High School Students Kick Off Summer 2026 With Coastal Camping Trip

Students venture into the Atlantic (by board and by foot) on Wilderness Kids' trip to Assateague Island National Seashore in June.

Wilderness Kids is in the midst of its busiest summer yet, and it started with a 3-day, 2-night camping trip to Assateague Island National Seashore! 9 students and 3 staff members piled into “The Vanta Ray” (WKA’s trusted 15-passenger van) with all the necessary camping gear for a good time, and headed east until they arrived at the Atlantic Ocean. Students relaxed on the beach, took in the sea spray, the waves, and the vastness of the water in front of them. Water is healing, and plenty of time in and near water was just what this group needed at the end of a long school year.

In addition to beach time, the group had the opportunity to learn how to surf with the incredible and kind instructors from Wave Riding School in Ocean City. Each student had their own journey of challenge and improvement, from gaining confidence in the waves, to learning to kneel on a surfboard, to getting up and riding waves all the way into shore! Many thanks to Brian and his staff for accommodating Wilderness Kids, and making students feel safe and welcome in the world of surfing.

Beach Delights (Clockwise from top left): Students learn the basics of surfing on land. Andrew moves up toward standing as John takes a strong stance during surf lessons. John, Isaac and Kalissa strike a pose--lifeguards one day to come? Ja'Mea takes a stroll on Assateague's sandy shore. Andrew loves to roll in the waves.

Wild horses were all around us in Assategue--even right in the campground! Can you find them in at least one other photo?

As with many Wilderness Kids camping trips, our Assateague adventure gave us an opportunity to connect with nature in many different ways. While the water provided challenge, relaxation, and quality time together, the local wildlife sparked plenty of curiosity, as well as entertainment. The small barrier island of sand, marshland and scrub forest is unique for its small population of wild horses. Students got to admire the horses from a safe distance on several occasions: while paddling through marshes in a kayak, from the comfort of a beach chair, and even while the horses clopped right up to the campsite! A few horses mischievously took a drink from the dishwater tubs, announcing their presence and reminding the group that this is in fact their home! Fortunately, students and staff worked together safely to preserve their delicious meal of campfire pizza, which was enjoyed with many giggles after the horses went on their way.

Clockwise from top-left: Kalissa and Wilderness Kids Educator Shannon pause while friends in the background do the same. Adriana and Eimy paddle along the shore. John and Isaac strike a pose. John paddles off into a big sky!

Other highlights of the trip included many shared moments that make a summer spent outside so special, like ice cream at the boardwalk on a hot afternoon, or stories and laughter around the dying coals of a campfire. Lastly, this trip gave everyone a chance to slow down and reflect, which is easier to do in a beautiful place. Wilderness Kids wound down in the evening by spending time alone with their journals, as the sun set on the marsh and the bay. There were no assignments, no deadlines, no grades; just time to ponder, activate their five senses, and maybe even feel a little bored in a noisy world that constantly wants to keep teens busy and distracted. Students voiced that this time may feel uncomfortable in the moment, but that they felt rejuvenated afterwards.

So many special summer moments (clockwise from top left): Conversation around the campfire as the sun begins to set. Andrew, John, and Isaac bring a little World Cup action to Assateague; Eimy finds quiet time to journal as the sun sets over the bay; "Surprise & Delight" is always a fun time on a Wilderness Kids adventure--students enjoying ice cream at the beach!

It is in these moments that WKA feels rewarded in its purpose. Quality time in nature is great for everyone, especially children. Wilderness Kids is excited to share nature with many more teens this summer, on both day trips and overnight camping trips! Stay tuned for more updates on what these amazing kids are up to!