Program’s unique outdoor learning courses foster leadership, literacy, environmental stewardship and connection with nature among high school students
TAHOE CITY, Calif. (March 30, 2021) – Iran Pacheco, an eleventh grade student at North Tahoe High School, will tell you that the Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC) program she participated in last summer changed her life. In her words, “being outside more and staying active has made me more energetic, focused and happy.” The program also helped her build new friendships, gain confidence and get more involved. Reasons like these are why the Tahoe Fund has partnered with ARC to offer support for its programs.
“The goals of the ARC program are well aligned with those of the Tahoe Fund, and on behalf of our donors, we are pleased to contribute to their efforts to inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental stewards,” said Meg Sandman, Tahoe Fund board member. “It is incredibly rewarding to support opportunities for local students to spend time outdoors learning and experiencing things they can’t get in a traditional classroom atmosphere.”
Designed to provide immersive outdoor and academic programs for underserved youth, ARC courses introduce first-generation students, English-language learners and all students who are motivated to experience a challenging outdoor and academic adventure in the Sierra Nevada mountains to outdoor recreation including backpacking, rock climbing and more. Paired with a curriculum focused on reading, writing and public speaking, students develop a broad understanding of what they’re capable of doing.
“Contributions from generous donors like the Tahoe Fund are critical to our ability to provide year-round outdoor and academic programs to young people who might otherwise not have access,” said Will Fassett, Adventure Risk Challenge associate director. “We are grateful that they share our commitment to inspiring environmental stewardship in the next generation.”
Since 2004, ARC has had over 300 summer graduates and 2,500+ year-round participants. A three-site organization that started in Tahoe, the program’s success is highlighted by the fact that 81% of participants go on to attend a two or four-year college. In addition, they experience growth in seven important developmental assets including positive identity, social competencies, and commitment to learning.
The summer 2021 ARC program is accepting applications now until April 23, and will take place in Tahoe from July 5 through August 7. For students who have been spending significant time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ARC summer course will offer a month of outdoor adventures. Visit www.adventureriskchallenge.org/apply to learn more about the program and to submit an application. Visite https://adventureriskchallenge.org/es/programacion/ para obtener más información sobre el programa y enviar una solicitud.
Learn more about the Tahoe Fund and the programs it supports at www.tahoefund.org.