Summer Courses
Since 2004, ARC has been facilitating immersive and meaningful summer programming for high school students in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. All of our summer courses are grounded in our four pillars of Learning , Leadership , Community , and the Outdoors. Students are challenged academically, physically, and emotionally as they learn and grow from each other and our dedicated staff. They complete their summer experiences as more inspired and empowered versions of themselves.
Our four pillars:
- Learning: Students work on their literacy and confidence skills by practicing reading, writing, and speaking in a variety of ways throughout the course. Students will complete at least one writing project: a metaphorical poem, reflective essay, or personal manifesto. We also facilitate learning environmental science and outdoor life skills.
- Leadership: Students practice leadership and followership with coaching and support from staff and peers.
- Community: Each course will have up to 10 students and 4 staff members; we work together to create an inclusive and supportive team. Building positive relationships is at the heart of ARC.
- Outdoors: Our courses take place in the Tahoe or Yosemite areas. Students explore forests, visit waterfalls, swim in alpine lakes, and enjoy the views from the tops of peaks. Our primary activity is backpacking, and each course also includes one or more adventure activities such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, or a ropes course.
Course Structure
We alternate multi-day backpacking trips with time at our base camps. Backpacking involves carrying everything we need into the wilderness, hiking all day, and sleeping outdoors. The base camp has indoor spaces, showers, kitchen, and laundry facilities, as well as individual tents for each student.
Testimonials
Read what past summer course participants had to say about their experiences:
See a summer course in action:
Tuition
ARC courses are offered on a sliding scale based on family income, with most students paying less than $100 to participate. We provide all transportation, equipment, and food. To view our sliding scale, click here.
Types of Courses
Immersion courses include three multi-day backpacking trips and three basecamp components, plus rock climbing and/or whitewater rafting. Immersion course students will write a metaphorical poem and a reflective essay. They will also interview a community member, make a short scientific video, and participate in a final running challenge.
Stepping Stone courses include a multi-day backpacking trip and basecamp component, as well as an adventure activity. Stepping Stone course students will write a personal manifesto.
We encourage current 9th grade students to consider our Stepping Stone courses and current 10th and 11th grade students to consider our Immersion courses. ARC staff will help guide students in their choice based on dates and length of commitment. On a case-by-case basis, we may accept current 8th or 12th grade students.
First-generation students, English language learners, and all students motivated to experience a transformative academic and outdoor adventure are encouraged to apply.
Our 2025 Summer Course Application will be available in early spring 2025.
If you have any questions about our summer courses, please email info@adventureriskchallenge.org