Woods to Waves
Ages: 15-17 • Price: $850
Session 2: (6/22-6/27) • Session 5: (7/13-7/18)
Email summerprograms@westminsterwoods.org or call us at 707-874-2426 ext. 612 with any questions.
About Woods to Waves
Continuing Westminster Woods’ long trip-camp tradition, Woods to Waves gives a group of high schoolers the freedom to bond with one another through the shared discovery of Sonoma County’s hidden creeks and corners, and through the collaborative sharing of their own stories and wisdom around the campfire. Led by a Wilderness First Responder, the group hikes from Westminster Woods out to the coast, where they will spend the week together hiking, kayaking, and tide-pooling, all while practicing important life skills in being effective human beings, namely facilitating and participating in productive dialogues. Using the week’s physical journey as a metaphor for that of our own lives, campers will participate in an ongoing discussion on the topic of meaning, examining the role it plays in their own lives and how to help others find theirs. We will also explore theological topics, focusing on how theology plays a role when discovering meaning in our lives. Please note that while theological topics are explored, Woods to Waves will be an open forum for campers of any background. Join us for a week of adventure and conversation!
The Journey
Woods to Waves Campers spend arrival day on Sunday with the rest of camp, participating in the opening ceremony and having their first campfire on site. Monday morning will be spent team-building on Westminster Woods’ state-of-the-art challenge course, and the afternoon will be spent hiking to the ridge at the top of our property, where they will spend their first night outdoors. On Tuesday morning, Woods to Waves sets out to their coastal campsite at Willow Creek Environmental Campground, a 10+ mile hike from Westminster Woods. This campsite will be used as a home base for the rest of the week, as they make excursions out to the beach, kayak the Russian River, and spend time exploring Pomo Canyon. Thursday evening, Woods to Waves will return to Westminster Woods, where they will spend their last campfire together on site. On Friday, Woods to Waves will join the other campers in Closing Ceremony.
The conversation
We are living in uncertain times and our young people are feeling it more than ever. In a world rife with online distractions, environmental existentialism, and political infighting, more and more young people report feeling unmoored and isolated from the inherent meaning of the human project. The goal of Woods to Waves is to help inoculate campers against this phenomenon by providing simple yet powerful tools that empower them to be the most awesome version of themselves, versions that are contagious and inspire those around them to also want to become better at being human!
We want to provide a space where campers can share in structured conversations on the sorts of topics usually relegated to late-night chats between good friends. At Wood to Waves, campfires will be largely discussion based, giving campers the opportunity to share their thoughts with their peers on big questions: What gives my life meaning? How do we recognize and cultivate it? How does theology, philosophy, and psychology add meaning to our lives? Each night will have its own discussion prompts, and it is up the campers where they want to take it! Please note that while some campfires include theological topics, they will be an open forum for campers of any background.
Is this program for me??
Woods to Waves is a physically active program and should be considered intermediate in difficulty. The more challenging aspects primarily encompass hiking and kayaking, but even ancillary activities such as packing, meal prepping, and setting up/taking down camp should be taken into account. Rest assured, there will be plenty of down time, as our bodies need to recover, but it will be well earned.
The two tenets of Woods to Waves are activity and discussion, and high schoolers aged 15-17 who find satisfaction in both should consider joining! Campers should expect and be prepared to:
Be quite active. The trek out to the coast is over 10 miles and those kayaks don’t row themselves!
Share in discussions. While Westminster Woods always uses a “challenge-by-choice” approach and will never force sharing, a large aspect of this program is rooted in an ongoing dialogue and campers should be excited to participate as such. We want to hear your thoughts!
Packing and Logistics
While sleeping at Willow Creek, campers sleep in large tents by respective genders.
Tents and food are provided by Westminster Woods. Sleeping pads, pillows, sleeping bags, camp chairs, and more must be brought by campers.
A comprehensive packing list will be sent out to campers before the start of camp.
Campers will help prep and cook each meal. Westminster Woods accommodates a vegetarian diet but we strongly encourage campers to bring their own food supplements for any other dietary needs.
about our staff
This program is led by a Wilderness First Responder and two other CPR certified staff members. Our staff has had at least two years of trip leading and child care experience. Each staff member goes through a week-long deliberate and focused training that ensures campers are well supported. Our staff is 18+ years old and all staff members are CPR certified and background checked.
About our Rates
Please choose the price you are able to pay for camp. By choosing a higher pricing tier, you can help us meet our goal of making summer programs available to all campers regardless of their ability to pay for camp. All amounts over the base rate go directly to our Summer Programs Fund, which offers scholarships to campers who need financial aid. All donations (tiers 1-3) are tax deductible.
Tier 1: $1000
This $150 donation will help Westminster Woods reach the goal of $30,000 in camperships, allowing campers from all backgrounds to experience the transformational experience camp brings.
Tier 2: $950
This $100 donation solidifies the down payment necessary for scholarship campers to secure their spot at camp.
Tier 3: $900
This $50 donation reflects the actual cost of camp.
Tier 4: $850
This is our subsidized rate.