At Waterside Workshops, our Adventures Program breaks down barriers, so Bay Area young people can access and build real-world skills in the great outdoors. We blend conservation and Leave No Trace principles with our “learning zone” method, creating a supportive but challenging environment where participants direct their own pace of learning through biking, boating, camping, hiking, sailing—and yes, snow and beach trips whenever the weather allows.
Just last month, Waterside Workshops whisked a group of youth straight into a late-season blizzard at Granlibakken in Tahoe City—and not long after, paddled another group out across the glassy waters of Tomales Bay for an overnight boat-camping adventure.
Tahoe City Snow Weekend
Fourteen of us arrived at Granlibakken cabins just after a fresh snowfall, trading city streets for snow angels, snowball battles, and nonstop sledding on the onsite hill. Staff led quick demos on layering properly and sled-safety before letting everyone carve their own paths down those powdery slopes. Evenings were all about teamwork and camaraderie: cooking family-style dinners, turning board games into tournaments, and rallying around an impromptu foosball showdown that had everyone cheering. A final morning drive around Lake Tahoe gave us stunning views before we laced up skates at a nearby rink.
Tomales Bay Boat-Camping Adventure
Not long afterward, we traded sleds for paddles at Millerton on Tomales Bay. After timing the tide, staff and four adventurous youth loaded our traditional double-haul kanoe with camping gear—and a bag of freshly shucked oysters. When our first campsite proved too shallow, we paddled on until we found the perfect sheltered cove. There, everyone helped pitch tents under an instructor’s Leave No Trace guidance, then dove into oyster samplings before cooking fajitas over an open flame. Under the stars, we swapped stories and practiced campfire skills; the next morning’s return paddle brought the surprise of whale sightings just offshore.
From Outdoor Challenges to Lasting Impact
These “first-ever” snow experiences and spontaneous beach camps aren’t just memorable—they’re transformative. By encouraging participants to try new skills (and lend a hand to teammates), our trips build confidence, leadership, and a deep respect for nature.
Back in our workshops, we see those lessons in action: stronger collaboration, bolder problem-solving, and a genuine passion for environmental stewardship.
Here’s to the next adventure!