The Wilderness Program: Building Leaders, One Trail at a Time

At the CCC Foundation, we believe that access to the outdoors should be for everyone—regardless of background, identity, or prior experience. The Wilderness Program takes a group of 6 to 8 people, aged 18-25, with no previous backpacking experience, on an introductory but immersive trip into the backcountry. The goal is to provide a great wilderness experience and a pathway to stewardship and employment in natural resource management.

About the Wilderness Program

The program offers 10-day camping and backpacking expeditions designed for individuals with some outdoor experience—whether through work, camping, or hiking—who are eager to build a career in conservation or outdoor recreation.

2025 Wilderness Program Highlights: Affinity Hikes

Hike 1 – Women of Color Cohort

Location: Stuart Creek Trail, Shasta Trinity Alps – 26 miles

Backpacking is always a challenge, but for this group, the journey carried extra weight. Many participants faced the emotional strain of ICE raids affecting their families back home. Yet, together, they persevered—supporting each other mile by mile.

Impact: Completing the trip gave participants a renewed sense of strength and capability. They returned home feeling more empowered to help their communities.

"This experience was extremely impactful since it was the first time I got to learn about the outdoors from such knowledgeable people and experience the outdoors on such an intimate level. It feels like the first step toward my future in conservation, and I am thankful for this opportunity." – Participant

Hike 2 – LGBTQIA2S+ Cohort

Location: Stuart Fork Trail, Shasta Trinity Alps – 15.25 miles

This cohort learned that adaptability is key in the backcountry. When conditions changed, the Leads restructured the trip to match the group’s needs, fostering trust and collaboration.

Volunteer Day: In addition to backpacking, participants spent a day improving the very trail they hiked—digging drainage systems, widening paths, and removing hazards. They learned proper body mechanics for using tools, the causes of trail erosion, and strategies for preventing it.

Impact: By the end, strangers had become a close-knit community with shared purpose and pride in their work.

Hike 3 – BIPOC Cohort

Location: Shasta Trinity Alps (modified itinerary due to Butler Fire)

Eager to hit the trail, this group faced a major setback when wildfires threatened their route. Though the backpacking trip was cancelled for safety, Leads ensured the program still delivered its mission.

Modified Experience: Participants learned backpacking basics, Leave No Trace principles, and trip planning through interactive scenarios. They packed full gear and hiked away from smoke-filled areas to experience the feel of trekking with a loaded pack.

Impact: Even without the original route, participants left with skills, knowledge, and the confidence to take on future wilderness challenges.

Why It Matters

The Wilderness Program is more than a hike—it’s a bridge to opportunity. By giving participants the tools, confidence, and connections they need, we help open doors to careers in conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental stewardship.

If you’d like to support or learn more about the CCC Foundation’s Wilderness Program, please visit https://www.cccfoundation.net/the-wilderness-program