By Molly Deis, Trackers Founder & Mom
When it comes to Trackers, I often tell parents this could be the beginning of a lifelong journey. Our mission is to equip kids with skills that help them thrive in nature, sparking a connection so deep it reshapes we all see the world.
Tony, my husband and Trackers co-founder, has lived this journey. At just 14, he stumbled across Walden, Henry David Thoreau’s reflection on self-reliance and nature. Feeling out of place in high school and society, he left traditional school for the independent study of wilderness survival and nature connection. But in the late 80s, there were no mentors, no internet, and precious few books circulating in the Clackamas County Library system. His first 150-mile solo backpacking trip with his dog, Rusti, was a bold leap into the unknown. “Heh, at 14 years old I probably could’ve died,” Tony admits, “but I wouldn’t trade that adventure for anything.”
We started Trackers with a vision inspired by adventures like these. Our goal is to offer programs, books, comics, and other resources that teach kids the skills and knowledge they need to become independent in the outdoors while fostering a deep connection to nature.
This week, I witnessed that spirit as our 13-year-old son and six of his friends from Trackers A-Team Apprenticeship self-organized a camping trip beyond their program. For three days, these kids camped independently at our wilderness site near Old Roslyn Lake. They planned everything—logistics, meals, and even safety. Tony and I live nearby, ready if needed, but they managed it all on their own. They were thoughtful, capable, and competent, applying what they’d learned to care for their team together. It was a proud moment for us and a testament to all the parents who provided their kids with so much trust.
Moments like this remind us of our vision: kids stepping into the forest not just as learners at Trackers but as skilled, self-directed adventurers connected to each other and the land. Kids who can guide others into the wilderness to share old-school skills. These kids remind us that what begins as simple curiosity can grow into a powerful, lifelong relationship with community, nature, and many generations.
We want kids to go beyond Trackers. What starts with us should be just the first step into a bigger, wilder world where kids are free, skilled, and forever connected to the natural world.
So, what about your kid’s journey? How has your child taken the skills they learned at Trackers beyond camp? Whether it’s an adventure they planned, skills they shared with family, or simply a deeper awareness of nature, we’d love to hear their stories. Feel free to email us—and let us know if you’re open to us sharing your story.
See you in the forest,
Molly Deis
Trackers Earth
Founder & Mom
BTW, I had to give Tony—Gen X parent and ardent “no cellphone” dad—a hard time when he ironically asked Robin and friends to text to let him know they were fine after their night hike.