Together, We Keep Heading Up

Elevate Youth adventurers are enjoying the snowfall and winter temperatures with downhill skiing. Along with the excitement of creating experiences for them to try something new, or push their skills from last season on challenging trails, we’re all smiles and still full of stoke despite being exhausted at the end of such a full day!

These moments with youth remind us of what matters, and how we have the responsibility to lead them on positive paths where they feel empowered as stewards; not just through taking care of our shared spaces, but taking care of each other.

You may know I’m an aspiring mountaineer, and I had an opportunity to lead a team up Mt. Kilimanjaro. As we pushed for the summit, we were surrounded by darkness. We were disoriented, the edge of the mountain blurring with the sky. We simply followed the headlamp and footsteps of the person in front of us, always heading up.

You may know I’m an aspiring mountaineer, and I led a team up Mt. Kilimanjaro. As we pushed for the summit, we were surrounded by darkness. We were disoriented, the edge of the mountain blurring with the sky. We simply followed the headlamp and footsteps of the person in front of us, always heading up.

During these uncertain times, many kids have felt the distress we’re all navigating. Our team of Directors and Instructors add in more time for them to express their feelings and ask questions, round out our protective safety protocols, and intentionally lean into joy. Volunteers have made even more space in their schedules to support them. It is our responsibility, our mission, to make sure they are always heading up.

Critical thinking and resilience are skills and qualities that are further developed through outdoor education. Even when we pause to refresh in nature, breaks help us move ahead with care and confidence.

We are grateful for our outdoor partners, school and staff liaisons, families, and especially supporters like you - whether it’s climbing mountains, biking on a trail, or learning about tide pools, we go farther as a team.

For our kids, we’ll keep heading up.

Chaya, Execu