I’ve always loved the word WILL—it’s strong, positive, can-do, and full of future possibility. That’s exactly what I intended when I started Wilderness Leadership & Learning —to create a space where young people realize their potential, push beyond perceived limitations, and embrace the power and greatness they have within them to shape their future.
During COVID, we launched WILLicious Wednesdays to celebrate the people who embody the values of WILL, and the spirit of being WILLicious has only grown since then. But what does it mean to BE WILLIcious?
For me, WILLicious means giving your word and keeping it and being the embodiment of our core values:
Being WILLicious is more than just a word—it’s a way of life. It’s about living with integrity and dignity to be the best version of yourself while making a difference in the lives of others and in the world for others. So get out there and BE WILLicious—take the lead, embrace challenges, and believe in your own power to create change!
I have grown in every way possible by being a part of WILL; I would do it again 1,000 times. Every WILL program I learned something new. I will never get a chance to do something like WILL again. I think that everyone should do the WILL Program.
Curtis
WILL Graduate
Through WILL I learned that there is greatness in me, that I have a bright future, and that I can do anything I choose to do by working hard to achieve it.
Keyri
WILL Graduate
WILL greatly increased my level of self-confidence. Steve says that we all have greatness in us and because of my WILL experience I believe him.
Clinard
WILL Graduate
WILL is a once in a lifetime experience and is a life changing experience that gives you more than you could ever imagine.
Karen
WILL Graduate
If I were you, I would join the WILL Program. It is really a great experience; you learn about yourself and get to do things you never thought you would or could do. WILL should be required for all high school students.
Royerick
WILL Graduate
My WILL experience was inspirational. I participated in life changing activities that I would not have experienced without being in WILL. I gained a new appreciation for nature and the importance of taking care of the environment, and I learned that I am a compassionate person and a good leader.
Ivania
WILL Graduate
WILL is the best program; it expanded who I am and made me a stronger person. Every WILL activity was my favorite because each one gave me knowledge.
Adam
WILL Graduate
Of the many things I learned in WILL, a few that standout are: I can do anything if I put the time and effort in it, how to make SMART goals and action plans to achieve my goals, to take care of the environment by not wasting food and conserving water, and the importance of money management and credit, how to implement a budget, and to live with financial dignity.
Tyreek
WILL Graduate
WILL teaches us SMART Goals so we know how to set clear goals and to use action plans to achieve our goals. This is inspirational to me because learning SMART Goals has me excited about what I can and will do in the future.
Daymon
WILL Graduate
