Adventure Risk Challenge was presented with the Exceptional Environmental Steward Award by the Merced Group of the Tehipite Chapter of the Sierra Club at their end-of-year celebration. In announcing the award, Rod Webster, the Sierra Club Merced Group’s chair, said “[ARC] is doing the critical work of raising up tomorrow’s environmental stewards. In addition to working hand-in-hand with English instruction during the school year, ARC’s month-long summer immersion course is a perfect culminating experience. What young person would not be changed by challenging adventures like backpacking, soloing overnight, rock climbing, kayaking, ropes courses and more. All of this mixed with the ongoing goal of English literacy development and other lifelong lessons in self-confidence, public speaking, and leadership.”
The Mariposa Gazette published an article about ARC receiving the award, which can be read in full with an online subscription. Sarah Ottley participated in the Sierra Club virtual celebration in order to accept the award. “It was an honor to receive the Exceptional Environmental Steward award for 2020. There are many ways that the mission and work of the Sierra Club align with the mission and work of ARC. I trust that our programs will continue to promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources, doing justice to this award. I was particularly delighted to share space with John Muir Laws, who was the keynote speaker during the Merced Group’s virtual banquet.”
The Sierra Club Merced Group is a voice for environmental advocacy in the region. They focus their efforts on issues that impact the everyday lives of our Central Valley communities. Webster said, “Environmental advocacy is important at all levels, from our own backyard perspective to a worldwide view…. When people have had personal experiences in nature, they become vested – they understand the value of those experiences and become convicted to help preserve their availability for all…. Clearly, to continue the legacy of stewardship we rely on successive generations to accept their role in continuing to care for our natural spaces. ARC is making a significant contribution to filling this need. They are meeting students where they live, helping them in their everyday schooling, and offering them extensive outdoor experiences year-round.”