Adventure Starts Here!
Trek Wild – Backpacking Adventures for Girl Scouts
Ready to swap pavement for pine needles and carry everything you need on your back? Trek Wild offers Girl Scouts, leaders, and adult participants the skills and confidence to explore the wilderness—far from roads and everyday distractions.
Our progression for Junior/Cadette/Senior/Ambassador Girl Scouts takes you from first hikes to multi-night adventures in the stunning Sierra Mountains. Each year, we offer multiple opportunities in both our Northern region (near Monterey) and Southern region (near Camp Arnaz), with custom dates possible for troops with 5 or more participants (girls and adults). Girls may participate at any level without an accompanying adult.
Interested but not part of a troop? You can register as an independent Girl Scout and enroll in Trek Wild.
Step 1 – Wilderness Hiking Course (J/C/S/A)
Your first step into adventure.
This one-day course moves you beyond a casual hike to safe adventures on longer and more remote trails. Learn essential outdoor skills, safety practices, Leave No Trace ethics, and gear basics. Spend the morning in the classroom, assemble your Ten Essentials Kit (materials provided), then head into the woods to practice what you’ve learned. This course is recommended but not required for the next levels.
Step 2 – Basic Backpacking Course (C/S/A)
Your first overnight on the trail.
Learn everything you need to prepare for overnight trips—including gear selection, clothing choices, and trip planning. Then put your skills into action with an overnight backpacking trip in local mountains. You’ll gain confidence, independence, and experience carrying everything you need for an adventure. This course is a prerequisite for Advanced Backpacking.
Step 3 – Advanced Backpacking Program (C/S/A)
Multi-night wilderness adventures.
Tackle unforgettable trips to destinations like the Kaiser Wilderness or Dinkey Lakes in the Sierra National Forest. You’ll help plan the route, make group decisions, and sharpen advanced skills while surrounded by breathtaking scenery. These trips are about challenge, camaraderie, and the pure joy of being immersed in nature. You will earn an outdoor badge on this trip. Advanced trips are rated Easy, Medium, or Hard based on distance from trailhead, altitude, elevation gain, and miles hiked per day.
Why Trek Wild?
- Builds confidence, leadership, and independence in girls
- Teaches skills for a lifetime of outdoor adventure
- Offers a safe, supportive environment led by experienced guides
- Creates memories that last forever
- Girls can remain in their troop and obtain outdoor opportunities
Whether you’re taking your first hike or planning a Sierra expedition, Trek Wild will get you there—one step at a time.
Parent FAQs
Is this program safe? 
Does my child need previous outdoor experience?
Will my child be carrying a heavy backpack?
What gear will my child need?
Can my child attend without me?
How are the trips supervised?
Where do the trips take place?
How much does it cost?
My child is not old enough yet but wants to do the program?
What will my child gain from this experience?
