ALIVE Program

ALIVE (Adolescents Learning Important Values Experientially) is a year-long program that focuses on key academic, social and emotional needs by creating supportive relationships and experiences in the classroom and the outdoors. ALIVE serves 14 youth during each 12-month project period and kicks off with an eight-day backpacking trip in Yosemite National Park. This initial trip is designed to build trust among the youth, the adult instructors and trained volunteers who commit to mentoring the youth for the entire year. Twice-weekly after-school meetings provide a forum for peer support, one-on-one academic tutoring, community service opportunities and individualized assistance addressing the specific needs of the youth. Monthly outdoor trips keep the youth engaged, enhance peer and mentor relationships, strengthen physical health and promote environmental stewardship. ALIVE participants receive ongoing, comprehensive support, fostering their best chance for success.

“The best part about being a volunteer in the ALIVE
program is being able to be with the teens in so many different
environments and see how it changes/affects them. It feels
like such a privilege to introduce someone to something so
awesome and to be able to witness the growth. They are
literally split open by the experiences (backpacking, climbing,
yoga, etc) because they feel safe and trust us enough to open
up and grow.” –Lorien, ALIVE Volunteer

“I love watching the change from month to month as the
participants try out new activities and challenges. They are
growing together as a team and individually as they shed their
tough exteriors for new, character building experiences. It is
fascinating to watch two teens who would otherwise never mix
out there belaying and cheering each other up a difficult climb.
The shift is subtle but powerful and it is so exciting to watch
this experience spill over into the other areas of their lives.”
–Jen Whalen, Outdoor Outreach program manager