When this column is published, I’ll be emerging from five days in the wilderness of Southwest Virginia. A group from First United Methodist Church of Waynesville will be participating in the Wilderness Trail experience from June 21-26.

Nantahala Health Foundation will launch its next competitive grant opportunity on July 1 with a focus on investing in educational, healthcare and workforce programs that benefit youth and young adults, ages 5 to 24. 

The Town of Waynesville, in collaboration with NCWorks Career Center, will host a youth hiring event from 2-5 p.m. Friday, June 14, at the Waynesville Recreation Center. 

The Future Mustang Soccer Camp, sponsored by Jackson County Parks and Recreation, will welcome local kids to build their skills on the pitch. 

Youth Tennis Lessons at Mark Watson Park in Sylva will begin on May 4. 

Lake Junaluska hosted youth groups from across the Southeast recently during its annual Winter Youth Retreats.

This past weekend, I served as a cabin leader for Winter Retreat, an annual youth event hosted by First United Methodist Church.

Registration opens soon for several upcoming outdoor education opportunities at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. 

Go behind the scenes with snowmaking at Cataloochee Ski area with field trips offered Tuesday, Jan. 23, and Tuesday, Feb. 13. 

A free youth fishing clinic will coincide with an Old Time Music Jam 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee.