Team Wilderness
team wilderness
Team Wilderness is a nonprofit organization that uses an experiential educational model to promote confidence in youth, consideration for their peers, passion for the world they live in, and resilience both as an individual and a group. Facing physical and social challenges, they learn to adapt and develop real-life problem-solving skills while at the same time overcoming fears and obstacles.
Age Range:
Rising Juniors
Location:
Ramapo Valley County Reservation, South Mountain Reservation, Palisades Interstate Park, Haines Falls, New York City
Trip Duration:
10 Days
Dates:
July 7 - July 17, 2025
ID Needed:
School ID
Participation requirements
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This application is due by 4/15. There are no fees or login information required. Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirming your registration from Team Wilderness within 1 week.
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Secondary paperwork for this program will include:
Participation Agreement
Rappelling Waiver
Health History form
You may be asked to provide an updated physical and Universal Child Healthcare Form on a case-by-case basis.
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Students applying to this program must commit to attending a virtual information session in July. See our calendar for more information as we get closer to the event.
Make sure to attend your Goodbye Group to receive your equipment and travel itinerary, and to meet the other Summer Searchers who will be traveling with the same program!
About the Program
Environmental Photography
The goal of this program is for the youth to learn how to show their own vision through photographs, using technical elements of photography and their own creativity. The program concludes with participants editing and curating their work into a personalized coffee table book, creating a lasting memento of their journey and fostering a deep appreciation for the art of photography.
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In this program, you will explore Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx while perfecting the key techniques of photography as art. Team Wilderness will provide cameras and you will learn photo editing, elements of composition, and camera functions. You’ll get to keep all the photos you take and even create a book of your works of art!
Programming will be 10AM-2PM, M-TH; click here for a full program schedule, and click here for the Spanish version!
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Most of this program will take place in New York City. Summer Search will provide you with metro cards on the first day of your programming.
When your cohort travels to the Palisades, you will take a private bus with Team Wilderness and the other NYC Summer Searchers.
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This is not an overnight camp, and you will return home at the end of each day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day of the program. Metro cards will be provided by Summer Search.
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This program will be NYC Summer Searchers only. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet and get to know other students in our program!
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You will have access to your phones and other electronic devices that connect to the internet while at the Summer Search office and around NYC, but not while you are hiking.
Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call Summer Search if necessary — program leaders always have working cell phones and service, and we can contact them on your behalf in case of emergency.
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No spending money is necessary for this program, but you may keep cash or credit cards on you if you’d like!
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Click here to view the Team Wilderness packing list, and here for the Spanish version. DO NOT worry about buying any additional items. In May, Summer Search will provide you with any equipment on this list that you are not likely to have already. See this guide to see what equipment we will provide. This is also available on our FAQs + Resources page, along with other helpful links and info — check it out!
“Once you get through that fear of the unknown, once you start to just break down those barriers...I’ve seen a child go from ‘I hate it here, I don’t want to be here’ to ‘I want your job, I want to do what you do, I want to lead hikes.’”
Summer Search provides a variety of resources to support you in preparing for your Summer Experience. From travel tips to what to expect from outdoor activities to live events, we got you!
Remember that your mentor is always your best resource! Reach out if you have any questions or need help with your application.
Need to schedule office hours with the Summer Team? Create a Calendly appointment here!
Summer Experience Support Resources
