Backpacking | Gateway Mentoring

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Gateway into the Wild

Introduction to Backpacking

August 25 - 29, 2025

For Incoming 6th, 7th, 8th graders

Backpacking to/from Elk Prairie Redwoods thru Fern Canyon

Surfing and Camping Gold Bluffs Beach

Welcome to the Journey

This is more than a backpacking trip. It’s an adventure, a challenge, a time to grow—together.

We’ll hike through ancient redwoods, walk sandy trails, sleep under the stars, and play in the waves. Along the way, we’ll explore the wilderness within and around us. You’ll build confidence, learn skills, deepen friendships, and return with stories to share and strengths you didn’t know you had!

This trip is for all levels of experience—from first-time backpackers to seasoned explorers.

Itinerary at a Glance

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August 25 – Day 1: Threshold

• Morning departure to all arrive at 10am, South Beach, Crescent City.

• Opening circle and opening surf (including water safety instruction).

• 1hr afternoon drive to Gold Bluffs Beach, Redwoods National Park.

• Settle in, build base camp, exploration, dinner, and evening council.

August 26 – Day 2: Into the Heartwood

• Four-mile moderate backpack hike up to Elk Prairie Campground.

• Explore the redwoods, maybe run into the elk herd, dip in the creek.

• Campfire stories, solo time, survival skills—this will be no tent camping for a night—sleeping under a tarp and the stars, cooking on the go.

August 27 – Day 3: The Canyon Passage

• After lunch and a leisurely morning, we hike back through Fern Canyon to Gold Bluffs Beach.

• Arrive back to base camp for our final two nights.

• Sunset surf, water/beach play and free time. Dinner and circle together.

August 28 – Day 4: Salt & Stars

• Surfing, connective games, building the Gateway for our sit spot.

• Solo sit spot, quiet witnessing, questioning, while listening to the waves.

• Community circle, element reflection, gift giving, and celebration!

August 29 – Day 5: The Return

• Morning beach clean-up and final group circle.

• Return home for parent/youth/guides Fishbowl Council.

• Witnessing ceremony: sharing stories and important values learned.

• Lot's of hugs and love as the guides close the circle.

Parenting Adult Name

Youth Name

To apply for this camp please check the values and goals you have for your child:

Great friendships and belonging

Deep, meaningful, lasting connection with Nature

Large chunks of time unplugged from screens/devices

Healthy and appropriate challenges/adventures

That they have clear and connective Mentors, who are genuinely interested in them, and are constantly trying to make their lives' bigger

That your child learns to be the expert of their own life⎯the ability to distinguish for themselves what matters, and what doesn't... and why...

Are there any other important family values you'd like to add? Any fears you as a parent have about this journey? Any particular fears your child may have? Any questions at all, please let us know.

The cost for this 5-day/4-night journey is $1,000. This includes National Park camping, Fern Canyon entrance, all food, wetsuits/surfboards and instruction, and guided backpacking experience (Kate and Aaron).

I would like to donate to the Gateway Mentoring Scholarship Fund in the amount of:

OFFERINGS

One-on-one Mentoring

Summer Backpacking

Adventure Mentoring

Adventuring Musically

Ashland, Oregon

San Diego, California

(541) 622 - 2320

Parent Support