What happens when underserved youth are exposed to “peak” wilderness experiences? Transformation. For eleven years, the ARC program has proven that individuals experience deep personal growth by facing the fears and doubts brought on by challenging wilderness endeavors. They come away with an “I can do it!” attitude—a powerful way of changing the way they […]
My ARC Experience
Hey there! My name is Salvador Meza Lemus and today I would like to share with you my experience with the ARC program. It has already been 4 years since I graduated from the 40-day course in Yosemite. My group name was the “Hardcore Mosquitoes” and together we made unforgettable memories. Joining ARC has been […]
ARC Loves its Interns
Prior to starting college, Jessica Rivas had no idea backpacking even existed. Then she discovered the Yosemite Leadership Program (YLP) at UC Merced, and began the journey that led her to call the wilderness her second home. Jessica was raised in a Spanish-speaking home in North Hollywood where, she says, “the buildings shine brighter than […]
ARC Leadership Moves Forward
ARC congratulates Sarah Cupery Ottley, who is enthusiastically moving from the role of Program Director into the Executive Director position. Sarah has been with ARC since 2009, when she joined the organization to open a new program site in Yosemite. Because of her rootedness in the Yosemite community, years of experience as an interpretive ranger […]
The Double Life of an ARC Intern
Meet Jessica Rivas, ARC’s intern at our Tahoe/Truckee site. Most people call her Jess and she stems from North Hollywood, California. Jess is a junior at UC Merced and a part time Ranger for Yosemite National Park. She says she often feels like she’s living a double life Bruce Wayne style, however as of recently […]
Nacho Average Intern
Meet Tyler Rackelmann, ARC’s summer intern in Yosemite. Tyler is a psychology major, preparing for his third year at UC Merced and a Yosemite Leadership Program participant. Tyler feels extremely passionate about the outdoors and says he looks forward to watching others grow in such a meaningful setting.