Youth Hiking Club | Fall 2026

Six Thursday afternoons of hiking, connection, conversation and time outside for ages 10 to 15.

Youth Hiking Club is a six week after school program where kids and teens come together to hike, explore, connect and talk about the real stuff that comes with growing up.

Each Thursday, we head out on an Ojai trail for an afternoon of movement, games, conversation and time outside. We talk about things like confidence, friendships, stress, family, belonging and being yourself, with plenty of room to laugh, play and simply be a kid.

Led by mental health professionals, Youth Hiking Club offers a relaxed and supportive place to build real connections, grow in confidence and experience the grounding power of time in nature. Youth Hiking Club is therapeutic in nature, but not therapy.

Fall 2026 Details

Ages: 10 to 15, all genders

Thursdays: 3:30 to 5:30 PM

Dates: September 17 & 24 and October 1, 8, 15 & 22

Location: Ojai area trails, with specific meeting locations shared with enrolled families each week

Group Size: Maximum of 16 participants

What an Afternoon Looks Like

Every week is a little different depending on the trail, weather and theme. A typical afternoon includes a guided hike at a youth friendly pace, outdoor exploration, conversations along the trail, a weekly topic or question, time to journal or reflect and a closing circle before heading home.

Participants also help shape what we talk about. Topics may include confidence, friendships, stress and worry, family relationships, growing up, belonging, peer pressure, emotions and life online.

Hiking, Weather & Gear

No hiking experience is necessary. Our hikes are mild to moderate and move at a pace that leaves plenty of time to stop, talk, explore and enjoy where we are.

Early fall in Ojai can still bring some hot afternoons, so we choose each week's trail with the weather in mind. On warmer days, we prioritize flatter routes, shade and water access when conditions allow, but be prepared for warm hikes. Locations and activities may shift throughout the season based on temperature, trail conditions and what will make for the safest and most enjoyable afternoon.

If conditions are right, we may even get a week or two of swimming or water play.

Participants should bring:

• Hiking shoes with good traction

• A small backpack

• Plenty of water

• Optional after school snack

• A journal and pen

• Sun protection

• Comfortable clothing and layers appropriate for the weather

Families are responsible for transportation to and from each week's trailhead.

If gear is a barrier to participating, please reach out. We are happy to help connect participants with what they need.

Meet Your Guides

Tessa Magill, LMFT

Tessa is the founder and director of Thrive Wellness Workshop, a licensed marriage and family therapist and an experienced local outdoor facilitator. She is Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified and has spent years creating nature based experiences that help young people feel connected, supported and more confident in themselves.

Tessa especially loves creating spaces where participants can put down some of the pressures of everyday life, move their bodies, talk honestly, laugh, explore and experience the kind of belonging that can grow when people spend meaningful time outside together.

Tess Krimmer, AMFT

Tess is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works in private practice and loves being outdoors. She brings a warm, grounded and approachable presence to her work with young people and helps create an inclusive space where participants can connect naturally, feel heard and explore the experiences that come with growing up.

Together, Tessa and Tess bring mental health training, group facilitation experience and a shared belief in the power of getting young people outside and together.

Membership Options

Youth Hiking Club is a six week experience rather than a drop in program. Returning each week gives participants time to build trust, develop friendships and grow more comfortable within the group.

We offer three membership rates so families can choose the option that works best for them.

Standard Membership | $220

The standard rate for the full six week season.

Supporter Membership | $260

For families with the capacity to contribute a little more. Supporter memberships help make reduced cost spots available to other local youth.

Scholarship Membership | $180

Choose this rate if the Standard Membership would create a financial barrier for your family.

No application or explanation is required. Simply choose the rate that works best for your family.

We never want cost to be the reason a young person misses out on time outside, meaningful connection and supportive community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Youth Hiking Club therapy?

No. Youth Hiking Club is therapeutic in nature, but it is not therapy or a clinical treatment group. Our facilitators bring their mental health training to support thoughtful conversation, connection and everyday wellness.

Who is this program for?

Youth Hiking Club is for ages 10 to 15 who would enjoy more time outside, connection with peers and a supportive place to navigate the everyday experience of growing up. No mental health concerns or previous hiking experience are needed.

How does the 10 to 15 age range work?

We love the mix of ages and the opportunity it creates for connection and mentorship. At times, we may break into smaller age groups for conversations or activities that are better suited to different developmental stages.

What do you talk about?

The real stuff that comes with being 10 to 15: friendships, confidence, stress, parents, growing up, belonging, big feelings, life online and being yourself. Participants can also submit anonymous questions and help shape the conversation throughout the season.

Where does Hiking Club meet?

We explore different Ojai area trails throughout the season. Exact trailheads and meeting details are shared with enrolled families each week a few days prior to the hike.

What if my child misses a week?

Participants can jump right back in the following week. Because registration reserves a spot for the full six week season, missed sessions are not refundable.

What about hot weather or unsafe trail conditions?

We choose trails with the weather in mind and may adjust locations or activities based on heat, air quality and trail conditions. If conditions require a cancellation or larger change, families will be notified as early as possible.