Chicago Voyagers

Chicago Voyagers offers Adventure Programs, Backpacking 101, bicycling, canoeing, environmental stewardship, indoor high ropes and climbing, indoor rock climbing, mountain biking, orienteering, overnight camping, and team building for ages 12-18. Backpacking 101 includes backpack fit, hiking, camp set-up, and cooking a meal. The program schedule is year-round experiential, relationship-based outdoor adventure programming offered by season.

Programs

• Adventure Programs — 12-18 · School and community-based agency groups consist of 8-10 teens with two adult chaperones. Programs are free to our youth, while partner schools/agencies cover a small portion of costs.
• Backpacking 101 — 12-18 · Hike in Chevalier Woods. Covers backpack fit, hiking, camp set-up and cooking a meal. Can be used as a stand-alone program or training for a bigger backpacking program.
• Bicycling — 12-18
• Canoeing — 12-18
• Environmental Stewardship — 12-18
• Indoor High Ropes & Climbing — 12-18
• Indoor Rock Climbing — 12-18
• Large Groups — 12-18
• Mountain Biking — 12-18
• Orienteering — 12-18
• Overnight Camping — 12-18
• Team Building — 12-18

At a glance

• Ages: 12–18 years old
• General schedule: Year-round experiential, relationship-based outdoor adventure programming; programs are offered by season. School and agency groups consist of 8-10 teens ages 12-18 with two adult chaperones.

About the provider

Chicago Voyagers was formed in 2008 as an affiliate of Trips for Kids. It annually serves hundreds of teens from Chicago and the surrounding area, with an intentional focus on underserved towns and neighborhoods. Its mission is to empower youth through adventure therapy programs that foster healthy relationships and skills for life success.

Programs happen regardless of rain or shine. The organization emphasizes restorative justice, trauma informed care, and JEDI principles. It invites discussion of accessibility needs, LGBTQ+ health or safety, religious accommodation, and other inclusion concerns.

What families say

“Chicago Voyagers helps our youth in a tremendous way. Programs such as this encourage our youth to step out of their comfort zone, try something new, appreciate nature, appreciate what they have and interact with other youth in a healthy and encouraging manner.” — Jorge de Leon, Addison Trail High School CIMA program

Last updated August 24, 2026.