Education: University of Montana
Working: Outdoor Photographer and Baker
Medical Certification: Wilderness First Responder
Our 15-day teen community service trip and wolf conservation program takes place in the mountains of Colorado. We partner with a wolf sanctuary on important conservation efforts, including activities that directly affect and improve the lives of the 30 resident wolves.
No school can teach what I learned in 17 days with RLT” - Dhruva D., Colorado: Call of the Wild
We top off the program with a wild whitewater rafting trip down the Arkansas River, venturing through a high aerial course over the river, soaking in hot springs, and rock climbing along the Continental Divide with 14,000-foot peaks as our backdrop.
Keep scrolling to learn more about “Call of the Wild,” which combines a passion for teen service and veterinary studies with a love of animals and a desire to make a difference in the beautiful Wild West!
An Important Note: Due to our respect and desire to provide the best experience for both the young people who join us and the wolves we are caring for, this program is limited to 12 students. We strongly encourage you to apply early if you would like to reserve a space for this exceptional experience.
In the intensity of a single gaze we catch a glimpse of the untamed beauty, power, and mystery of the wild.
Experience the most popular canyon for whitewater rafting in the country, Browns Canyon! Cover epic rapids like Pinball, Big Drop, and Seven Stairs while admiring the beautiful mountain scenery.
Assist the Mission: Wolf staff with projects around the sanctuary such as pen cleaning, chopping firewood, building or repairing fences, gardening, and feeding the wolves on "Big Feed" days.
Situated within a clay colored canyon lies the ultimate aerial course adventure. Conquer one (or more!) of the nine courses full of swinging bridges, balance beams, tunnels, and more.
See live hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures up close with a visit from the Pueblo Raptor Center.
One of 11 national forests in Colorado, San Isabel includes breathtaking scenery with snow-capped mountain peaks, wildflowers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and big blue skies.
#7 Continental Divide
The Continental Divide is one of the world’s most significant trail systems, spanning 3,100 miles between Mexico and Canada. It traverses five states and connects countless communities along its spine.
As we care for unwanted horses, we learn to understand and respond to their body language and experience the root of their behavior.
We climb towers of granite with exceptional views and enjoy an awesome rappelling experience in one of the best sport climbing areas in the state.
Explore the unique landscape of ancient red rocks at The Garden of the Gods, one of the most iconic sites in Colorado. Hike along the peculiarly arranged red and pink sandstone and learn about how this park came to be.
Environmental community service at Mission: Wolf. Our time is spent assisting the staff in activities that directly benefit the health and wellbeing of the 30 resident wolves.
A Certificate of Community Service indicating the total number of hours worked and a Presidential Volunteer Service Award will be issued upon successful completion of the program.
Whitewater Raft: Arkansas River
Aerial Course: Lost Canyon, San Isabel National Forest
Rock Climb: San Isabel National Forest
Explore: Buena Vista, Cottonwood Pass, Garden of the Gods, Mueller State Park
Completing Grades
8-12
15 Days
We sleep in tents, shower about every three to five days, and use latrines or flush toilets as bathrooms.
TBD
Denver, CO
Join in on the fun! Check out #CotwRLT for a behind-the-scenes look at photos from past participants and leaders.
After we’ve all arrived at Denver International Airport we’ll transfer to our first campsite in Mueller State Park. Here we’ll spend time getting acclimated, taking day hikes, visiting Garden of the Gods, and enjoying our first classic Colorado sunset.
Depart for Mission: Wolf in the morning and, upon arrival, get acquainted with the wolves. Projects include building fire bunkers, rebuilding wolf enclosures, cutting firewood, making repairs to staff housing, repairing the enclosures, and helping out at the farm. Interact with a special group of wolves used to educate the public about these beautiful and often misunderstood animals.
Departing from Mission: Wolf, head north to Buena Vista to begin the next adventure, rafting down class 2 and 3 rapids through Brown’s Canyon on the Arkansas River. Next day, harness up for a high aerial course. Spend final day trying basic rock climbing in San Isabel National Forest.
Pack up and explore Buena Vista and Cottonwood Pass. We’ll prepare our final banquet and have our last evening together before heading home.
We say our final goodbyes and board our flights for home.
The Road Less Traveled does not require any vaccinations or immunizations to travel with us, other than an up-to-date tetanus shot or booster (within the last nine years).
To receive an emailed copy of this program’s day-to-day calendar, please call our office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST at 773-342-5200 and we’ll happily send you one!
It is imperative that no one make any travel arrangements until RLT provides instructions for specific arrival and departure time windows. Those details are typically released in mid-spring.
Families are individually responsible for booking their own airfare to get their student from home to the starting destination on the first day of the trip, and from the ending destination back home on the last day of the trip.
Join us for the summer of a lifetime!
Enroll Now