Welcome to Season 2025-26
Wonder-full Explorers, Wayfinders, and EMA Community,
We’re so excited to launch another incredible year of curiosity, connection, and discovery with you. Whether you’re returning for another round of muddy boots and maple blossom fritters or joining us for the first time, welcome! There’s so much to explore together.
Throughout the year, we’ll share whispered stories around the fire, give gratitude for all those who came before, and steward the land for all those yet to come. We will continue learning how to build strong, kind, and joyful communities. We’ll grow through conflict and create with collaboration. We’ll charter courses for our futures, learn to harvest stinging nettles bravely, and build many a mouse-house and gnome-home. We will face challenges, discover hidden strengths, ask for help, meet new friends, and learn many new and wondrous things. As we move through the seasons, we will remember that We Are All Connected - as a human community, but also with the land, the sea, the sky, the forests, and all of the creatures that inhabit this beautiful world.
A heartfelt thank you to every caring member of this community. We cannot express enough gratitude for you and for also supporting Wild Whatcom’s mission of exploring, connecting, and serving. We are so honored to mentor and be mentored by the children of this wonder-full community.
With gratitude and excitement,
Stormie Romero, Explorers Club (EC) Manager, + the EC Mentorship Team
Feel free to contact us with any program questions or feedback. We are always learning and look forward to anything you think will help strengthen our community.
Important Reminders
Please read through all of this season’s program content on your group page. It contains important information for families and participants.
Be Prepared! Proper clothing and outerwear, enough food and water, and a big enough backpack go a long way in making for a fun and safe outing.
Please read over the Explorers Club Pack List. We encourage EC members to try and pack everything themselves. Learning how to pack and prepare is an important skill! with your Explorer and have them pack their own backpack.
Explorations can be DIRTY! Consider having an old towel and a sheet of plastic at pick-up.
Wild Whatcom offers transportation to select outings using small buses and vans. Children riding in a van and under 4'9" must use a booster seat (we provide) to ensure proper shoulder belt fit and to comply with WA State safety laws.
Cost
Cost | Payment Plans | Scholarships
Explorers Club is a cohort-style mentorship program with two (2) Wild Whatcom Mentors. Volunteer(s) may also be present, including an Explorers Mentor Apprentice. Differences in cost across years is reflective of the increased nature hours provided in each subsequent season. Outdoor education and mentorship is provided from qualified, trained, and experienced Mentors for less than $22 per participant per hour of programming.
2025-2026 Season Cost
$860 - Explorers Club Years 1-6 (8 outings or ~40 program hours)
$900 - Explorers Club Year 7 & Wayfinders (6 outings + 1 overnight or ~55 program hours)
Payment Schedule (if needed):
Full payment or $35 (non-refundable registration fee) due at registration.
Minimum 50% of program cost paid by August 1.
Final program payments due December 1.
Payment plans are available during registration.
scholarships
Scholarship requests are available during registration. Application deadlines and award dates are below.
Returning Families | Early Access Interest Form Invitees
Applications due July 1. Scholarships awarded July 15.
Explorers Club Pack List
A complete list of what to bring on an Explorers Club outing is here.
Loaner Gear
Wild Whatcom has loaner gear available. You do not need to purchase gear to participate in our programs. To request loaner gear, please fill out this form and we will reach out to you. Please let us know at least five (5) days prior to your outing if you need to borrow gear/clothing.
Have items to donate? Feel free to give to a mentor at any outing or contact us to drop off. Your contributions benefit others – thank you!
Gear Discounts
Visit Outdoor School Shop and use code: WHATCOM for 15% off your order.
Service Sites and Stewardship
Service is a part of the core curriculum for Explorers Club. Through the years, we have partnered with many wonderful organizations, individuals, and efforts, and have worked at various sites throughout the county. This year, Explorers Club is partnering with Washington Trails Association (WTA), Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department, Whatcom Museum, and International Coastal Cleanup.
Our current service sites are Connelly Creek trail and Happy Valley park. Learn more about our commitment to stewardship here.
Connelly Creek Trail & Happy Valley Park
In partnership with the City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department, Wild Whatcom has been granted the opportunity to provide service at two locations: Connelly Creek Nature Area and Happy Valley Park. Since 2015, Explorers of all ages have come together to roll up their sleeves and give back to their community through environmental stewardship, habitat restoration, and place-based education. There is always work to be done, but with each passing season, Explorers have the opportunity to observe what a massive difference their loving labor has made.
Connelly Creek Nature Area and Happy Valley Park have changed dramatically in the decade that EC groups have worked to restore the balance of native plant-life in the area. Historically, salmon have spawned in Connelly Creek, a Padden Creek tributary. However, due to human heavy impact, the stream has become unsuitable for salmon spawning. Through the restoration efforts of this community, Padden Creek has slowly become colder, cleaner, and clearer. Will Explorers see runs of Chum or Coho there this fall? Regardless, these sites have allowed countless Explorers to witness the long-term commitment and effort that it takes to rehabilitate a piece of impacted land.
With the help of City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) we are making a real and positive impact on the land.