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
Baseline COVID-19 Vaccination Required. We require all of our accepted participants to have at least received their baseline vaccination for COVID-19 prior to going on a True North Trek. 

Behavioral Precautions. While TNT's programs largely take place in the well-ventilated outdoor settings, we continue to abide by the following behavioral precautions: (a) If you are exposed to COVID-19 or symptomatic within a week prior to your trek, we ask you to get tested and report any symptoms to TNT personnel; (b) If you are symptomatic of having COVID-19 upon arrival or at anytime during your trek, we ask you to alert TNT personnel immediately so that measures can be taken (e.g., social distancing, quarantining, temperature check/testing, possible evacuation); (c) Mask-wearing is optional, however you may wear one at any time or in any space during your trek; (d) We encourage the regular use of hand sanitizer and practice of good travel hygiene to the trek destination and during group transportation. As information continues to be updated regarding possible 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 Wednesday 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.

2024 Trek Types, Locations & Dates

Treks

14
FEB

Snow-Shoeing/Ice-Caving Winter Trek for Survivors at the TNT WALDEN Institute (4-Night Trek) ​
Experience the quiet of winter in the UP at the TNT WALDEN Institute as you go ice cave exploring, snow shoeing, and practice "snowga" followed by warm fires and hot cocoa.  

07
AUG

"Next Level" in the UP of Michigan for Survivors (Aged 40+) at the TNT WALDEN Institute (4-Night Trek)*
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 trek is 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). 

18
AUG

Yellowstone National Park Backpacking Trek for Survivors (6-Night Trek) 
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.

28
AUG

UP of Michigan for Latiné Survivors in the at the TNT WALDEN Institute (4-Night Trek). 
Spend quality time at the TNT WALDEN Institute, explore the property's new trail system, go on a day-paddle through a serene loon-lake,  embark on a multi-night hiking and camping adventure in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and finish back at WALDEN, this trek has everything! 
*This trek is intended for young adult cancer survivors who identify as Latiné. We acknowledge the intersectional fluidity of language, identity, gender, and culture and use the term Latiné fluidly to refer to any person who identifies as Hispanic, Latino, Latina, and/or Latinx. Participant ability to speak Spanish is not required. ​

04
SEPT

Survivors and Caregivers in the UP of Michigan at the TNT WALDEN Institute (4-Night Trek)
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.

29
SEPT

Utah Red Rock Canon Canoeing Trek for Survivors (6-Night Trek)
Paddle along the majestic Green River of Utah, moving between sunlight and the dark shadows of cathedral-like red rock formations.

28
SEP

UP Mini Trek for Melanoma Research Foundation Survivors  at the TNT WALDEN Institute**
September 28-31, 2023
Au Train, Michigan
Flyer & Packing List
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 sign a volunteer waiver and 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.

***Note, during the 2024 season some construction will be taking place inside a nearby building on the property, therefore there may be times when you could hear it. 
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