About
Caring For Children
Strengthening Families
Renewing Community
Generating Hope
TrailSeekers was founded in 1990 by Greg Nebeker with programs in Yakima and Kennewick, Washington. Three decades later, more than 600 children with their families are currently involved in the program.
As our name implies, we incorporate nature, the environment, and things like hiking, into our program. We are blessed to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Many of these children have never ventured very far from their hometown. We are able to help them experience a world outside of what they know, such as the magnificent Cascade Mountains and the beautiful Orcas and Whidbey Islands in the Norther Puget Sound.
A child typically starts in the TrailSeekers Program through the Orca Encampment. When they join, not only the child, but the entire family becomes part of the program. We work with the whole family. We try to keep children out of the system, encouraging them to stay in school, and to educate them to become outstanding members of society. A child does not have to go to the Orca Encampment to be involved in the TrailSeekers Program; all are welcome to participate. A principal or counselor at a grade school may refer a child to the program who has never been to camp. They are welcome to participate in any and all capacities. Many of the children participate through high school.
We develop relationships with the children and their families through home visitations. This helps us to see the home environment and helps identify how we might provide the most beneficial assistance. Coming alongside families is an important part of what we do.
We have very little administrative cost compared to other organizations of our size. We are a volunteer-driven organization; more than 150 volunteers help support our program each year. TrailSeekers is overseen by a board of directors, which convenes quarterly. TrailSeekers is a nondenominational organization. We focus on the Bible and its teachings. We do not teach church doctrine.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us.