Yosemite Field Station

25 May, 12 PM - 07 Aug, 12 PM

For this reservation, ARC requests the use of the Field Station for Lead Instructor Training (programmatic, curricular, risk management, backpacking), All Staff Training (programmatic, curricular, risk management, backpacking), summer course preparation, and throughout all of the summer courses and summer course debrief and wrap-up. Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC) is a unique nonprofit for underrepresented and under-resourced high schoolers in California’s Tahoe-Truckee and Central Valley regions. Through a comprehensive, year-round, and multi-year program, ARC integrates leadership development, outdoor experiences, literacy growth, and community building to support youth in their personal and academic journeys. ARC engages about 200 students each year from rural areas, many of whom are English learners and come from low-income households. ARC provides all gear, apparel, transportation, and food at minimal cost to students. Most of our students pay just $1 per program day. ARC is committed to increasing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in field-based inquiry. During the Academic Year, ARC facilitates a cohort-based curriculum that includes identity and leadership development workshops, in-depth writing projects with public speaking components, and college-access support. There is weekly programming in Dos Palos (Merced County), Firebaugh (Fresno County), Truckee (Nevada County), and North Tahoe (Placer County). Youth who lack access to outdoor recreation and academic enrichment can participate in monthly outdoor trips to State and National Parks and NRS field stations. During the Summer, students can apply to participate in a 34-day Immersive course or an 11-day Stepping Stone course in Yosemite National Park. Summer courses alternate between backpacking expeditions and basecamp experiences. We provide a small student-to-teacher ratio with hands-on instruction in literacy, environmental science, leadership, and outdoor skills, all while navigating the complexities and joys of living with a close-knit cohort of high schoolers and experienced outdoor educator instructors. ARC’s immersive summer courses are aligned with Common Core Anchor Standards for Reading, Language, Speaking and Listening, and Writing, and many students earn academic and physical education credits on their high school transcripts. In 2024, 100% of participants reported gaining a greater appreciation for the natural world and 90% felt more confident in their writing. One Yosemite Immersive Course graduate shared, “The outdoors where I live isn't very fun, it's always super hot and dusty. Here though, it's nice and the air is clean. I have grown to like the outdoors more, and I will travel back to Yosemite whenever I am older.” For our summer programming, we hold multiple staff trainings focused on teaching, learning, and growing together. These sessions ensure a high level of competency in risk management, mental health support, outdoor skills, leadership and community building, literacy development, human history, and environmental science. It is essential to us that our diverse team of staff is fully prepared to deliver a well-rounded, enriching experience for every participant. Our vision is that all youth become stewards of their own futures, their communities, and the environment. By connecting students with wilderness spaces, particularly the opportunity to live in Yosemite National Park, we inspire environmental responsibility and future stewardship. Our programs work to break down barriers in both academic and outdoor fields by offering courses at minimal cost, ensuring that students from low-income, rural backgrounds have the same opportunities to grow and thrive as their peers.

Visit #94648 @Yosemite Field Station

Approved

Under Project # 59111 | Public Use

Adventure Risk Challenge Summer Program

k_12_instructor - Adventure Risk Challenge

Visitor List

Mel Hoffman May 25 - Jun 8, 2025 (15 days)
Group of 4 K-12 Instructor May 25 - Jun 8, 2025 (15 days)
Mel Hoffman Jun 8 - 28, 2025 (21 days)
Group of 11 K-12 Instructor Jun 8 - 28, 2025 (21 days)
Mel Hoffman Jun 28 - Aug 7, 2025 (41 days)
Group of 8 K-12 Instructor Jun 28 - Aug 7, 2025 (41 days)

Reserve Amenities | Create Invoice

Joyce Cabin (long term) 5 May 25 - Aug 7, 2025
Dull Cabin (long term) 8 Jun 8 - 28, 2025
Joyce Cabin (long term) 4 Jun 8 - Aug 7, 2025