ARC’s summer course application is available now! The deadline, Friday, April 22, is only two weeks away. If you know any current high school students in California or Northern Nevada who may be interested in participating, please direct them to the online application. More information is available about the courses on our website and on the application page.
The Sierra Sun recently published an article (“Adventure Risk Challenge to connect kids to the outdoors this summer”) which you can share with interested students. The Sierra Sun article is re-published in its entirety below.
From the Sierra Sun (March 17, 2022):
According to Selena Lopez Ortiz, a participant in one of the Adventure Risk Challenge 2021 summer programs, she learned a lot about herself while backpacking, rock climbing, exploring and studying environmental science and English in some of California’s most iconic natural places. “During challenging experiences, I created a new foundation with myself by changing my relationship with time, allowing myself to be vulnerable, and self-reflecting on my actions,” she said. The month-long program also helped her learn important lessons about teamwork, resilience, and confidence building.
Designed to provide immersive outdoor and academic programs for youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity, Adventure Risk Challenge expeditions introduce high school students to the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains and to outdoor recreation experiences. From backpacking to rock climbing, ropes courses and more, over the course of a month, students learn outdoor skills like backcountry cooking and navigating using a topographical map, and the value of teamwork, perseverance, and curiosity.
“Over the past 10 years that I have worked with ARC, I’ve been amazed by the personal and academic growth demonstrated by the students who participate in the ARC program. It has been inspiring to watch as they have gone on to attend elite colleges, become leaders in their communities, and advocates for protecting the natural environment,” said Adventure Risk Challenge co-director Will Fassett. “On behalf of our entire team, we’re excited to open the application process for our 2022 programs, and to welcome a new group of participants to this transformational, immersive summer program that will support their social and academic development.”
Science, literacy, and leadership are the pillars of the Adventure Risk Challenge program, with all elements of the curriculum anchored in learning from the natural environment. By examining ecosystems up close, identifying plants and animals along the trail, and being challenged and celebrated by each other, participants develop observation, reading, writing and public speaking skills, as well as a broad understanding of what they’re capable of.
Since 2004, Adventure Risk Challenge has had over 350 summer graduates and 2,500 year-round participants. The program offers over 15,000 student hours of leadership, literacy and outdoor instruction every year, with its success highlighted by the fact that 81% of participants go on to attend a two or four-year college. In addition, students experience growth in seven important developmental assets, as measured by the Developmental Assets Profile, including positive identity, social competencies, and commitment to learning.
ARC is accepting applications until April 22 for 2022 summer programs scheduled to take place in Yosemite National Park and the Lake Tahoe Basin. All current California and Northern Nevada high school students are eligible to apply. These unique, scholarship-based programs are offered to students on a sliding scale based on family income, with many students paying just $1 per day for their participation.
Valued at $6,000 per participant, Adventure Risk Challenge course scholarships are made possible by the generous support of corporate and nonprofit sponsors, grant funding and contributions from individual donors.
Learn more about Adventure Risk Challenge, donate to make it possible for a student to participate, or apply for a summer program at https://adventureriskchallenge.org.