Youth Leadership Adventures

Empowering the next generation of conservation leaders

Youth Leadership Adventures are for motivated high school students who seek a fun and challenging summer adventure in the North Cascades!

This 12-day long backpacking and/or canoe camping field course connects 9th-12th grade (as of June 1, 2019) 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 Youth Leadership Summit in Seattle, receive year-round mentorship and engage in local stewardship opportunities. 

2019 Course dates are July 6-17 & July 29-August 9.

The application for 2019 Youth Leadership Adventures will be posted by February 1st!

Why participate?

• Canoe and backpack in the North Cascades
• Learn about ecology, geology, cultural history and climate science
• Make lifelong friends
• Develop leadership and communication skills
• Enhance your resumés and college applications
• Practice public speaking through culminating presentation
• Earn 15-20 community service hours by completely stewardship projects
• Have a great adventure this summer!

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.