Youth Adventure Week in Shenandoah National Park offers an exciting opportunity for youth aged 11-15 to spend a week camping, hiking, and engaging in educational and service activities in a beautiful national park setting. Thanks to a partnership with Shenandoah Park Trust, all costs—including transportation, food, and lodging—are fully covered for participating families. A diverse group of 10 youth, along with volunteers and staff of color, will join together for a week of adventure and personal growth. Throughout the program, participants will develop camping skills, enjoy mindfulness exercises, create art, and take part in meaningful service projects to give back to the park. The program aims to provide equal access, ensuring that cost or gear is not a barrier to participation. Youth will gain valuable lessons in responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, and environmental stewardship while building lifelong memories in the outdoors. Ultimately, the program seeks to bring diverse representation to Shenandoah National Park and empower the next generation of outdoor explorers and leaders.
Soul Trak’s Youth Backpacking Trip is a week-long immersive adventure where 10 youth participants, aged 15-18, challenge themselves by backpacking a 40-mile section of the iconic Appalachian trail. Over seven days, participants will develop foundational backpacking skills, including shelter setup, food management, hiking, and Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. Throughout the experience, social-emotional learning activities will help students explore topics like comfort zones, emotion identification, community agreements, and conflict resolution. Students will learn about the history, ecology, and conservation efforts that sustain the Appalachian Trail. By disconnecting from technology, participants remain fully present, focusing on building relationships and mastering outdoor skills. This program is designed for high school students, including those from Summer Search and previous Soul Trak Youth cohorts. By the end of the week, participants will have gained practical backpacking skills, enhanced their emotional and social competencies, and completed a physically and mentally challenging 40-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, leaving with a deep sense of accomplishment and self-reliance.
Moab Leaders’ Adventure Week, taking place from August 21-25, 2025, offers Soul Trak leaders an exciting opportunity to expand their outdoor skills, engage in leadership workshops, and explore important topics such as diversity in the outdoors. Over five days, six participants will experience climbing, canyoneering, and rafting while enjoying breathtaking sights at Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point. The program includes subsidized private group-guided services, allowing participants to safely and confidently try new activities in an outdoor setting. Team-building exercises will help foster a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging personal growth and collaboration among participants. Leaders will also have the chance to camp, further immersing themselves in the outdoor experience. By stepping out of their comfort zones, participants will gain new outdoor experiences, build confidence, and feel supported in their journey. The program is designed to empower Soul Trak leaders to confidently engage in and expand their outdoor experiences, especially in spaces that may not always feel diverse.
Soul Trak’s Spring Service Week in the USVI National Park on St. John offers participants the chance to volunteer for vital conservation work, including trail maintenance, invasive species removal, native species planting, and park beautification. During the week, participants will stay in the national park, providing a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty while contributing to its preservation. On scheduled days off, excursions such as boat trips, sightseeing, or scuba diving allow participants to explore the stunning surroundings in their downtime. Workshops will provide valuable insights into the history and culture of St. John, fostering a deeper understanding of the island's significance. This week of service is designed for Soul Trak members, volunteers, and college students aged 18+ who are eager to expand their outdoor experiences while giving back to the community. Participants will gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship while accumulating volunteer hours that contribute to the national park's mission. By the end of the week, participants will have broadened their comfort zones, developed a connection to the island, and gained a greater understanding of how their service contributes to preserving St. John’s rich history and natural beauty.
Soul Trak's Colorado Climbing Weekend invites Climbing Club alumni, ages 18+, to join a weekend of climbing and community in the beautiful Colorado wilderness. From Thursday to Sunday, a group of 10 climbers will experience guided climbing opportunities, receive valuable tips on planning their own climbing trips, and learn the fundamentals of climbing, including crag etiquette and gear management. Accommodations are fully covered (not including transportation), allowing participants to focus on honing their skills and enjoying the climbing experience. The program also offers an opportunity for climbers to reconnect with previous cohort members, fostering camaraderie and shared learning. With expert mentors leading the way, participants will gain hands-on knowledge of how to plan and execute outdoor climbing adventures. Climbers will be exposed to a new environment, with ample time to climb outdoors and take their skills to the next level. This weekend is designed to empower climbers with the confidence and tools to pursue climbing trips independently, all while forging meaningful connections within the climbing community.