YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
The CatRock Youth Leadership Academy is the program at the heart of CatRock Ventures. The program is a multi-year, rigorous experiential training and certification program which includes multi-day outdoor expeditions, outdoor skills development, leadership training, environmental education and wilderness first aid certification.
The Leadership Academy partners with the nationally recognized Sierra Club Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO) program and the Discover Outdoors Foundation. Most of the Academy’s activities are based in the outdoors so students learn through real, hands-on experiences. Expeditions include, but are not limited to, hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing, rafting and snowboarding.
During the program students are encouraged to document their experiences using journals and cameras. From there, students come back to our Adventure Makerspace and Design Lab to learn basic skills of blogging and design. This provides them the opportunity to share their experiences with the world - advancing their literacy and technology skills.
CatRock Youth Leadership Academy graduates co-lead outdoor trips for younger students through the ICO network locally and nationally. They become group leaders in many of CatRock’s trips and community service projects. Graduates frequently volunteer to help mentor younger students.
