Outdoor Leadership Program

Hands-on learning and group problem-solving are at the heart of the Outdoor Leadership Program which is designed exclusively for former A THOUSAND SUMMERS Campership recipients in their late teens. The program is centered around an awe-inspiring summer wilderness expedition designed to continue the personal growth and leadership development that our Campership Program has built, while also providing the baseline skills necessary to secure access to our Camp Fellowship Program and employment in the outdoor industry.

The program, operated in collaboration with Open Roads, focuses on equipping a cohort of between 8 and 12 participants with the fundamentals of outdoor leadership, First Aid and Leave No Trace training , trip planning, and interpersonal and leadership skills that are highly coveted in the outdoor industry and other professional settings. Following the summer expedition, we work with the participants to identify relevant work opportunities and provide assistance with applications to secure future employment at summer camp and in the outdoor industry.

Sample Expedition Schedule

DAY 1

Arrive at Denver International Airport
Drive to campsite
Set up group camp, learn basics of tent location choice, kitchen set-up, and establishing group gathering areas
Prepare a first family-style meal
End-of-evening check-in circle

DAY 2

Morning routine ○ stretching, yoga, buffet breakfast
The “why” of outdoor education ○ examine some of the history, research, and support for the outdoors as a source of personal growth and health
Day hike ○ what to pack as a leader/guide ○ assessing group dynamics for risk management ○ how to use a map and compass ○ trail lunch and hydration
Evening program ○ creating and maintaining group dynamics, and setting our own group intentions/commitments

DAY 3

Outdoor Trip Leaders Workshop Intro ○ camp set up, gear maintenance ○ Cooking and cleaning: safe food handling- food storage, food groups and menu planning, how to cook, clean up time ○ learn/participate in team building games ○ group environment expectations: how to listen/talk with others ○ no harassment policy ○ health and wellness in the backcountry- social-emotional wellness ○ risk management in the backcountry: environmental hazards (weather, animals, and plants), shoes and clothing, river crossing, snow and ice ○ water purification ○ bathroom etiquette (frontcountry, backcountry, river, etc)
Leave No Trace 101 Workshop and Certification ○ learn the basics of Leave No Trace ○ Leave No Trace will be utilized and taught in all elements of the trip leaders workshop and will be performed throughout the expedition

DAY 4

Move to expedition base camp in Marble, Colorado
Documentary Storytelling ○ why do stories matter in outdoor education? ○ learning to listen to stories ○ interviews with participants about their summer camp experiences and why time in nature matters ○ journaling for emotional wellness ○ begin a series of writing prompts and intentional journal time that will continue throughout the expedition as a way to document and reflect on our learning and outdoor experiences
Comfort Zones ○ what is the difference between being in our comfort zone, being outside our comfort zone, and being in our discomfort zone? ○ why should we push them? ○ how pushing outside our comfort zone can have a positive effect on personal growth and emotional health

DAYS 5 – 6

Wilderness First Aid Training and Certification

DAYS 7-9

Backpacking Trip ○ pack for, and lead/shadow guide a two-night backpacking trip in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains
Service Work ○ trail maintenance service work along the route

DAY 10

Return to base camp
Recap of the week, interviews, and finish any formal classroom teaching
Community Service Day

Day 11 – 13

River Rafting ○ begin a three-day raft trip in Green River, Utah. Hit the open waters of Westwater Canyon – called “the West’s best short whitewater trip” by National Geographic. Discover the majesty of the Colorado River. Run exciting rapids through a billion-year-old canyon made of polished black stone. Explore side canyons and climb to the rim for a bird’s eye view and kick back on a raft and let the world float by. Dig your toes into the sand beaches at camp, journal, and share intentional conversations. This is the moment to imagine a bigger world ahead.

DAY 14

Depart from Denver International Airport

“The Outdoor Leadership Program is in response to our commitment to support our youth with leadership development opportunities that build upon their affinity for nature and sense of adventure and which also offers them the chance to transition into wilderness leaders, while continuing to make camp and outdoor education more inclusive and equitable.”

Tim Lucas, Executive Director

Who Is Eligible To Apply?

Former A THOUSAND SUMMERS Campership recipients in their late teens.

What Does The Program Cost?

The program costs $750 or your most recent family contribution, whichever is lower, and includes all travel, luggage, equipment, meals, and program expenses. If you are unable to cover the cost of the program, please contact A Thousand Summers as additional options may be available. A THOUSAND SUMMERS and its partners cover 100% of the cost of the program.

When Is The Application Due?

The application to participate in the Outdoor Leadership Program is due March 1st. Email us to register your interest in applying for this program.

What Do I Need To Bring On The Trip?

Participants will be provided with a packing list. All clothes must be packed into one small duffel, and personal items must be packed in one small backpack. All camping/tripping equipment will be provided by ATS/Open Roads.

Do I Need To Know How To Swim?

The trip is appropriate for people who can’t swim, although when on a rafting trip you must be comfortable getting into the water where we will teach you a certain level of self-rescue behaviors, such as kicking in a direction and reaching for a throw rope or raft, etc. We provide a U.S. Coast Guard–approved personal floatation device (PFD, or life jacket) that everyone is required to wear whenever you are near or on the water, including using personal crafts (such as inflatable kayaks and stand-up paddle boards), and while swimming. This will be covered in detail as we begin the river travel.

“This is something I definitely wanted when I aged out of camp. Honestly, I love it! One thing that’s super cool is that … I had met a couple of campers on our flight back to Chicago after our camp experience. Those are people I wish I could meet again. Meeting people [on the Outdoor Leadership program] who have shared some of those same experiences is really reassuring. No one else in my life has been on a two week canoeing trip. It lets me know you’re not alone. Different people from different camps that ATS offers bring unique strengths to this setting, and I like learning from them.”

Jean, Program Participant

Operated in collaboration with