Summer Outdoor Leadership Adventures

Day 1: Waterfall Hunting Hike
We start the week with a scenic hike through forest trails in search of hidden waterfalls. As we move through cool canyon air and fern lined paths, students begin building a shared group culture rooted in respect and curiosity. Along the way, we talk about what makes Central Oregon unique and begin developing a sense of place. 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:  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.

Day 4: Caving Adventure in Lava Tubes
From the heights of Smith Rock to the depths of Oregon’s underground world, we explore ancient lava tubes formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. With helmets and headlamps, students move through cool, dark passages while learning about the region’s geology and the wildlife that depends on these unique habitats. Through conversations that include insights from Sara Rose, an OSU wildlife biologist, Explorers learn about bat ecology and why these underground spaces matter. Traveling below the surface challenges students to communicate clearly, practice risk management, and build trust as a team in a completely new environment.

Day 5: Whitewater Rafting – The Big Eddy Thriller!
We’re ending the week with an adrenaline filled 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. During the day, we connect with Tara Chapmon, an OSU herpetologist, who shares her research on native and invasive frogs and toads and what they reveal about river health. The week ends with a strong focus on stewardship, helping students understand their role in protecting the places they enjoy.

What’s Next?
Explorers leave the week with new outdoor skills, stronger friendships, and a growing awareness of how they impact the natural world. They have practiced communication, stepped beyond comfort zones, and learned that leadership begins with caring for people and place. This is just the beginning of their journey with SOL Adventures.

We can’t wait to adventure with you this summer. See you out there!

Day 1: Rock Climbing at Smith Rock
The week begins at Smith Rock State Park. Students build climbing technique while practicing a culture of trust through belay systems, clear communication, and shared responsibility. Conversations with the Smith Rock Rangers focus on human impacts in high use recreation areas and how thoughtful decision making protects fragile landscapes. Leadership learning centers on understanding roles and Leader Of the Day responsibilities, and how preparation supports the entire group.

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.

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. On the trails, students refine technical riding skills while continuing to build awareness and group communication. Environmental conversations focus on creating a sense of place and understanding how recreation fits within larger land management systems. With guidance from your instructors, you’ll be amazed at how much your skills grow in just one day.

Day 4: Water Sports & Alpine Lake Camping
After land-based adventures yesterday, 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. The overnight experience increases responsibility as students take active roles in camp systems and group logistics. 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 trail, students learn about pikas and human history in the region, with insights from Matt Shinderman, an OSU wildlife biologist. The final conversation centers on stewardship and transference. 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!

SOL Adventures is a summer program that combines outdoor adventure, leadership development, and environmental stewardship for students in grades 6-11. 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 6-11, 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 (9/10/11th 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.