anything we’ve ever seen. I have seen faster and slower students supporting each other through hardship, all parties determined to see the top of the mountain and better understand their place in the world. I have also experienced awe in those “in-between” moments, like playing with freshwater slugs on the banks of a river in California with one of my students. We spent over an hour observing them and their habitat, watching the way they moved and clung to their chosen rocks. There was nothing intense or magical about this moment—we just observed the world and played together.

I encourage everyone to fall into a deep rabbit hole on why waterfalls make us feel good, as standing beneath falling water is another time I have been overjoyed to watch a student experience awe. On their first-ever hike in a forest, they zigzagged from side to side on the trail, taking in every new leaf and salamander and colorful flower. When we arrived at the waterfall that was our destination, this student carefully followed my steps up to the base, then stood, arms outstretched, and let the water fall on their giant smile. They walked back to the vans soaked but curious—why does the water make that sound? How high are the falls? What happens to the water from here? Is this why you’re supposed to pick up dog poop, so it doesn’t end up in the river and fall on me when I stand under the waterfall?

Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to feel awe, and it provides a wonderful backdrop for the myriad of wonders and queries that naturally follow. We at AT are so lucky to get to share some of the most beautiful places in the country and world with our students and encourage them to feel secure and happy in the natural world.

Take the time to pause and open your mind to those things which you do not fully understand. You will be the better for it—and, as your feelings of awe ripple out through acts of kindness, so will the rest of us. – Dacher Keltner

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