Program areas at Wilderness Inquiry
Day & multi-day programs: Wilderness Inquiry day programs provide introductory hands-on learning and outdoor recreation in more than 85 communities throughout Minnesota and the nation. Day programs serve the majority of Wilderness Inquiry's participants through programs including canoemobile; outdoor activity days; outdoor credit recovery; virtual explorers; and deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of hearing day camps. These nationally recognized outdoor programs connect youth, adults, and families to their local public lands and waterways, helping develop our next generation of environmental stewards. Wi continues to offer virtual programming in addition to in-person outdoor experiences. In 2024, 38,977 people participated in day & multi-day programs (6,151 virtually).number of people served: 38,977number of service days: 18,121number of events: 381
Training, leadership & career pathways: wi offers many programs focused on training, leadership, and career development in the outdoor recreation sector. In 2024 the fellowship program, which provides paid, professional skill-building opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing careers in the outdoor and nonprofit job sectors, was expanded to include american sign language fellows. In total, wi worked with 472 people through training, leadership, and career programs.number of people served: 472number of service days: 420number of events: 24
Near-nature & extended adventures: regardless of their previous outdoor skills or level of experience, this program strives to create positive travel opportunities for participants to experience the sense of accomplishment and health/wellness benefits that comes from overnight outdoor adventures in local, state, national and international destinations. Adventures are 2-15 days and include activities such as kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and winter adventuring. In 2024, wi guided 117 trips to 20 unique destinations, including apostle islands national lakeshore, boundary waters canoe area, belize, costa rica, glacier national park, isle royale, tanzania, and yellowstone national park. See schedule o for additional program language.new near-nature itineraries in 2024 included shenandoah state park and kettle moraine recreation area. 1,764 people traveled with wi on overnight adventures in 2024.number of people served: 1,764number of service days: 7,080number of events: 117