As part of our commitment to the community, Balanced Rock offers programs for local youth. Balanced Rock Youth Expeditions are rites of passage that focus on developing confidence-building skills that include: self-care, decision making, and leadership through educational programs that combine classroom and wilderness experiences.
History
The Yosemite Youth Expedition is a scholarship-based program for Mariposa County high-school-aged youth. Our 2010 program was funded by a grant from the Pacific Forests and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council with support from the Yosemite Rotary Club and local donors. We worked in partnership with Ethos Youth Center, Mountain Crisis Services, Mariposa Safe Families, Mariposa County Unified School District, and the National Park Service to organize a series of adventures that culminated in a 4-day backpacking expedition in Yosemite National Park.
2012 Program
Dates:
Yosemite Dayhikes: April 29 & May 19, 2012
Yosemite Backpack: June 8 -11, 2012
2012 Instructors and Guides:
Arin Trook; NatureBridge Mentor-Teacher
Alison Tudor; Director, Mountain Crisis Services
Tyson Wellcome; Founder of Ethos Youth Center
Heather Sullivan; Program Director, Balanced Rock
On this empowering course, you will build confidence and leadership skills through completing outdoor challenges such as backpacking and sleeping outside for the f irst time. You will also learn about practices for healthy living and tools to support your personal goals. We will concentrate on stewardship & environmental justice concepts while appreciating the beauty of Yosemite National Park. Currently in its third year, this program is offered in partnership with Mountain Crisis Services, Ethos Youth Center and the National Park Service.
Two day hikes will culminate in a backpacking expedition in Yosemite National Park. If you are interested in joining this group, and you are a high school student in Mariposa County, call us at 379-9453, or email heather@balancedrock.org.
We will be utilizing the YARTS bus for transportation to and from the park.
*MVC is Mariposa Visitor Center bus stop
For more information, watch our short video:
Enrollment Forms
Letter to Parents:
- PDF TO COME
Schedule:
- PDF TO COME
Medical Form:
Trip Release Forms
Liability Waiver:
Field Trip Release:
- PDF TO COME