Wilderness Leadership & Learning

Congratulations to Aleksandr, the 2025 recipient of WILL’s Jack Bauer Environmental Stewardship Award! The Award is given annually in memory of our dear friend and former WILL Board Member Jack Bauer, to the WILL youth who is committed to protecting the environment and leading with compassion.

WILL 20th Class Graduation – September 13, 2025

Families and friends joined WILL youth to celebrate a year of powerful achievement - 350 hours of positive youth development engagement - building skills, growing as leaders, and stepping boldly into new experiences.

WILL graduates recently came together for a picnic filled with laughter, memories, and gratitude. Listening to their reflections was a powerful reminder of the program’s enduring impact and the incredible paths our alumni are walking long after their WILL experience.

WILL youth spent an amazing day exploring George Vernon's Mount Vernon gaining a deeper appreciation for Washington as President, General, and Farmer.

We just wrapped the third 7-day Expedition of the summer, an amazing adventure of backpacking, caving, canoeing, and rock climbing. Each Expedition was unique but shared a common thread of challenge, discovery, and growth. THANK YOU to our incredible partner, Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing.

Another group of WILL youth had an amazing transformative 7-day backpacking, caving, canoeing, and rock-climbing Expedition in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia. The Expedition forged a bond between the ten people who experienced it together that will bind them together for life.

I often hear people say, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” But when you don’t take care of the small things, they can become big things. That’s why we emphasize preparation and accountability in WILL - because leadership shows up in how you do “the work,” and who you are when no one’s watching.

Service at Clagett Farm – July 26, 2025: WILL Youth spent a meaningful - and hard-working - day at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Clagett Farm harvesting yellow onions. At WILL, we believe great leaders give to others and to their communities.

WILL youth had a terrific day exploring the Anacostia River Watershed, connecting with the environment through hands-on learning. We learned how watersheds work, cruised down the Anacostia River, did water quality testing, and tagged freshwater mussels that AWS puts in bags in the river.

There are rainy days in life. You are not a sugar cube or an ice cube, so when the rain comes - literally or metaphorically - don’t whine about getting wet; seize the opportunity provided and keep going. While you can’t control the rain, you can choose how you respond to it.

At WILL, we know how important it is for young people to feel prepared as they take their next steps into the world. That’s why resume writing and interview skills are such a vital part of our programming. With the right tools in hand, they’ll be ready to pursue their goals with purpose!

The power of Thank You and showing gratitude when someone does anything for you are important guideposts in my life and are life lessons we teach WILL youth.

Saying “thank you” after an interview isn’t just polite, it’s a reflection of who you are and how you’re going to show up on the job.

WILL youth had an incredible 7-day backpacking, canoeing, caving, climbing Expedition in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern, VA.

Huge thanks to our amazing partner, Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing, for a great week filled with challenges and accomplishments.

YouTube video by Wilderness Leadership & Learning 2025 WILL Power Party | A Celebration of DC Youth and Leadership

Still feeling the energy from our WILL Power Party? Relive the inspiration with this powerful video that captures the heart of Wilderness Leadership & Learning - the growth, the grit, and the important work we do every day to help shape young leaders’ futures. Watch now: youtu.be/9g9TCHVPpT8

WILL youth had an incredible day exploring our Nation’s history firsthand - searching for answers to thought-provoking questions hidden throughout the monuments, memorials, and museums of The National Mall (over half of the Scavenger Hunt is in the National Gallery of Art!)

We’re still feeling the energy from an unforgettable night celebrating more than 20 years of WILL, and the people who make it all possible. We say it often, and we mean it every time: WILL is able to do the work we do because of you. THANK YOU!!!

#WILLPower #WILLParty2025 #YouthLeadership

Target Circle™ Join Target Circle™ to get perks, deals & a whole lot more every time you shop at Target.

You have until June 30th to vote for WILL in the Target app and direct Target funds to support our work unleashing the potential of youth in DC.

Here’s how:
Step 1: Choose ‘My Target’ in the Target app or ‘Account’ on Target.com
Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’
Step 3: Find us & vote
target.com/circle

Wilderness Leadership & Learning Wilderness Leadership & Learning (WILL) is a 12-month transformative holistic experiential education, youth leadership and

Today is Give Greater DC, and while we’re not asking for anything, we’re offering something powerful: The chance to invest in the future of DC youth. We’re just $20,000 away from our WPP goal. Help us get there: www.givegreaterdc.org/o/wilderness-leadership-and-learning

What a night! The WILL Power Party was an incredible celebration of 20+ incredible years of unleashing the potential of underserved youth in DC. A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who donated - your support fuels WILL’s mission, makes our impact possible, and shapes the future of the youth we serve.

WILL youth and their families joined us for an informative day. We discussed a range of post-high school options available, and admissions reps talked about the college admissions process. They emphasized the importance of researching schools and understanding the application process.

The WILL Power Party Silent Auction is OPEN for bids (e.givesmart.com/events/FjW/i/). Get a head start on the fun - and don’t forget, there’s still time to grab your tickets for the big event TONIGHT - 6:30pm at The Women's Club of Chevy Chase - for a night to remember (e.givesmart.com/events/FjW/)

There’s still time to purchase tickets to the WILL Power Party this Saturday at 6:30pm at The Women's Club of Chevy Chase!!

Get your tickets now to have FUN and do GOOD for others this weekend!

e.givesmart.com/events/FjW/

At WILL, we often say, “I feel your pain and celebrate your joy.” This simple, powerful phrase reminds us that empathy and shared experience are at the heart of what we do. Whether supporting our youth through challenges or cheering them on in their successes, we are always by their side.

Do you like to have FUN and do GOOD for others? Come to our WILL Power Party on May 17th at 6:30pm at The Women's Club of Chevy Chase! If you can’t make it, please consider making a donation.

e.givesmart.com/events/FjW/

Spring Break at the Bay: WILL youth built on environmental education that began in the fall, deepening their understanding of the Chesapeake Bay’s biggest polluters, climate change, and erosion. We set crab pots, hand tonged for oysters, and experienced incredible sunrises and sunsets.

A huge THANK YOU to our WILL Power Party sponsors: Aaron and Lillie Straus Foundation, Three Crowns, Tri-State Stone & Building Supply, Capital Laser and Skin Care, John & Kim Snedden, George Wenchel, Peter & Debbie Keefe, and Raconteur Creative.

Register now: e.givesmart.com/events/FjW/

The WILL Power Party is just around the corner, and we're excited to offer some amazing auction items this year - from luxurious getaways and hunting trips to sporting event tickets and dining certificates at your favorite restaurants. Register today: e.givesmart.com/events/FjW/

3rd WILL Financial Literacy & SMART Goals Day

WILL youth had an interactive day of learning. We focused on financial literacy in the morning, reviewing topics such as living with financial dignity. In the afternoon, we reviewed SMART Goals reinforcing comprehension and public speaking skills.

WILL is featured in Target Circle™ (target.com/circle)! Please vote for us in the Target app to direct Target funds to support our work unleashing the potential of youth in DC.

Step 1: Choose ‘My Target’ in the Target app or ‘Account’ on Target.com
Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’
Step 3: Find us & vote

WILL youth engaged in an insightful day of learning, exploring topics like bias, prejudice, power, equity versus equality, barriers, and social justice. They reflected on how they see others and themselves, recognizing that while everyone is unique, our similarities far outweigh our differences.