Inner Guide Expeditions

Few things foster a greater level of gratitude for life than the experiences one has in the forest.

Teens aren’t “lazy.” They’re flooded.
Constant input. Constant comparison. Constant noise.
Being in the wilderness gives them something rare: an opportunity to slow down and experience a sense of real simplicity and peace.

The experiences we craft result in far more than just a trip.

This year, we aim to amplify what time in the wilderness does best: to open our eyes, hearts, minds, and experiences to grow and explore ourselves, our potential, and the relationships that fuel a life well-lived.

Teens can expect experiences and guidance that builds confidence, enhances situational awareness, and provides opportunities for deep self-reflection.

Parents can expect clear communication from our team, and a program designed to meet their teens “on the edge of their unfolding”, (right where they’re at) and help them come home more inspired and grounded in themselves.
Intentional circles, personal inquiry, and 1:1 mentoring encourage deeper explorations into self, support in the crux moments, and a celebratory witnessing as the “ah-ha” moments take place.

What teen do you know who could use this kind of support?
Perhaps they will be among the 40 youth that Inner Guide Expeditions will serve this summer.

Registration is now open for our summer trips.

We're excited about a year of doubling down on what matters most... transformational time spent outside.

On our 2026 summer trips, we’ll continue teaching teens the skills that help them feel steady and capable in the backcountry, while offering space for deep self-reflection and personal growth.

Additionally, behind the scenes, our founder Tom Shelstad is working on another special project, a place called Alpine Lakes High Camp—a space where adventurers can connect with the wild and with each other.

Here’s to a year of purposeful time outside—and the people we become because of it.

A parents reflection on Inner Guide Expeditions:
“During the pandemic our children's elderly grandparents were living with us and we had to show an abundance of caution that included long term social distancing. The consequences were devastating to the kids and hit our youngest son especially hard. In a quest to meet the fundamental importance of connection, our son was not only limited in interaction from online classes but found people online gaming. He fell down the "rabbit hole." Turning the tide on the devastation of isolation, and predatory internet products geared to addict young people, was a task too big for parents to resolve alone.
We invested our savings / funds toward college tuition into Inner Expeditions with "blind faith " and hope that everything we heard in reviews and testimonials would be worth the economic risk we were taking. Without a strong foundation, or sons future was at risk, and the purpose and competition of college was out of focus.
Our son has returned from his program with Inner Guide transformed. He has pushed back against vices and poor habits that served to disengage and derail him. Today he is thriving. It is no doubt that during the trip to Iceland and TMB he was not merely sightseeing, or hiking, it is truly an inner journey of self discovery. The challenges he faced pushed through the hard veneer of coping to re engage with the core of who he is. He developed meaningful relationships and built confidence he had lost long ago.
Today he thrives.
Our heartfelt gratitude to Tom Shelstad and Inner Guide Expeditions for being our village. Whether your teen is faced with challenges to overcome or just to recognize the importance of the different stages in transitioning from childhood to adulthood, this program is foundational to best outcomes in this monumental life transition. “
~ Parent from Summer of 2024

2025 Summer Offerings:

Summer Middle School:
• 10-days Backpacking in the Trinity Alps/Surfing: June 10-June 19

Summer High School:
• 14-Days Backpacking/Canoeing in the N. Cascades National Park: July 8-21
• 17-Day Iceland Backpacking + Trekking the Tour Du Mont Blanc: August 3- 19

Adult Trip:
• 12-Day Tour Du Mont Blanc: August 20-31

Custom Family Trip:
• A Custom Family Expedition is available for one lucky group
- Inquire for more details about this very special offering

Go to www.innerguideexpeditions.com or call Tom at (541)301-9096