ADVENTURE RISK CHALLENGE (ARC)
Explore the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains on a 10-day or 4-week course through Lake Tahoe or Yosemite National Park. Participants will be challenged academically, emotionally and physically, as they hike through the mountains; study language arts & environmental science; and write poetry and personal essays. At the end of the experience, students return home with new knowledge about themselves, leadership, and the importance of teamwork.
Who is Adventure Risk Challenge?
Adventure Risk Challenge, also known as ARC, has partnered with Summer Search for several years! ARC combines outdoor experiences, academics, and leadership to help youth envision a brighter future in school and beyond. They are incredibly supportive of youth and families who are English Language Learners and students who have a diversity of experiences and backgrounds. On each ARC course, there are staff that speak Spanish.
Program Details:
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Location: Lake Tahoe or Yosemite (varies by program)
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Program Length: 4 weeks
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Courses & Program Dates:
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ARC will match you to one of the below courses:
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Yosemite Stepping Stone Course A: June 22 – July 2
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Yosemite Immersive Course: June 24 – July 27
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Tahoe Immersive Course: July 1 – August 3
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Yosemite Stepping Stone Course B: July 11 – July 21
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Participant Mix: Mix of Summer Searchers &
Non-Summer Searchers (open enrollment)
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Accommodations: Tents
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Bathroom Access: None in the backcountry; flush toilets & hot showers when in the front country
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Phone Access: None during the course
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COVID Policy: Vaccination and boosters are required for the Tahoe course. Vaccination and boosters are not required for the Yosemite course. All participants will be tested upon pick-up.
program activities
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Go on 1-3 backpacking expeditions through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and explore alpine lakes and the natural beauty of California
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Spend time each day studying language arts, journaling or writing poetry
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Have the opportunity rock climb and, depending on water levels this year, go rafting
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Your trip will end with ceremony called Voices of Youth, where participants can share some of their poetry
WHAT YOU'LL GET FROM THIS Experience
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Expanded confidence and stronger sense of self
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New friendships built around team work in the outdoors
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Knowledge about outdoor stewardship and conservation
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Personal essays that can be used as a foundation for college applications
Some courses, but not all, have:
