Connect with nature, peers & yourself
"True North Treks inspired, centered, motivated, grounded, challenged, championed, moved me, and more.
Without this experience I don't think I'd be where I am today." - Beth
COVID-19 risk reduction and safety measures
We continue to maintain several prevention and safety measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to our participants and guide staff:

1. Proof of Vaccination. We require proof of vaccination for COVID-19 prior to being allowed to go. For many, this means having received the booster(s) or whatever people are being advised by the CDC at any particular time, however boosters are recommended but not required. Participants will be asked to upload a photo of their signed and dated COVID-19 vaccination record card to their secure TNT account, which will be stored with their other medical approval information.     

2. Behavioral Precautions. TNT's programs occur largely in the well-ventilated outdoors. However, we will continue to abide by our COVID-19 safety protocol, which includes: (a) if exposed or symptomatic within a week prior to a trek, testing and reporting any symptoms to TNT personnel; (b) if symptomatic upon arrival or at anytime during a trek, alerting TNT personnel immediately so that measures can be taken (e.g., social distancing, quarantining, temperature check/testing, possible evacuation); (c) optional mask-wearing at any time or in any space during the trek; (d) regularly using hand sanitizer and practicing good travel hygiene to the trek destination and during group transportation. As information is updated regarding risks and recommendations, we reserve the right to make final decisions on what aspects of this protocol will be implemented as it gets closer to the trek. We will be communicating this information regularly with approved participants and are happy to take any questions you may have.  
how to determine what kind of trek is best for you
You can determine what type of trek experience is optimal for you based on the following questions:

1) Who will be there?  Some treks are for young adult survivors only (e.g., anyone diagnosed with cancer between 18-39 years of age and is still between 18-39), while others include both survivors and their caregivers (e.g., caregiver is broadly defined as a spouse, sibling, parent, or friend). 
2) How will we get around in the field?  Treks are generally canoeing or backpacking-based as a means of getting from point A to point B. Sometimes there's a little of both, but there's usually one primary mode of locomotion.
3) How long is it? Week-long treks in the back-country run from Sunday afternoon to Saturday morning, whereas long-weekend mini treks run from Thursday afternoon to Sunday morning.
4) Where will it be? We have run programs in Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Minnesota, the Bahamas, and the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan. Our guiding criteria for selecting places is mind-blowingly beautiful and as remote as possible.

2023 Trek Types, Locations & Dates

Treks

16
FEB

UP Mini-Trek for Survivors at the TNT WALDEN Institute ​
Experience the quiet of winter in the UP at the TNT WALDEN Institute as you go dog sledding, snow shoeing, and practice "snowga" followed by warm fires and hot cocoa.  

04
JUN

UP Week-Long Canoeing Trek for Survivors in the Sylvania Wilderness
Paddle & portage through the UP's version of the Boundary Waters! Traverse pristine, old-growth pine forests and clear blue inland lakes, be greeted with echoing loon song, and spot other wildlife, such as deer, wolves, and bald eagles.

10
AUG

UP Mini Trek for "Next Level" Survivors (Aged 40+) at the TNT WALDEN Institute*
Bathe in nature at the TNT WALDEN Institute, hike along lake forest trails, fall asleep to the stars and the powerful airs of Gichigami, spot bald eagles and fox kits, and inhale the sweet scent of Northern pine.
*Due to popular request, this is TNT's first trek specifically for survivors who were diagnosed and treated for cancer between 18-39 years of age, but are now "Next Level" (e.g., 40 or older). 

20
AUG

Yellowstone Week-Long Backpacking Trek for Survivors
Explore the magnificent Yellowstone River Trail, passing 1,000-foot deep canyons rising vertically from the water's edge, spotting an abundance of wildlife, and relaxing in natural thermal baths.

07
SEPT

UP Mini Trek for Survivors and Caregivers at the TNT WALDEN Institute
Bathe in nature at the TNT WALDEN Institute, hike along lake forest trails, fall asleep to the stars and the powerful airs of Gichigami, spot bald eagles and fox kits, and inhale the sweet scent of Northern pine.

24
SEPT

Green River Utah Week-Long Canoeing Trek for Latine  Survivors*
Paddle along the majestic Green River of Utah, moving between sunlight and the dark shadows of cathedral-like red rock formations.
*This trek is intended for young adult cancer survivors who identify as Latine. We acknowledge the intersectional fluidity of language, identity, gender, and culture and use the term Latine fluidly to refer to any person who identifies as Hispanic, Latino, Latina, and/or Latinx. Participant ability to speak Spanish is not required. ​

05
OCT

UP Mini Trek for Melanoma Research Foundation Survivors  at the TNT WALDEN Institute**
Bathe in nature at the TNT WALDEN Institute, hike along lake forest trails, fall asleep to the stars and the powerful airs of Gichigami, spot bald eagles and fox kits, and inhale the sweet scent of Northern pine.
​**This trek is only intended for young adult melanoma survivors who have been referred by the Melanoma Research Foundation. 

Bubble Experiences
Bubble Experiences for TNT Alumni at the TNT WALDEN Institute in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Each year we offer a limited number of free, long-weekend opportunities (e.g., arriving Thurs, departing Sun) at the TNT WALDEN Institute in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to support individual TNT alumni to bring a group of their  supporters and caregivers (e.g., friends, family) to spend time together in this beautiful space and place. These "bubble experience" opportunities began during the pandemic when people felt safest being with others who were in their COVID "bubble."

There will be no TNT staff onsite during these experiences, however all groups will have a Zoom orientation call with a TNT staff member to learn about the house, property, and different activities. Use of the house is free and we'll cover the cleaning fee, however all costs related to food, transportation, and activities are the responsibility of the guests. Guests will be considered volunteers, and will engage in some type of service activity on the property during their stay (e.g., trail clearing, farm work) in between hiking and communing with nature in this beautiful place. If you are interested in applying and being considered, please complete the application form below.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@truenorthtreks.org
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