Your programs seem expensive - Where does all the money go?

Backcountry wilderness experiences are surprisingly expensive. For example, more than 5% of our total annual budget goes to pay just for insurance! We stretch our earned dollars as far as we can; but the fact is that the money that comes in from our programs is actually less than the cost of running the programs (that is why we have two major fundraising campaigns every year, read more about them here). To better understand where your payment goes, here is the list of costs for one youth program: 

Transportation: Vehicle Rental or Vehicle Maintenance, WA State Ferry System, Gasoline, Insurance

Food: 3 Meals per day and 2 snacks

Supplies: Group Gear and Borrow Gear, Journals, Art Supplies, etc.

Special Events: Parent's Weekend, Sweatlodge, Ropes Courses, etc.

Permits and Fees: National Park Permits, Campsite Fees, Insurance, etc.

Program Staff: 2 Paid Mentor positions

Support Staff: The folks that make it all happen! While working in the office and making runs to the field for resupplies and support.

Overhead: Rent for our Location in Bothell.

If you would like to understand better how we make use of our precious financial resources please visit our Fiscal Responsibility webpage.