Community outreach

Making outdoor adventures accessible to everyone is at the heart of our mission. For over 40 years, The Wilderness Institute has championed inclusivity through specialized programs that serve veterans, individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, and underserved communities. Our community outreach initiatives demonstrate that nature’s transformative power belongs to all.

Our commitment to community

At The Wilderness Institute, we believe that outdoor adventures and wilderness experiences should be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability, economic circumstances, or life challenges. Our community outreach programs embody our core values of inclusivity, empowerment, and therapeutic healing through nature.

Our approach focuses on breaking down barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the outdoors. Through specialized programs, adaptive equipment, and trained volunteers, we create opportunities for meaningful outdoor experiences that foster personal growth, build community connections, and promote healing.

Who we serve

Military veterans and their families
Individuals with physical disabilities
At-risk youth and teens
People in substance abuse recovery
Underserved communities
Those facing life challenges or trauma

Featured program: Wheel to the Sea

This exciting community event is especially designed to serve individuals in wheelchairs, including Iraq, Afghanistan and other military Veterans (and their families). Non-wheelchair users with minor Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, blindness, deafness or debilitating illnesses are also welcome to push a wheelchair or join in the event.

Fueled with a hearty breakfast, we embark on this few mile naturalist led hike through Point Mugu State Park. The trail includes rocky terrain, slopes and mud or stream crossings in times of wet weather. These natural obstacles provide challenges and opportunities for teamwork and trust building. The event culminates at the beach with a lunch and use of specialized beach wheelchairs. All who participate will benefit from the physical challenge, social interaction and camaraderie offered from this unique outdoor adventure.

Programs that address community needs

Youth development & intervention

Adventures in Learning – Experiential education serving schools, camps, and youth groups
A.B.L.E Program – Outdoor activities and life skills training for at-risk teens
Reach Higher! – Anti-bullying program for middle school students using team challenges
Wilderness Day Camp – Youth development programs serving ages 7-14
Trail Blazers – Specially designed activities for people with special needs

Veterans & military support

Veterans Outreach Program – Transition support offering camaraderie, empowerment, and career training
FreeWheeling Program – Team-building experiences supporting disabled military veterans
Muddy Warriors Experience – Charity fundraising runs supporting veteran programs

Accessibility & inclusion

Wilderness Wheelers – Comprehensive accessible adventure programs for wheelchair users
Canyon Guides – Volunteer naturalist training for public educational hikes
Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Transit – Accessible bus tours and naturalist-led hikes

Therapeutic & recovery programs

Wilderness Therapy and Intervention – Adventure-based learning for youth-at-risk and addiction recovery
Mindfulness Nature Immersion – Therapeutic nature activities with professional coaching
Survive and Thrive – Emergency preparedness education for communities

Community education & advocacy

Wilderness Fair – Annual accessible outdoor experiential events celebrating Earth Day
Wilderness Guide Publication – Educational catalog reaching over 50,000 people annually
Nature Center – Live animal exhibits and hands-on displays for visitors and students

Get involved

Volunteer opportunities
Join our community of volunteers who make these programs possible. Whether you’re helping with campground upkeep, serving as a trail assistant, or sharing your skills as an instructor, your contribution makes outdoor adventures accessible to those who need them most.

Program partnerships
We collaborate with schools, veteran organizations, healthcare facilities, and community groups to expand our reach. If your organization serves individuals who could benefit from therapeutic outdoor experiences, we’d love to explore partnership opportunities.

Support Our Mission
Your donations directly support equipment, transportation, meals, and specialized gear that make these programs and our day to day operations possible. Every contribution helps us remove barriers and create life-changing outdoor experiences.