Our Mission
Empowering youth through adventure therapy programs that foster healthy relationships and skills for life success.
We believe in the potential of all teens regardless of race, socio-economic status, gender, ability, creed, or sexual orientation.
We aspire to support our youth in overcoming societal injustices that lead to differences in opportunity.
We believe in the healing power of the outdoors.
We believe that every young person deserves the guidance and support needed to grow into responsible, healthy adults.
OUR STORY
“Chicago Voyagers helps our youth in a tremendous way. Programs such as this encourage our youth to step out of their comfort zone, try something new, appreciate nature, appreciate what they have and interact with other youth in a healthy and encouraging manner.”
In 1986, Marilyn Price thought how wonderful it would be if the at-risk teens she worked with in San Rafael, California could join her for mountain biking. Most of them had never challenged themselves physically and were surrounded by concrete as well as constant exposure to drugs, violence, and gang involvement. After functioning as a pilot mountain biking program for two years, Trips for Kids (TFK) was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1988.
In 2002, the first Midwest chapter of Trips for Kids was founded in Fox Valley. Six years later, Chicago Voyagers was formed as an affiliate of Trips for Kids. Chicago Voyagers embraced TFK’s mission to provide transformative cycling experiences through a network of chapters that promote healthy, recreational lifestyles, environmental awareness, and personal empowerment for young people of all communities, especially those most in need.
In 2023, Trips for Kids was acquired by the League of American Bicyclists. Chicago Voyagers is proud to partner with the League of American Bicyclists in their mission to foster a bicycle-friendly America that improves lives and strengthens communities.
In 2008, in order to expand the impact of the local Trips for Kids program, Chicago Voyagers undertook the sponsorship of the chapter, moved it to Chicago, and renamed it. Chicago Voyagers integrated the programs and added activities such as canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, rock climbing, river trips, and camping.
Today Chicago Voyagers annually serves hundreds of teens from Chicago and the surrounding area with an intentional focus on underserved towns and neighborhoods. Along with our local program partners, Chicago Voyagers provides experiential, relationship-based outdoor adventure programming year-round. Every year, Chicago Voyagers increases its impact by serving more young people and increasing the length and intensity of programming. Our partners and youth served consistently report improved confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and personal responsibility.
