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!

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.

Day 3: 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.

Day 4: Mountain Biking at The Lair
Today is all about building biking skills in a fun and supportive setting. We’ll start at The Lair, a mountain biking skills park where we can practice handling 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.

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!

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!

Day 2: Caving Adventure in Lava Tubes
Time to trade towering cliffs for the mysterious underground. We’ll explore ancient lava tubes, navigating twisting passageways and learning about the region’s volcanic history. As we move through the dark tunnels, we’ll rely on communication and problem-solving to guide the way — this is a true adventure in exploration and discovery!

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.

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 having 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.

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!

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: Mountain Biking the Cascade Range Alpine 
Kick off the week with an action-packed day of mountain biking just outside of Bend. Ride through sweeping pine forests, swooping singletracks, and thrilling downhill sections as you get a taste of the region’s legendary trails. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to the sport, our instructors and a local legend will help you build confidence and technique while exploring the high alpine.

Day 2: Rock Climbing at Smith Rock
Rise and shine — it’s time to scale the world-famous cliffs of Smith Rock! With the Crooked River winding below, you’ll tackle routes suited to your skill level, learning essential climbing techniques, and problem-solving strategies. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you ascend the vertical world, support your teammates, and push beyond your limits.

Days 3-4: Whitewater Rafting Backcountry Overnight on the Lower Deschutes River
Get ready for two unforgettable days on the river! We’ll paddle through exciting Class 3 rapids, and work together to navigate the waves, eddies, and holes.

Along the way, we’ll collaborate with Christi Kruse, a biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, on a hands-on conservation project. As we travel down the river, we’ll collect data on native and invasive species — contributing to research that helps inform Oregon’s management plan for the Lower Deschutes. This is a unique opportunity to see how adventure and science intersect, giving us a new perspective on how we can protect the environments we explore.

After a day of paddling and research, we’ll camp under the stars, share stories by the fire, and discuss how outdoor leadership translates into real-world impact. There’s nothing quite like drifting off to sleep with the sound of the river nearby, knowing another adventure awaits in the morning.

Day 5: Peak Ascent of Broken Top
The grand finale — summiting Broken Top, one of Oregon’s most stunning peaks! This alpine ascent will test your endurance, mental strength, and teamwork as we climb toward the summit for jaw-dropping 360° views of the Cascade Range. This is your chance to put everything you’ve learned into practice, pushing yourself to new heights — literally. Standing at the summit, you’ll reflect on the challenges you’ve overcome and the leader you’re becoming.

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.