Youth Leadership Adventures 2013: new video!

North Cascades Institute is excited to announce our brand-new Youth Leadership Adventures program for motivated students ages 14-18 in Washington and Oregon. Youth Leadership Adventures combines two of our successful and popular programs – North Cascades Wild and Cascades Climate Challenge – to offer the best of both: outdoor education, conservation and stewardship in the North Cascades!
[youtube width=”475″ height=”267″]http://youtu.be/7RU_i4wWEvY[/youtube]
Youth Leadership Adventures feature a range of summer opportunities for high school-aged students on our local public lands, as well as a fall Youth Leadership Conference, year-round mentorship and local stewardship opportunities.
During 8 and 15-day summer expeditions, students canoe, camp, backpack and complete service projects in the North Cascades backcountry – including Ross, Diablo and Baker Lakes – while receiving hands-on training in outdoor leadership, field science, communication skills and public speaking.

This partnership program with North Cascades National Park and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest connects youth to wild places while instilling a sense of responsibility and ownership so they can make a difference in their home communities. Participants will make new friends, gain confidence and leadership skills, enhance their resume and college applications, earn community service hours, and explore the North Cascades wilderness, all while having the best summer of their life!
This program has immense power to change kids’ lives, all for the better. I learned so many life skills…. it’s really given me a chance to find myself. I can honestly say this has been the best decision of my life.
— Nick A., 2009 participant.


As part of North Cascades Institute’s commitment to making our programs accessible to students from all backgrounds, Youth Leadership Adventures are offered on a sliding scale based on participant needs: 50%, 70% and 100% of actual cost. Families choose the price they are able to pay; if they cannot afford to pay 50% of the cost, they are encouraged to fill out a scholarship application. North Cascades Institute will work with every student to find a price they can afford.
More information, applications and testimonials from past participants are available on our website at www.ncascades.org/youth. Applications are due April 1 and must include Participant Information and Essay Questions, Reference Form and Scholarship Application (if applicable).
Please contact North Cascades Institute if you have questions: 360-854-2599 or nci@ncascades.org.