Leadership Summit | WHI x Open Hearts Space
Ages 15-18.
Join us this summer for the Open Hearts Space x Leadership Summit, designed to help young women grow in confidence, connection, and leadership through outdoor adventure. Inspired by the wild spirit of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, this immersive experience invites participants to step away from everyday pressures, challenge themselves in new ways, and discover their strengths alongside an incredible community of peers.
Throughout the weekend, participants will explore what leadership truly means—from learning how to lead themselves with confidence and resilience to supporting and inspiring others through teamwork, communication, and trust. Through equine coaching, camp life, group challenges, reflection activities, and hands-on outdoor skill building, girls will gain practical leadership tools while discovering their own unique leadership styles in a fun, encouraging, and empowering environment.We believe some of the most powerful growth happens when girls are given space to unplug, laugh, challenge themselves, and be surrounded by supportive mentors and peers.
The Open Hearts Leadership Summit is more than a weekend trip—it is an opportunity to build lasting friendships, strengthen confidence, and return home feeling empowered to lead in school, community, and life. Whether you already see yourself as a leader or are just beginning to discover your voice, this unforgettable summer experience is for you.
Wild Hearts Idaho will provide transportation, all meals and snacks, experienced guides, and leadership facilitators throughout the week. Gear is available as needed. All participants need to bring are personal items, a willingness to try new things, and an open mind.
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Retreat Kick-Off Logistics & Communications: Expect a Kick-Off Email with all trip logistics about 3 weeks prior to the departure date of the retreat
This email will include Open Hearts Space waivers, departure & return information, and any other considerations WHI want’s our participants to know.
Virtual Pre-Trip Meeting:WHI will be hosting a virtual Pre-Trip Meeting before departure. This meeting will be held on July 17th at 6 PM.
A Google Meets link will be shared in the Retreat Kick-Off Email.
Transportation:
Transportation will be provided by Wild Hearts to Challis in our Adventure Van. We will then be flying into and out of the Frank Church Wilderness and Big Creek via beaver and 206 planes (an incredibly unique opportunity).
If you would like further transportation details, please reach out to Programs@wildheartsidaho.org.
Other Pre-Trip Resources:
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Trip length: 8 days, 7 nights | July 20th - July 27th, 2026
Monday, July 20th: Travel Day
9:00 AM | Meet at the Wild Hearts gear shed
10:00 AM | Depart for Challis, ID
5:30 PM | Arrive at initial campsite
7:00 PM | Dinner in Challis & sleep under the stars
Tuesday, July 21st: Into the Backcountry
7:00 | Rise & Shine
7:30 AM | Breakfast
8:30 AM | Arrive at Middle Fork Aviation, Challis ID to prepare for Backcountry flights into Cabin Creek airstrip
9:00 - 10:00 AM | Flight Departures - the trip begins!
9:30 - 10:30 AM | Arrival in backcountry , will meet guides and horses
10:30 - 11:30 AM | Packing Demo and trail ride/ hiking to camp
12:00 noon | Lunch and Camp orientation, introductions
2:00 PM | Intention Setting & Wilderness Exploration
6:00 PM | Dinner & Campfire circle
9:00 PM | Sweet Dreams! Personal quiet time, journaling and a great night’s sleep in the Wilderness!
July 22nd - 26th: Retreat Days Flow
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Rise & Shine, relaxing morning routine
8:30 AM | Breakfast & dream debriefs, morning sharing
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Morning Activity Block
gentle flow yoga and Qi Gong practice
wild edible plants walk
leadership workshop activities
journaling
watercolor exploration
hiking opportunities
These activities will incorporate a special curriculum of Leadership Exploration so wonderfully fostered in the Wilderness setting.
12:30 PM | Transition & Personal time
1:00 PM | Lunch Hour in camp or out on the trail
2:00 PM | Afternoon Activity Block
Equine Facilitated learning demonstrations
Outdoor skills building breakout sessions including dutch oven and campfire cooking, wild & medicinal plant harvest, horse & mule skills
Backcountry packing, fly fishing demos, and creekside swimming
Our Itinerary will include 1-2 opportunities for a “Solo” where participants will have time set aside for introspective reflection, personal and/or quiet time in nature.
6:00 PM | Dinner & Campfire circle
9:00 PM | Sweet Dreams! Personal quiet time, journaling and a great night’s sleep in the Wilderness.
July 27th: Departure Day
7:00 AM | Rise & Shine, light breakfast
8:00 AM | Depart for airstrip & Flights back to Challis, ID
12:00 PM | Travel back home from Challis, ID & squeeze our good-byes
Trip Registration
This trip has filled. If you are interested in being placed on the waitlist, please fill out the registration form below:
Trip Deposit
Please pay the 100% refundable deposit that will finalize your spot on this trip. *Registration is not complete without the full trip payment being received.
The deposit will be returned to you after completion of the adventure unless you select to donate it. If there is any reason you cannot pay the deposit, please contact the Programs Coordinator.
If this deposit is sold out, the trip has filled. Regardless, you are welcome to register to be placed on the waitlist and, later, notified if a spot becomes available.
Cancelation Policy
Please notify Wild Hearts within 72 hours of registering or 3 weeks prior to the adventure (whichever is first) if you will not be able to attend the adventure. This allows time to open the spot for another participant to join.
Cancelations made outside of the cancelation policy window will not be eligible for a trip deposit refund.
This trip will be hosted by Idaho Wilderness Company (“IWC”), who is a proud member of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, and is bonded and insured. IWC is licensed by the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board, as well as permittees of the Boise, Salmon-Challis and Payette National Forests. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.