Summer Outdoor Leadership Adventures

Day 1: Waterfall Hunting Hike
We’ll start the week with a scenic waterfall hike, trekking through lush forests to find hidden cascades. Along the way, we’ll explore the unique ecosystems that thrive in these misty, fern-covered canyons, splash in cool pools, and take in the incredible sights and sounds of rushing waterfalls. This is a perfect way to kick off our adventure — immersed in nature, moving together as a group, and getting ready for an exciting week ahead!

• Environmental Science Topic: Sense of Place in Central Oregon
• Leadership Focus: Creating Group Culture

Day 2: Climbing at Smith Rock
Time to climb! Today, we’ll head to Smith Rock, one of the most famous climbing spots in the country. Whether you're a first-time climber or eager to test your skills, our expert guides will help you learn the ropes — literally! You’ll practice problem-solving, trust, and determination as you make your way up the rock walls, all while taking in the stunning views of the Crooked River below.

• Environmental Science Topic: Oregon Geology with University of Oregon's Danielle McKay
• Leadership Focus: Comfort Zones

Day 3: Mountain Biking
Today is all about building biking skills in a fun and supportive setting. We’ll start by practicing mountain biking skills to handle different types of terrain. Once we’re comfortable, we’ll hit the surrounding trails to put our new skills into action. Whether you're just getting started or ready to take on some exciting trails, today is all about building confidence, control, and having a blast on two wheels.

• Environmental Science Topic: Fire Ecology
• Leadership Focus: Risk Management

Day 4: Caving Adventure in Lava Tubes
From the heights of Smith Rock to the depths of Oregon’s underground world, we’ll explore ancient lava tubes, venturing into cool, dark tunnels formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. With helmets and headlamps, we’ll navigate twisting passages, learn about the geology of the area, and experience the excitement of true exploration.

• Environmental Science Topic: Bat Facts with Oregon State University's Sara Rose
• Leadership Focus: Communication

Day 5: Whitewater Rafting – The Big Eddy Thriller!
We’re ending the week with an adrenaline-pumping adventure on the Deschutes River. The “Big Eddy Thriller” is a Class 3 whitewater rafting run, perfect for an exciting introduction to rafting. You’ll paddle through splashing rapids, work as a team, and experience the thrill of moving water with an experienced guide. It’s the perfect way to celebrate all the challenges you’ve taken on this week — strong, confident, and ready for more adventures ahead!

• Environmental Science Topic: Water Connects Us All with Upper Deschutes Watershed Council's Katie Warham
• Leadership Focus: Stewardship

What’s Next?
The Explorers program is just the beginning of your journey as an outdoor adventurer. By the end of the week, you’ll have built new skills, made great friends, and gained the confidence to take on even bigger challenges in the future. Whether you’re climbing, biking, paddling, or hiking, you now have the foundation to explore the outdoors with curiosity, courage, and excitement.

We can’t wait to adventure with you this summer — see you out there!

Day 1: Rock Climbing at Smith Rock
The adventure begins on the cliffs of Smith Rock, one of the most iconic climbing destinations in the country. Whether you’re a first-time climber or looking to refine your skills, this day is all about learning technique, problem-solving on the wall, and supporting your teammates as you climb to new heights. The views from the top are just the beginning of what’s in store this week!

• Environmental Science Topic: Human Impacts of Climbing with High Desert Climbers Alliance
• Leadership Focus: Culture of Trust

Day 2: Whitewater Rafting and River Science on the Deschutes River
Navigators spend a half day rafting a Class 3 stretch of the Deschutes River, building confidence and teamwork in a dynamic river environment. With guidance from experienced guides, students practice paddling technique, communication, and risk management on the water while navigating splashy rapids together. The day also includes time with local expert Tara Chapmon, an OSU herpetologist, who shares her research on native and invasive frogs and toads and how river conditions affect their survival. It’s a balanced day that combines adventure, leadership practice, and hands-on environmental learning.

• Environmental Science Topic: Habitants of the Deschutes & River Cleanup with Surf Instructor Chip Conrad
• Leadership Focus: Stewardship

Day 3: Mountain Biking the Deschutes National Forest
Get ready to ride! Today, we’ll hit the flowy mountain biking trails of Central Oregon, winding through pine forests and rocky terrain. Whether you’re a cruiser or crushing technical sections, this day is all about having fun on two wheels. With guidance from your instructors and a local legend, you’ll be amazed at how much your skills grow in just one day.

• Environmental Science Topic: Protecting Local Wildlife
• Leadership Focus: Risk Management

Day 4: Water Sports & Alpine Lake Camping
After three days of land-based adventures, we’re heading to the water! Spend the day paddling across a pristine alpine lake, playing kayak polo, or learning canoeing techniques. We’ll focus on learning strokes to build independence and have a blast on the water before setting up camp along the shore. After a day of paddling and exploring, we’ll cook dinner together, share stories around the campfire, and fall asleep under a sky full of stars.

• Environmental Science Topic: TBD
• Leadership Focus: Spheres of Influence

Day 5: Scenic Alpine Hike
For our final adventure, we’ll lace up our trail shoes and take on a scenic alpine hike, exploring stunning mountain trails with sweeping views. Along the way, we’ll reflect on the challenges we’ve tackled, the skills we’ve built, and the friendships we’ve formed. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a week of adventure and head home feeling strong, inspired, and ready for whatever challenge comes next!

• Environmental Science Topic: What Matters to You? Environmental WOW Share Out
• Leadership Focus: Transference

What’s Next?
The Navigators program is more than just a week of outdoor fun — it’s a chance to challenge yourself, grow as a leader, and connect with the natural world in a whole new way. You’ll leave with new skills, unforgettable memories, and the confidence to take on any adventure that comes your way.

We can’t wait to explore with you this summer — let’s get out there!

Day 1: Community Action Project and Pack Check
The week starts with a local service project focused on watershed health, followed by a full pack check and gear organization. Students learn how we manage equipment, food systems, and group logistics on an expedition. Leadership sessions introduce shared roles, group norms, and expectations for decision-making and accountability throughout the week.

Environmental science focuses on beaver dam analogues and how restoration work supports water storage and habitat. Leadership skills include planning ahead, preparing as a team, and understanding how individual responsibilities affect the whole group.

Day 2: Big Lake Canoe Skills and Risk Management Practice
At Big Lake, students build canoe skills, including paddling techniques, boat control, and risk management on the water. We practice rescues, communication, and responses to common river scenarios. The group camps nearby, giving students their first chance to manage camp routines together.

Science learning looks at snowpack and how water moves through Oregon’s watersheds. Leadership sessions focus on defining roles and navigating group dynamics.

Days 3: Travel to the Grande Ronde River and Prep Launch
We travel to the put-in near Minam, Oregon, and prepare for the expedition portion of the week. Students help organize gear, review river protocols, and participate in route and camp planning. Camp is set along the river corridor, marking the transition from practice days to full expedition travel.

Environmental topics include Leave No Trace river practices and human impact in remote river systems. Leadership learning focuses on decision-making styles and adapting plans based on conditions.

Day 4: Launch on the Grande Ronde
We launch canoes, and the expedition begins. Students rotate leadership roles, navigate current and river features, and work together to move the whole group downriver. Camps are located along the river, with time in the evening for lessons, games, group circles, and reflection.

Environmental science covers aquatic native and invasive species and what they indicate about river health. Leadership skills emphasize strengths mapping and using different abilities effectively within a team.

Day 5: Full Day of Canoeing
Students spend the day traveling downriver, managing energy, communication, and group decisions.

Environmental learning focuses on anadromous fish and the Columbia River watershed, connecting what students see locally to larger systems across the region. Leadership discussions explore values, tradeoffs, and how leaders make choices when priorities compete.

Day 6: Final River Miles and Camp
The group completes the final stretch of the canoe journey and sets camp for the last night on the river. Environmental discussions connect snowpack, water availability, and wildfire risk. Students reflect on how these systems interact and where human decisions play a role.

Leadership sessions focus on identifying ways students can take what they’ve learned into their schools, communities, and future outdoor experiences.

Day 7: Return to Base, De-rig, and Closure
The program wraps up with travel back to base, de-rigging gear, and a meaningful closure. Students reflect on their growth and talk through next steps for applying leadership skills beyond the program.

A Changemaker graduate is a capable outdoor adventurer, grounded in environmental science, and prepared to lead with purpose in their communities.

What’s Next?
The week may be over, but the experiences, friendships, and skills you’ve gained will last far beyond these adventures. Whether you’re tackling another outdoor challenge, stepping up as a leader in your community, or simply carrying the confidence you built into whatever comes next, you are a Changemaker!

We can’t wait to explore, learn, and adventure with you this summer. Let’s go!

SOL Adventures is a summer program that combines outdoor adventure, leadership development, and environmental stewardship for students in grades 6-10. Guided by certified teachers and local experts, students gain hands-on experience in nature, develop technical outdoor skills, and engage in community action projects.

SOL Adventures is open to all students entering grades 6-10, regardless of whether they attend Cascades Academy. We welcome students from all backgrounds who are eager to learn, explore, and develop leadership skills in an outdoor setting.

• Explorers (6th Grade): Focuses on teamwork, confidence-building, and an introduction to outdoor skills.
• Navigators (7/8th Grades): Expands leadership and environmental literacy through more challenging adventures.
• Changemakers (9/10th Grades): Empowers students to lead, engage with local experts, and take meaningful action in their community.

SOL Adventures takes place in a variety of outdoor environments, including the National Forest, the Deschutes River, the Cascade Mountains, and Central Oregon high desert. Some activities will be based at Cascades Academy, while most will be in the field.

Depending on the program, students will participate in activities such as hiking, rock climbing, peak ascents, caving, canoeing, camping, whitewater rafting, and environmental science projects.

Risk management is our top priority. Our instructors are trained in wilderness first aid, and all activities follow best practices for outdoor education and risk management. We also ensure students are properly equipped and briefed before each adventure. We use a strategy called "Getting AMP'd" to help students learn to analyze, mitigate, and prepare for any activity that includes inherent risks. 

Backpack, water bottle, appropriate layers for the day, outdoor footwear, packed lunch, morning and afternoon snack, swimwear, and towel on water days. A detailed packing list will be provided before the program. They are welcome to use their own camping gear or we can provide it if necessary. Specialized gear for activities like rock climbing, caving, mountain biking, and paddling will be provided.

No prior experience is required! Our program is designed to accommodate beginners while also challenging those with more experience.

Students should bring their own lunches and snacks each day unless otherwise noted. All meals are provided on overnight trips as part of the outdoor experience.

• Log into the parent portal (link coming soon)
• You will see the season you are registered for, such as "Summer 2025"
• Click on “view details”
• At the bottom of the page, it will say “upload photo”
• On the right hand side you will see the “forms” area
• Any forms you have yet to complete will be listed there with the “to be completed” icon
• Click on the name of each form and it will take you to it
• Fill out the forms, click save and submit, and you are ready to go
   

Each level of the program emphasizes leadership skills, technical outdoor skills, and environmental stewardship. Explorers (rising 6th) will work collaboratively on group projects to recognize and celebrate their strengths. Navigators (rising 7/8th) will investigate an environmental topic that sparks their curiosity and present their discoveries to their peers. Older students in the Changemakers program (rising 9/10th) will work closely with local experts on hands-on citizen science and conservation projects. They will work within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to identify a social or ecological concern that matters to them personally. They will practice asset-mapping to identify their unique strengths and explore how they can contribute meaningfully to their community and the world. 

We welcome families and friends to a final showcase event on the last day to see what students have learned and accomplished.

All cancellations will incur a $59.50 cancellation fee. Cancellations made 30 days or more before the start of a session will receive a full refund, less the $59.50 cancellation fee. Cancellations made 14-29 days before the start of a session will receive a 50% refund, less the $59.50 cancellation fee. Cancellations made 13 days or less before the start of a session are non-refundable.

We request that your teen monitors themselves for symptoms of illness. If your teen is experiencing any symptoms, they must refrain from attending the program until they no longer have a fever without medication. We kindly ask that you please alert the SOL Adventures Director, Kori Donley, at donley@cascadesacademy.org if your teen is experiencing any symptoms.