From June through August, hundreds of high school Summer Searchers will step outside of their comfort zones to take on empowering experiences across the country and abroad. Across all sites, Summer Searchers are preparing for those life-changing trips with the Summer Search team. Read one example below of how Summer Searchers in the Bay Area are getting ready for their outdoor trips.

In early May, Summer Search Bay Area hosted its annual Outdoor Readiness Day: Prep in the Park (formerly known as Community Hikes) and it was far more than just a walk in the park!

About 70 high school sophomores gathered with their mentors, peers, and our program partners to gear up (literally and emotionally) for their upcoming summer outdoor experience trips. The day was filled with laughter, connection, and encouragement—and yes, a 3-mile hike led by one of our incredible summer trip partners, Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC)!

But this wasn’t just about clocking miles and breaking in boots. It was about giving students a dry run — a practice round before the real adventure begins.

“These prep events are so important in helping our students get a sense of what their trip will be like. Some are surprised by the physical rigor but leave with more confidence and a better sense of their boundaries. It’s also really special to see students start to form friendships with others who will be on their trip – that’s how you know they’re going to have a really good time on their summer experience.” – Amanda Cho, Summer Programs Manager | Summer Search Bay Area

Why Outdoor Readiness Days Matter

For many of our students, these summer experiences will be their first time in the outdoors in such an immersive way. Many Summer Searchers have never gone hiking, rafting, backpacking, or camping for several days or several weeks at a time before. That can come with big feelings: excitement, nervousness, and sometimes uncertainty.

A day like Prep in the Park helps students get grounded. They meet their peers, practice physical activities as a group, ask questions, and gain confidence. Experiencing a heavy pack and breaking in the outdoor gear Summer Search provides (e.g. boots, base layers, bug head net, etc.) and learning about general safety before they’re on their trip gives students the chance to adjust their expectations (you probably don’t want to bring that heavy book or smelly soap) and understand the rules of a new environment. They start to imagine themselves out there, navigating trails or rapids and other challenges – not just surviving but thriving.

More Than a Hike: It’s a Mindset Shift

Outdoor Readiness Days are an opportunity to:

• Build community before the trip even begins.
• Normalize the nerves and create space for excitement.
• Demystify the unknowns — what to pack, what to expect, what the plan is.

This “dry run” helps Summer Searchers start the summer from a place of strength. They know they’re not doing this alone — they have a team cheering them on, walking beside them (sometimes literally), and helping them discover what they’re truly capable of.

To all the students getting ready to take on the outdoors this summer: we’re so proud of you. You’ve already taken the first step – and it’s a powerful one. Let the journey begin!