Now in its third year of providing year round programming in Yosemite, this unique program continues to transform the lives of underserved youth from Merced County communities.
Through a series of year-long weekend retreats and a 40-day summer immersion in the park, Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC) program participants are mentored through a range of academic and physical activities, including backpacking, hiking, rock climbing and wilderness solos. They also focus on English and environmental science through ongoing tutoring.
Working closely with their UC Merced student mentors they learn that going to college, or pursuing a career in National Parks are tangible dreams and many are on track to fulfilling their goals. For example, the college enrollment rate of ARC summer program participants (the majority are the first in their families to attend college) is 77%, compared to 56% of California residents statewide.
With your continued support we are building the next generation of park stewards.
Partnering with: Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC), the University of California Berkeley and the University of California Merced.
Watch Youth in Yosemite videos to hear from former participants.
I Am A Bighorn Sheep
By Xiong Vue
A UC Berkeley & Merced Adventure Risk Challenge Program Participant
Bighorns are powerful
At running up steep hills,
I never give up and
I help them never give up also,
The herd is always there for me,
Encouraging me to reach higher,
To go beyond their expectations,
A Bighorn sheep is what I am