Youth Outdoor Leadership Expedition

Set high in the mountains of southern Spain, the Youth Outdoor Leadership Expedition is an immersive outdoor learning experience that uses nature as a classroom for growth, responsibility, and leadership.

Participants live and travel together in small teams — hiking, camping, cooking, and problem-solving their way through a dynamic alpine environment. Along the way, they develop practical outdoor skills, confidence, and self-reliance, while learning what it means to contribute to a group. It’s demanding, rewarding, and deeply memorable — and, of course, a lot of fun.

At the heart of this program is learning through experience. Participants are challenged to engage fully — physically, mentally, and socially — in a real outdoor setting where effort, cooperation, and problem-solving matter. Through shared responsibility and time in nature, they build resilience, independence, and confidence step by step.

Living and working together in a small, self-reliant team fosters trust, communication, and genuine connection. In a fully screen-free environment, participants are more present and engaged — guided by experienced outdoor educators as they navigate real, shared challenges, make group decisions, and care for one another. The experience balances challenge with care, structure with freedom, and growth with enjoyment.

This expedition is designed for curious, active, and open-minded young people living in the Algarve and beyond who enjoy being outdoors and are ready to learn, grow, and work as part of a group.

No prior outdoor experience is required. What matters most is a willingness to try, to put in effort, and to contribute positively to the team. The program supports a wide range of abilities through clear guidance, encouragement, and a steady progression throughout the week. Participants should be comfortable with physical activity, open to extended time outdoors, and ready to take on both individual and shared responsibility.

This seven-day, six-night program takes place in Spain’s Sierra Nevada National Park and is fully supported from start to finish. The expedition departs from the western Algarve and includes transportation, food, and shared group camping equipment.

The week begins with two days at a private basecamp focused on settling in, building trust, and learning essential outdoor skills. From there, the group heads into the mountains for a four-day hiking and wild-camping expedition, gradually taking on more responsibility as confidence grows. The program concludes with a final night back at basecamp for celebrations and debriefs before returning to the Algarve.

Participants live and travel together in a small group of up to 12, led by two instructors. Mornings are early and energizing; days are active and effortful; evenings are communal and purposeful — with time to rest, connect, and reflect throughout.

The expedition is carefully designed to be challenging yet appropriate, with clear structure, attentive supervision, and thoughtful decision-making throughout the week.

We emphasize preparation, awareness, and shared responsibility, helping participants learn how to care for themselves and for one another. Small group sizes allow for close attention to individual needs while maintaining a calm, supportive group culture. Both instructors are trained and certified in Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Response and have extensive experience in managing groups in wilderness environments.

As well, parents receive regular check-ins during the program, and detailed safety planning, emergency procedures, and practical logistics are shared in a comprehensive Welcome Packet after enrollment.

Price: € 750
Includes all food, transportation & camping gear for the week

Sibling discounts and needs-based scholarships available, please enquire.

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