This guided backpacking trip follows the Appalachian Trail in Maryland, offering a no-cost, beginner-friendly experience with all gear, food, and optional transportation provided. Led by Wilderness First Aid–certified trip leaders alongside grief counselors and mental health professionals, the program creates a safe, supportive space for healing in nature. Participants travel in small groups, camping under the stars, sharing meals, and connecting through reflection and community. While therapeutic in nature, the experience focuses on connection and time outdoors rather than formal therapy.
Backpacking Trip Details
- Backpacking the beautiful Appalachian Trail hiking southbound in Maryland
- Guided by Wilderness First Aid Certified Trip Leaders and Grief Professionals
- All gear and food provided
- Small groups, big impact
- Transportation available
- No cost and no backpacking experience needed
Experienced, compassionate leaders
Trip leaders are experienced hikers and backpackers, certified in Wilderness First Aid and have a deep understanding of how to support grieving people. Grief counselors and mental health professionals are also part of our trip crew, working alongside trip leaders to create an empowering therapeutic outdoor activity that honors the griever and promotes the healing process.
What’s a typical day like on a hiking trip?
We intentionally keep our groups small – to create an intimate sharing experience and to respect our impact nature. Except for the first night, when we’ll be staying at a campground, the group will be backpacking on beautiful sections of the AT and camping under the stars. We’ll have tarps to protect from weather, and we’ll be camping near AT shelters that have access to water and a privy. After we’ve set up our camping area, we will be preparing our own meals. Evening activities will foster sharing and bonding, with time for fun, rest and reflection.
But I don’t have any camping gear! No worries!
The Umbrella Project will provide everything you need except your hiking shoes and everyday outdoor clothes. We’ll supply all hiking, cooking, and camping gear, including backpacks, sleeping bags and pads, rainwear, etc. Participants will receive a list of recommended clothes and personal items to bring.
Our trips are therapeutic, not therapy All trip participants are grieving—which means everyone has bereavement in common. The purpose of the Umbrella Project is not to provide group therapy or counseling sessions, but to bring together grieving young adults—some of whom may not know other people their age who have suffered a similar loss—and spend a week in nature.
How do I sign up?
First, submit an interest form. A team member will be in touch with you within 3-7 business-days to set up an interview and discuss next steps. We’d love to have you join us!
The Appalachian Trail
Running through 14 states from Georgia to Maine, the 2192-mile Appalachian Trail (AT) is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. Initially, our trips will take advantage of the beautiful scenery, relatively easy terrain, and ready accessibility of the AT in the Mid-Atlantic region, starting and ending near Thurmont, MD. Thurmont is a little over an hour drive from many metropolitan centers, including Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD.
