Teen Programs
About
Adolescence is a time of great transformation and challenge. Youth are negotiating their budding identities with parents, peers, and society as they reach for authentic belonging.
Wilderness Torah celebrates the journey of exploration and transformation in its teen programs. Teens learn to lead in a vibrant, earth-connected Jewish community by facing challenges that carry natural consequences.
Whether it’s climbing a mountain peak as a team or assisting adult mentors in creating earth-connected Jewish experiences, teens learn that they are needed as leaders in building a better world.
2026-27 Teen Programs
Shomrim Leadership Program
Kick-off Backpacking Trip: August 28-30, 2026
An immersive year-long leadership training program where teens spend time outdoors, gain valuable life skills, build lasting friendships with peers, and learn important Jewish values to help guide them through life. This program includes a 3 and 7-day backpacking trip in the fall and spring, as well as monthly sessions.
Testimonials
You guys are maintaining channels of authentic living for my children. In the face of the social media onslaught, I often feel powerless to help my children connect to life in the real world. B’Naiture planted some important seeds, but without Shomrim tending the garden, I fear the lessons they learned would dry up from tumblr and snapchat. Thanks for keeping the garden growing – they trust you guys so much!
Jennifer Bean Miller, Teen Shomrim ParentThe mentors/leaders of Neshama Quest created an oasis in the midst of our crazy world where my kids were able to thrive. For a magical week, they learned outdoor skills, sang loudly, led others and were led by others, hiked in beautiful places, swam in cold lakes, embraced Jewish rituals, acted silly, took things seriously, and were encouraged to find their strength. I wish every teen could have a time like this to be free and challenged and supported.!
Neshama Quest Teen Parent