Wild Within Teen Expeditions

Ages 13-17 | Monthly Weekends
Registration Opens March 1, 2025

“The journey between who you once were and who you are becoming is where the dance of life really takes place.”

— Barbara De Angelis

Wild Within is a wilderness expedition program for teens who seek adventure and want to explore their own wildness with like-minded people. The group will explore the core routines of nature connection and practice the wilderness and community-building skills that bring us fully alive.

By committing to an ongoing year of weekend get-aways, teens will develop deep friendships and co-create unforgettable experiences. The program provides spaciousness for teens to unwind from the pressures of school and peers, while opening them up to nature and a culture of connection that generates full aliveness. They will be guided by skilled & passionate mentors all year long.

  • Curriculum

    Take a more in-depth look at our forest school and wilderness awareness curriculum to see what skills and experiences your teen can expect to learn.

    Learn more

  • Locations

    We use a variety of outdoor spaces, including beautiful public parks and private properties in Greater Victoria, primarily in the Saanich peninsula area.

    Learn more

  • Mentors

    Get to know the team behind Thriving Roots Wilderness School and learn more about your teen’s program mentors.

    Learn more

  • Wild Within Parent since 2021

    “The image that stands out when I think about Thriving Roots is my son, wandering down to the car barefoot, filthy and completely content.

    The mentors: patience, gentleness and so much knowledge -- this has been true of every mentor and I can see the patience and gentleness especially mirrored in how my own child engages with younger children.

    The Thriving Roots programs have been transformative -- I don't know where we would be without them.”

  • Ancient Lands Summer Camp parent

    “She was just glowing and talking non stop all the way home...I haven’t heard her talk like that for a while! She was so appreciative of her time there, away from her phone, outdoors, feeling community. It is rare for her to go into a group of kids these days and feel able to participate without feeling shy or on the outside… and really so beautiful when it happens. I’m so grateful to you all for running this trip and giving the kids this amazing experience.”

Program Details

  • September 2025 – June 2026.

    Monthly weekends: Fridays 6pm – Sundays 4pm.

    • September 12-14

    • October 17-19

    • November 14-16

    • December 12-14

    • February 6-8

    • March 13-15

    • April 10-12

    • May 15-17

    • June 5-7

  • Tuition: $2650 (includes $300 deposit & registration fee) + GST.

    What’s included:

    • All transportation, park admissions, specialized gear and materials;

    • Meals: Saturday dinner, Sunday lunch & Snacks. Participants provide their own breakfasts and Saturday lunch.

    What’s required: Overnight camping gear, personal dishes, suitable outdoor clothing for all weather conditions, backpack for day hiking, etc. View our full overnight gear list here.

    Payment Options:

    • Credit Card: Deposit + 9 monthly instalments, or

    • Credit Card & Distributed Learning Funds: Deposit + DL Funds + Remaining balance

    Distributed Learning Funds: TRWS is registered with a number of funders e.g. Self Design, Heartwood Learning Community. We happily accept a combination of distributed learning funds and credit card. Email info@thrivingroots.org with any questions or to arrange details.

    Cancellation & Refund Policy: Please note that your registration commitment is for the full 9-month term. Please familiarise yourself with our Registration Policies before registering.

  • TBA. They may also be joined by an adult apprentice from our Tend the Fire Apprenticeship program.

    Read more about the Thriving Roots team here.

  • We are committed to offering needs-based Equity Fund Discounts to those who would not otherwise be able to attend our programs due to experiencing systemic barriers to wealth accumulation. Read more and apply here.

  • We have limited space available in our programs for students with high needs. (We define 'high needs' as any designation and/or behavioural or emotional need that would require extra support i.e. ADHD, Autism, physical disability, any need for 1:1 support.)

    To ensure our mentors have the relevant experience and capacity to provide the support your child needs, please fill out our Student Support – High Needs form before registering and make sure to familiarise yourself with our Registration Policies.

    • Download our recommended gear list here.

    • We will send out a program contact list to support with carpooling before the program start date.