Beautiful sunrises coupled with magnificent sunsets. Refreshing swims in crystal blue lakes. Fishing, water-coloring, shelter-building. The exhilarating feeling of summiting a mountain top with your own two feet. Freedom to climb around a granite slab and simply play. The ability to unplug from the daily demands at home and at school and just be myself.
~ Experiences youth cherish in their reflections of an InspireOut program.
Activities
In our introductory expeditions, trekkers learn and practice the basics of backpacking: How to properly pack your backpack, how to set-up a tent, water filtration basics, and introduction to cooking in the backcountry. Participants are expected to hike 1-3 miles per day with a weighted pack.
Each of our hikers is provided an InspireOut journal used for learning about plants, animals, and patterns observed in the outdoors as well as for personal reflection.
Trekkers return home with a new sense of confidence and understanding that any accomplishment comes with hard but truly rewarding work.
Program Details
- ITINERARY: Primary focus on survival skills, leadership essentials, wildlife Identifications, natural art, gourmet cooking in the wild, and astronomy.
- GRUB: Please bring a packed lunch for first day. All meals and snacks are provided, beginning with dinner the first day of program and ending with lunch the last day of program. Most dietary needs can be accounted for.
- COST: See program dates for costs of programs. Costs include m
eals, engaging instruction, incredible nights camping under the stars, and priceless memories with new and old friends. - TRANSPORTATION: Trekkers will be picked up and dropped off at a specified location in Sacramento area that is disclosed once trekkers are registered for their expeditions.
- MILEAGE: Hiking mileage for basic programs will vary from 3-6 miles per day.
Food:
We strive to provide healthy, square meals & snacks in the backcountry with options so that all trekkers can enjoy. Most dietary needs can be accounted for.
Food is cooked in small, pre-determined food groups with an instructor guiding preparation. Trekkers eat out of their own food bowls and are responsible for clean-up.
Please bring a packed lunch for first day. All meals and snacks are provided, beginning with dinner the first day of program and ending with lunch the last day of program.
Transportation:
Transportation by InspireOut could be provided if COVID risks reduce by summer. If this option becomes possible, we will reach out with a given place and time to meet for pick up in your community. If transportation must be provided by parents, we will provide detailed directions and a specific time to meet at the trailhead. Note this drive can be between 2-2.5 hours each way.
Gear
A gear checklist will be sent to you in your InspireOut Trekker Guide (PDF). If you have any questions or need assistance in finding/renting gear, let us know and we can help!
BELOW ARE MANDATORY GEAR ITEMS:
- Outdoor Backpack with hip belt [Please contact us if help needed with finding a pack!]
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Sneakers with tread or hiking boots
- Wool socks (preferably a thin pair and thick pair)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm jacket (if possible, down)
NOTE: Tents and stove/cookware are provided for by InspireOut. Participants are divided into same gender tent groups.
In addition, our naturalist Buckeye shares some important gear examples and tips in the following 16 minute video:
Password: inspireout
InspireOut Backpacking Gear 101 from InspireOut on Vimeo.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE ADVENTURES AHEAD:
Below is a short video documenting a novice program.
Password: inspireout
InspireOut Backcountry Adventures with the 13 Purple Bug Baits! from InspireOut on Vimeo.