Introducing local underserved youth to conservation and the outdoors

North Cascades Wild is an exciting outdoor and community service program for high school students. At the heart of the program is a 12-day wilderness expedition to North Cascades National Park, with most summer trips canoe camping and backpacking on stunning Ross Lake in the heart of the park. The program also includes spring and fall Saturday community service and outdoor recreation field trips for Skagit and Whatcom County students and a fall Youth Leadership Conference.

Underserved high school youth complete valuable conservation service projects for the National Park Service while studying four themes that are interwoven throughout their experience: leadership development, community building, stewardship and developing a sense of place through the study of natural and cultural history. The program takes place over six trips from late June through late August (each session consists of two trips run concurrently). The program is free for those who qualify from high schools in Seattle, Lake Forest Park, Skagit County and Whatcom County, Washington.

Fifty-four teenagers will be selected and the ideal candidate will be a student who has not had many similar opportunities before, but is curious about the natural world, committed to community service and ready for an adventure. North Cascades Institute is proud to provide a unique opportunity for students to gain confidence and leadership skills in the outdoors, experience stewardship and community in the backcountry and learn more about themselves and others while working alongside National Park Service professionals.

North Cascades Wild is sponsored by North Cascades Institute and North Cascades National Park (NCNP), with additional support from the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation and Ross Lake Resort. The program is supported through Institute and NCNP fundraising and the generous support of individual donors and partners.

Program Purpose
North Cascades Wild is designed as a gateway for underserved students to jumpstart their lifelong engagement with nature, stewardship and community. The program aims to connect underserved youth to wild places, thus fostering the development of a stewardship ethic, building awareness and support for wilderness and public lands, and inspiring students to pursue higher education.

The curriculum achieves these goals through service project work and instruction in outdoor skills, Leave No Trace and natural and cultural history. In addition, students learn about leadership, team building, wilderness and public lands management and careers in natural resources while reflecting on their experience through discussion and journaling activities.

Additional Program Components
The program aims to not only engage participants, but also to involve their parents and families in stewardship and the outdoors. It includes pre-trip Student Parent Orientation meetings, one-day reunion boat tours on Ross Lake for participants and their families and a reunion celebration in the fall.

Skagit and Whatcom County students enjoy additional opportunities that include Saturday outdoor and community service field trips to local parks and public lands in the spring and fall. In addition, a Youth Leadership Conference for all students from North Cascades Wild and other Institute and park programs is planned for November 12-14, 2010. This event will take place at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center.

After the program, participants have the opportunity to continue their engagement through numerous opportunities offered by the Institute, Student Conservation Association and the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation to continue their newfound passion for wilderness, conservation and stewardship. Students earn community service hours, can build on their experience through senior culminating projects, and receive opportunities for employment with North Cascades National Park and the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Service.

Requirements
The program is free to those who qualify and who live in selected areas. For 2010, recruiting efforts are targeting high schools in Seattle, Lake Forest Park and Skagit and Whatcom Counties. No experience is necessary, but participants must be in good physical condition. The program involves daily canoeing and hiking over rugged terrain, often carrying a backpack containing food, water, extra clothing and camping gear. All group canoeing, backpacking and camping equipment is provided; limited personal gear is also available.

All participants are required to attend a Student Parent Orientation meeting before the summer trip. Meetings will be held during weekday evenings in May in Sedro-Woolley, Lake Forest Park and Seattle. Students must attend and are encouraged to bring at least one parent or guardian.

How to Apply
Applications must include a completed application form, parent/guardian signatures and a recommendation from a teacher, coach, employer or clergy member. Applicants must also complete an interview and a physical before being accepted into the summer program.

Skagit and Whatcom County high school students: Recruiting begins in January 2010. Applications are due February 10th.

Lake Forest Park and Seattle students: Recruiting begins in April 2010. Applications are due April 19th for Lake Forest Park students and April 26th for Seattle students.

For an application, more information or to help sponsor a North Cascades Wild trip, please contact Amy Brown, North Cascades Wild Program Coordinator, at abrown@ncascades.org or 360-854-2582.

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