STORIES OF IMPACT | Andrew N.
Finding His Future on a Mountain Trail
Andrew Negron will never forget the first time he climbed Vermont’s Jay Peak with his CatRock friends at age 15. “Just as we almost got to the summit, after hiking one of the steepest sections of the trail, I noticed we were among the clouds. Everything was white and gray. There was no view. The only thing I could see was the look on everyone’s face. Everyone was so excited. When we finally reached the summit, there was still no view, only the look as everyone realized they had achieved something they had never before thought possible.”
That climb was a pivotal moment for Andrew. “That experience made me want to stay with CatRock.”
Today, six years later, Andrew is an alum of the CatRock Ventures program who now leads that same trip to Jay Peak and many other activities. “When I look back, it makes me appreciate what CatRock offers to so many who wouldn’t otherwise have these experiences at such a young age.”
Reaching that milestone atop Jay Peak drives the CatRock mission. The Bronx nonprofit provides underserved Bronx youth with transformative outdoor experiences, community service learning opportunities, and academic support. Through hands-on programs and activities, students ages 13-18 build a personal connection to the outdoors, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and a dedication to making a difference in their own communities. The students also develop leadership potential, communication skills, and teamwork.
“CatRock builds community. We focus on people coming together to achieve common goals and learn about themselves and each other.”
CatRock’s yearly Jay Peak trip — a week of outdoor fun, sports, and skills-building during the April school break — epitomizes the organization’s mission. Students spend the week skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and snowshoeing while learning about conservation and sustainability and putting their leadership skills to the test. The Jay Peak trip culminates with the hike to the summit that is planned by the students utilizing the skills they have acquired.
“We put all our skills, determination, and perseverance to the test,” explains Andrew. “The hike is pretty difficult. We have to account for different elevations, the weather, and everyone’s hiking abilities to ensure we all make it to the summit safely. We have to look out for one another, stay hydrated, and motivate one another to get to the top.”
Moments like these at Jay Peak create invaluable learning experiences. “CatRock builds community,” continues Andrew. “We focus on people coming together to achieve common goals and learn about themselves and each other.”
For Andrew, that first Jay Peak summit impacted his life in a big way. “Being a CatRock alum has given me a strong sense of purpose in what I want to do with my life: Continue to build community, share the skills I have learned through CatRock, and be an environmental activist.”
For CatRock, it’s mission accomplished.