Program Highlights and Responsibilities

Youth Adventure Programs

Soul Trak offers a range of year-round outdoor programming opportunities for our youth & family-level participants, designed to deepen their connection to local green spaces and engage them in meaningful ways. . Explore our exciting adventure opportunities and join us on a journey of discovery, growth, and connection with the great outdoors

School Year Programs: Youth Adventure Cohort

Held in both the spring and fall, this six-week program offers local DMV youth the opportunity to explore and connect with the natural beauty of our backyard parks and waterways. In partnership with 9th and 10th graders at KIPP Legacy High School, participants will engage in a variety of activities including hikes, bike rides, outdoor climbing, and a camping trip, gaining firsthand experience and knowledge about the local parks in our community.

Our program, now held on Thursdays after school from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, is designed to not only introduce youth to the wonders of their local green spaces but also to deepen their understanding of how they can utilize, benefit from, and protect these indispensable resources. Each session will take place at a different location, allowing participants to discover and engage with a variety of parks and outdoor environments throughout the DMV area.

From exploring forested trails to biking along scenic waterways, our adventures will stretch the understanding of how our youth occupies and interacts with these spaces. Led by experienced guides and outdoor educators, participants will learn essential outdoor skills, develop a sense of stewardship for the environment, and foster meaningful connections with their peers and mentors.

The culmination of our cohort will be an unforgettable overnight camping trip at Harper's Ferry, where participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, bond with their fellow adventurers, and reflect on their experiences throughout the program.

Program Highlights

  • Mental Health Awareness: Participants will engage in outdoor activities as a healthy outlet and develop healthy mental health practices, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being and self-care.
  • Environmental Education: Through wilderness experiences and exploration of their surroundings, students will develop a sense of place, learn environmental ethics, and gain an understanding of relevant policies, land management, and environmental issues, promoting stewardship for the natural world.
  • Leadership Development: The program will focus on teaching leadership skills through skill-building activities, modeling actions and behaviors, facilitating discussions, and providing performance-oriented feedback and coaching. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of leadership and its complexities.
  • Community and Team-Building: Emphasizing the importance of community, students will foster respectful relationships, collaborate on group goals, engage in service activities, and contribute to a positive learning environment, promoting a sense of belonging and unity within the group.
  • Social Justice Education: Participants will learn about social justice issues impacting various populations and explore solutions to address these challenges, promoting a sense of empathy, understanding, and advocacy for equality and justice.

Summer Programs: Youth Adventure Camp

Embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure with Soul Trak's Youth Expedition to Shenandoah National Park in 2024! Designed to immerse DMV youth aged 11-15 in the wonders of nature, this week-long program offers a unique blend of camping, service projects, and educational experiences. Participants will set up camp at iconic sites like Lewis Mountain or Big Meadows, engage in hands-on service projects to support the park's conservation efforts, and attend ranger talks to learn about the park's rich history and diverse ecosystems. From hiking excursions to exploring waterfalls and historic landmarks, each day promises exciting discoveries and meaningful connections with the natural world. With a focus on fostering stewardship and promoting diverse representation in outdoor spaces, this program aims to inspire a lifelong love for public lands and environmental conservation. Join us for an unforgettable journey of exploration, education, and adventure in Shenandoah National Park!

Program Highlights

  • Camping 101: Introducing youth to the joys of camping in a national park setting, including lessons on Leave No Trace principles and essential camping skills.
  • Service Projects: Engaging participants in hands-on service projects to help preserve and protect Shenandoah's natural environment, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility.
  • Educational Ranger Talks: Interactive sessions led by park rangers, offering insights into the history, wildlife, and conservation efforts of Shenandoah National Park.
  • Exploration Hikes: Guided hikes to scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and historic sites within the park, providing opportunities for adventure and discovery.
  • Cultural Learning: Delving into the rich history of Shenandoah, with a particular focus on the Black history of the park and surrounding area, promoting inclusivity and diverse representation in outdoor spaces.
  • Naturalist Talks: Educational sessions led by naturalists, offering fascinating insights into the park's diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
  • Astrology Lesson: A unique opportunity to learn about the night sky and stargazing, highlighting the importance of preserving natural darkness and promoting environmental awareness.

Summer Programs: Appalachian Backpacking Trip

 As a DC-based nonprofit committed to connecting urban communities with outdoor spaces and fostering a diverse coalition of outdoor leaders, we're thrilled to present our upcoming 8-day backpacking expedition in Shenandoah National Park. Partnering with organizations like the Shenandoah National Park Trust and the Appalachian Trail Conservation Corps, we'll trek along a scenic section of the iconic Appalachian Trail, spanning 50 miles through breathtaking landscapes. This expedition embodies our core values of exposure and stewardship, aiming to humble perspectives, push boundaries, and cultivate leadership qualities among participants. Through ranger-led programs, educational sessions, and immersive wilderness experiences, we'll empower Summer Search participants to become stewards of our natural world. Join us on this transformative journey and discover the beauty of Shenandoah National Park while making lasting memories and meaningful connections. Thank you for considering this proposal.

Program Highlights

  • Immersive Wilderness Experience: Participants will embark on an unforgettable journey through Shenandoah National Park, hiking along a scenic section of the legendary Appalachian Trail, spanning 50 miles of breathtaking landscapes.
  • Exposure to Nature and Stewardship: The expedition emphasizes exposure to the natural world and the importance of stewardship, fostering a deeper connection to the environment and empowering participants to become advocates for conservation.
  • Ranger-Led Educational Programs: Ranger-led sessions on topics like Leave No Trace principles and trail maintenance provide valuable insights and practical skills, enhancing participants' understanding of responsible outdoor recreation.
  • Community Building and Leadership Development: Participants will engage in group activities, fostering camaraderie and teamwork while developing essential leadership skills, setting the stage for personal growth and empowerment.
  • Opportunities for Personal Reflection: Amidst the stunning scenery of Shenandoah National Park, participants will have opportunities for personal reflection, allowing them to gain new perspectives and insights into themselves and the natural world.
  • Memorable Experiences: From camping under the stars to exploring scenic viewpoints and majestic waterfalls, each day of the expedition promises unforgettable experiences and meaningful connections with nature and fellow participants.
  • Comprehensive Itinerary: The carefully planned itinerary includes a range of activities, including day hikes, ranger talks, and opportunities for relaxation and exploration, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience for all.

Activities

Families will participate in activities such as:

  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Rock Climbing
  • Trail Maintenance
  • High Ropes Course

Workshops

While participating in workshops focusing on:

  • Environmental science
  • Leadership
  • Social Justice
  • Community building
  • Portfolio building
  • Outdoor technical Skills

Soul Trak Outdoors Youth Programs

In addition to our youth adventure cohort, we also facilitate community-wide events for families. These family events are for anyone who is interested. Please head over to our events page and register for one of our upcoming family programs, we can wait to have you! 

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