Youth Hiking Club

Program Details

Ages: 10–15, all genders

When: Thursdays, 4:00–6:00pm

Dates: March 12, 19, 26; April 16, 23, 30 (No meetings April 2 or April 9 during spring break)

Duration: 6 weeks

Location: Ojai-area trails (specific locations shared weekly)

Group Size: Maximum of 16 participants

Facilitators:

Tessa Magill, LMFT – Therapist and outdoor guide; Wilderness First Aid & CPR certified

Ali Danch, MSW, MPH – Wellness coach; First Aid & CPR certified

Program Overview

Youth Hiking Club is a 6-week after-school program designed to support kids and teens as they navigate the social and emotional demands of adolescence. Meeting once a week on Ojai-area trails, participants engage in guided hikes, light wellness themes, and group conversation in a way that feels natural, supportive, and age-appropriate.

The program is led by therapist-trained facilitators and outdoor educators who bring both mental health insight and outdoor leadership experience. Facilitators guide supportive conversations, model healthy coping skills, and create a safe, inclusive environment where teens can show up as themselves. While therapeutic in nature, this program is not therapy. It offers practical tools and meaningful connection through movement and time in nature.

This membership-style program is designed to build relationships over time, allowing participants to learn from one another and grow together. It is an ideal after-school outlet for teens seeking connection, confidence, and balance.

A Typical Session Includes

• Group check-in and intention-setting

• Guided hike at a youth-friendly pace

• A light wellness theme woven into the experience

• Time for conversation, reflection, and peer connection

• Closing circle to ground and reset before heading home

  
  

Accessibility & Gear

Beginner hikers are welcome. All hikes will be mild to moderate in difficulty and paced to support the group, with frequent pauses for mindful moments and group circles.

Participants will need:

• Hiking shoes with good traction

• Backpack with water, snacks, and a journal

• Weather-appropriate clothing and layers

• Transportation to and from trailheads each week

If your child needs support accessing gear, please let us know. We are happy to help connect participants with what they need.

Meet Your Guides

Tessa Magill, LMFT

Tessa is the director of Thrive Wellness Workshop and brings together her background as a mental health therapist and local trail guide. She finds deep joy in nature and loves creating grounded, welcoming spaces where youth can slow down, reconnect, and develop greater self-awareness and confidence outdoors.

Ali Danch, MSW, MPH

Ali is a behavioral health counselor, wellness coach, and consultant with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, families, and youth. She brings a warm, creative, and supportive approach to group work, helping participants feel seen while building skills that support emotional well-being and positive change.

Membership Options

Standard Membership — $210

Supporter Membership — $260 (Helps fund scholarships for youth who need financial assistance)

Scholarship Membership — $160 (Reduced rate for families who need it)

We never want cost to prevent a young person from accessing nature-based wellness support.

FAQs

Is this therapy?

No. Youth Hiking Club is therapeutic in nature, but not therapy. Facilitators use their training to support healthy conversation and skill-building, but this is not a clinical treatment group.

Who is this program best suited for?

Youth ages 10–15 who enjoy being outdoors or want more time outside, benefit from structure, and are navigating stress, friendships, confidence, or social connection. At times, we may break into two groups for discussions in order to facilitate age-appropriate conversations.

What if my child isn’t an experienced hiker?

No hiking experience is needed. Trails are accessible, and hikes move at a youth-friendly pace with plenty of breaks and support.

What will my child do each week?

Each session includes a check-in, guided hike, a light wellness theme, reflection or conversation activities, and a closing circle.

How big is the group?

We cap the group at 16 participants to maintain a safe and supportive environment.

Where do you meet?

We meet on Ojai-area trails. Specific locations are emailed to families each week.

What if my child misses a session?

We understand that life happens. While sessions are not refundable individually, participants are always welcome to rejoin the group the following week.