Youth Leadership Adventures
Empowering the next generation of conservation leaders
Youth Leadership Adventures are for motivated high school students seeking a fun and challenging summer adventure in the North Cascades!
Our 8 and 12-day long backpacking and/or canoe camping field courses connect 9th-12th grade students to the natural world while giving them the knowledge and skills to understand how climate change is affecting the North Cascades. In partnership with North Cascades National Park and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, high school aged participants canoe, backpack, camp and complete stewardship projects in the North Cascades while receiving hands-on training in outdoor leadership, field science, communication skills and public speaking. No experience is necessary and scholarships are widely available!
Following the course, alumni may attend the Environmental Leaders Summit in Seattle, receive year-round mentorship and engage in local stewardship opportunities.
Courses are designed for students who have no prior outdoor experience; all gear, food, and transportation from the Seattle-area and Skagit and Whatcom counties is provided.
2020 YLA application will open at the end of January.
Why participate?
- Canoe and backpack in the North Cascades
- Learn about ecology, geology, cultural history and climate science
- Meet new people
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Enhance your resume and college application
- Practice public speaking through a culminating presentation
- Earn 15-20 community service hours by completing a stewardship project
- Have a great adventure this summer!
Check back in early 2020 for information on the next summer of YLA trips!
Alumni Testimonials
Read what past participants have said about their experience with Youth Leadership Adventures.
Tuition and Scholarships
Learn more about tuition costs and payment options. Scholarships are widely available to make Youth Leadership Adventures affordable for everyone.
Payment and Cancellation Policies
Once accepted, please review North Cascades Institute’s payment and cancellation policies. If you need to cancel your spot on a Youth Leadership Adventures course, please notify us as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to another student.
Shuttle Information
This year, transportation from the Seattle-area will only be provided during the July 6 - 17 session.
