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What is the Terra Teen Program?
The VF Terra Teen (TT) Program is both a leadership program and an operational arm of Venture Free. Made up of students ages 14+, Terra Teens move beyond participation into real responsibility - designing, operating, and managing youth experiences and programs within the organization.
Terra Teens run their own initiatives, which in turn help fund the training, certifications, and experiences that support their continued growth. Through this model, teens gain hands-on experience in program planning, budgeting, logistics, and decision-making while learning how mission-driven organizations operate from the inside. |
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Meet the current terra teens
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I’ve been part of Venture Free since 3rd grade, when VFF first came to Kings Mountain Elementary. I started in the after-school program, then joined day camps, and have stayed involved ever since. Over the years, Venture Free has played a huge role in shaping who I am and helping me build a deep appreciation for nature and time spent outdoors.Through Terra Teens, I’ve learned important skills like risk assessment and decision-making. One experience that really stood out was during a training trip when our group carefully evaluated whether it was safe to cross a snowy pass. After discussing the risks, we decided it wasn’t the right choice, and that moment gave me a lot of perspective about making decisions with safety and others’ wellbeing in mind. I love working with younger kids because of their creativity and imagination. It’s always fun to invent games and stories together and see how they think about the world. One of my favorite memories was during a surf trip when we swam in bioluminescence - watching the water glow around us and seeing the kids’ excitement made it an unforgettable experience. Spending time outdoors has helped me become more patient and present, and I really value the break from screens that Venture Free encourages. As a leader, I’m continuing to grow in conflict management and learning how to support kids through disagreements in a thoughtful way. I currently serve as the President of Terra Teens, where I help lead meetings, keep the group organized, and support younger teens as a role model. I’ve recently received my Wilderness First Aid certification and am continuing to build my leadership and outdoor skills. I care deeply about accountability and helping kids understand responsibility for their actions, while also supporting them with patience and encouragement. I’m excited to help grow the program, support new camp opportunities, and continue taking on leadership roles within Venture Free’s future.
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I’ve been part of Venture Free for about eight years, starting with after-school camps, and the program has played a big role in shaping my patience and leadership skills. Over the years, I’ve gained experience working with younger kids by helping them think through situations, use common sense, and learn practical skills like navigation with compasses. One of my favorite memories from Venture Free is spending time at the river during after-school camps catching crawfish - moments like that really show how meaningful time outside can be. I believe it’s important for kids to spend time outdoors because it teaches life lessons, helps them handle stressful situations, and builds friendships that can last a lifetime. I’ve learned a lot about safety through my experiences, including wilderness first aid, staying attentive, and guiding people away from potentially dangerous situations. Spending time outdoors in different conditions has taught me how to stay calm, think clearly, and adapt when things don’t go as planned. When working with kids, I focus on being attentive because kids sometimes act on impulse, and paying attention helps prevent problems before they start. Parents can trust that I take responsibility seriously, stay calm in stressful situations, and approach my role with honesty and care.
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I’m 16 years old and I’ve been part of Venture Free for about five years after first getting involved through after-school day camps. Through my time with VF, I’ve learned important skills like being aware of my surroundings and communicating clearly, especially when working with younger kids. I really enjoy being playful with kids and creating an environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. One of my favorite memories from Venture Free is attending surf camp and watching the sunsets over the ocean after a day of surfing - moments like that remind me how special it is to spend time outdoors. I believe it’s important for kids to get outside because it gives them a break from school and daily pressures and allows them to relax, explore, and breathe fresh air. As a leader, I’m continuing to work on communicating in ways that younger kids understand and practicing patience so I can better support them at their own pace. Venture Free is important to me because it allows me to connect with nature, enjoy beautiful scenery, and feel calm and present. I strive to lead with kindness and awareness, and I’m excited to keep growing as a mentor while spending time outdoors with my peers and the kids I work with.
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I’ve been part of Venture Free since 3rd grade, when I first joined the after-school program and I’ve been involved for about seven years. Last summer I volunteered at Julie’s Little Mountain camp, where I loved working with younger kids and learned how to communicate clearly, set limits, and encourage them in positive ways. I enjoy helping kids feel comfortable, especially when they’re nervous about being away from their parents or trying something new. I’ve found that being understanding of their feelings and helping them get engaged in a game or activity can make a big difference. One of my favorite Venture Free memories was during day camps, picking apples, peaches, and plums and turning them into pies and cobblers together - it was such a fun and memorable experience. I believe paying attention and being prepared are really important when leading kids so they stay safe and have a positive experience. I also think kids benefit from learning from older peers because we’ve gone through the programs ourselves and can help guide them. Spending time outside gives kids space to move, breathe fresh air, and learn to appreciate and care for the natural world. When working with kids, I try to respect their opinions and preferences to build strong relationships based on trust. I’m excited to continue working with younger campers and to keep growing as part of the Terra Teens program.
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I’ve been part of Venture Free since the summer of 2023 after a friend told me about it - and it sounded amazing. They were right! Since joining, I’ve learned a lot about taking responsibility, making decisions, and being present in the moment, especially while spending time outdoors. I really enjoy working with younger kids because I love getting to know them and just having fun together. Some of my favorite memories from Venture Free are singing during car rides and rock climbing, and I’ve learned that I always feel happier and more fulfilled after a day spent outside. Through the program, I’ve grown in learning how to set boundaries with kids and I’m continuing to work on taking initiative as a leader. I’ve been trusted with important responsibilities like belaying and helping with safety, and I’m currently working toward my lead climbing certification while continuing to build skills in trail safety and outdoor climbing. I believe it’s important to keep activities safe while still making sure everyone feels included and has fun. What makes Venture Free special to me is the freedom to explore, learn, and enjoy the outdoors while building real skills and confidence. I take my role seriously by staying aware of my surroundings and being attentive to the kids in my care. I want parents to know that I’m a careful and thoughtful leader who strives to treat every child with attention and care, and I’m excited to keep learning more about outdoor skills, safety, and nature as I continue growing in the program. |
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Hi, I’m Alex! I’m 17 and I’ve been a part of Venture Free as a counselor for 2 years now. I first found out about it from a friend who did one of the summer camps. Through Venture Free, I’ve learned that in order to succeed with both your peers and those younger than you, communication and patience are key. I’ve counseled a few camps with venture free, both the day camps and sleepaway’s. My favorite moments from all these trips have been the simple moments hanging around the campfire, just talking.I think the experiences provided by being outside are ones you really can’t get outside of just doing it. As much as the internet contains pictures and descriptions, experiences have to be something you actually do. There’s so much going on outside, yet so little is spoonfed to you. In a way, it feels like the opposite of the algorithmic emptiness you get from your instagrams or tiktok where there’s a lot of empty junk that you won’t remember in 5 minutes being shoved in your face. It also serves as a way to push your comfort zones and step into something unfamiliar.While there are numerous unexpected things that can happen, they aren’t unpredictable. Usually the easiest way to avoid any problems is caution, but people, especially children, often ignore it. That’s why it’s incredibly important to me to always be paying attention when dealing with children. Even if they lack it completely, you can be cautious for them until they learn those skills on their own. That’s part of why Venture Free is important to me, it gives a safe space to experience that outdoors without being overly sanitized. I understand that when I am counseling children, their safety is my responsibility, but I also know that being overly forceful doesn’t keep children safe, it makes them want to ignore you and doesn't give them space to learn. I try to both set boundaries and be kind, and I’ve found that the right mix of the 2 works best. Even so, I don’t claim to have all the answers. Through this program I’m learning how to better lead and communicate.
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I first joined Venture Free summer camps when I was eight years old and later became part of the Terra Teen program in 2024. Over the years, Venture Free has helped me build strong outdoor skills, responsibility, and confidence while forming meaningful connections with both peers and younger campers. I’ve worked with younger children in a variety of settings, including summer camps and community events, where I’ve helped guide activities, support kids when they need it, and encourage them to explore new experiences. One of my favorite parts of working with kids is helping them feel comfortable outdoors, especially on trips like backpacking where overcoming challenges together can be incredibly rewarding. Some of my favorite memories include simple but meaningful moments - like laughing with friends during a backpacking trip as a camper and later standing with my Terra Teen group looking out over the mountains, feeling connected to the people and place around us. I believe spending time outside is essential because it helps kids connect to the world beyond screens, builds confidence, and creates lifelong memories. Through Venture Free, I’ve grown more comfortable opening up and communicating, and I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t mean being perfect - it means showing up with patience, empathy, and authenticity. I’m certified in Wilderness First Aid and lifeguarding, and I’m continuing to build skills like ocean awareness so I can help keep kids safe while they explore. I take my role seriously because I want children to feel safe while also having the freedom to discover new things. I strive to treat every child with kindness, respect, and patience, and I hope to continue growing as a leader by taking initiative and becoming more involved in both the program and the community.
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I’ve been part of Venture Free since my 3rd grade year - about seven years now. I still remember my first day when my mom walked me into the after-school program on my birthday and everyone was painting bowls and cups with nail polish. From that moment on, VF became a big part of my life. Through Venture Free, I’ve developed strong communication and responsibility skills, and I love using those skills while volunteering at the after-school program and helping at Little Mountain Camp. I really enjoy working with younger kids - especially seeing their excitement when I arrive and hearing their funny comments. I love helping them learn to cook snacks, try new games, and feel confident trying new things. When kids are nervous or struggling, I try to comfort them and figure out what will help them feel better. Being part of VF has helped me learn how to talk with kids in a way that makes them feel safe and supported, and I take my role seriously knowing that their safety and wellbeing matter. Some of my favorite memories come from time spent outdoors with friends, like laughing in the van after a backpacking trip. Being outside helps you really connect with people instead of just sitting on your phones. I’m continuing to build outdoor skills like ocean safety, hiking, and river travel, and I’ve learned a lot from experiences - including figuring things out when plans don’t go perfectly. What makes Venture Free special to me is the community and the chance to grow alongside younger kids. I treat every child with kindness, patience, and respect, and I’m excited to watch both the kids and the program continue to grow and reach more families in the future.
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I joined Venture Free last summer (2024) after seeing a Coastside Gives pamphlet in the mail and thinking, “Wow - that’s something I want to be part of!” I signed up for the Intro to Backpacking trip and had an incredible experience learning new skills, building friendships, and making lasting memories. Soon after, I applied to the Terra Teen program, and I’m excited to help share the joy of nature and outdoor adventure with younger campers. One of the most meaningful things I’ve learned through Venture Free is the power of a strong, connected team. Being part of a supportive group helps us grow and overcome challenges in ways that are much harder to do alone. I love helping kids try new things and step outside their comfort zones - especially activities they’ve never experienced before. Seeing their curiosity, supporting them through challenges, and celebrating their success is one of my favorite parts of working with kids. Some of my favorite memories come from moments of encouragement and shared adventure, like finally jumping off a big rock into the backcountry lake after cheering on others. Experiences like that remind me how powerful group support and positive energy can be. I believe time outside is a gift - it supports kids’ wellbeing, builds empathy for the natural world, and helps them grow emotionally and physically. As a leader, I’m working on balancing being safety-focused and prepared while also staying fun and approachable. I believe preparation and attention are key to creating a safe environment where kids feel heard, supported, and free to enjoy themselves. I spend a lot of time outdoors and continue building skills like hiking, ocean awareness, and safety practices so I can help keep kids safe while they explore. What makes Venture Free special to me is the balance of freedom and responsibility. Kids are encouraged to stretch their comfort zones, build confidence, and form deep connections with nature and each other. I strive to treat every child as an individual with patience, respect, and care, and I’m excited to be part of Venture Free’s future as it continues to grow and reach more young people. |
How to Join Terra Teens
New spots open up in the Terra Teen Program each fall. Applications open in June and close in August. New participants are notified in September and the new season begins in October.
Check back in June for more application information.
New spots open up in the Terra Teen Program each fall. Applications open in June and close in August. New participants are notified in September and the new season begins in October.
Check back in June for more application information.