Explorer Program

 

Created for foster youth to gain new experiences through travel, forge new friendships, and grow their confidence by exploring this big beautiful world. Students will participate in a workshop program to learn about all aspects of travel before embarking on a hiking trip to visit US National and State Parks.

Upcoming Trips

Shenandoah National Park, VA/DC – 2024

Day 1

  • Flight to Washington DC

Day 2

  • Site see Washington DC
  • Visit museums and national monuments

Day 3

  • Drive to Cabin
  • Hike through Shenandoah National Park

Day 4

  • White Water Rafting
  • Horseback riding

Day 5

  • Drive and stay in Williamsburg Virginia
  • Visit Monticello
  • Thomas Jefferson’s home

The  Bahamas – 2022

Day 1 

  • Board Royal Caribbean cruise at Port Miami
  • watch entertainment onboard ship

Day 2

  • Perfect Day at CocoCay Private Island
  • Spa + Massages

Day 3

  • Sightsee in Nassau, Bahamas,
  • Swim with Dolphins

Day 4

  • Return home

Rocky Mountains National Park, CO – 2022

Day 1

  • Flight and drive to Winter Park, CO

Day 2

  • Hike Fraser River Trail
  • ATV Continental Divide Tour

Day 3

  • Drive to Grand Lake
  • Horseback Riding at Winding River Resort
  • Independence Day Fireworks + Celebration

Day 4

  • Hike trails in Rocky Mountain National Park

Day 5

  • Ziplining Excursion
  • White Water Rafting

Day 6

  • Hike Mine Trails
  • Argo Mill Museum
  • Indian Hot Springs Mineral Caves, Pool

Day 7

  • Flight home

Tennessee & Smokey Mountains – 2020

Day 1: Flew out to Gatlinburg, TN

  • Drive to Tremont​
  • Hike Spruce Flats Falls
  • Hike Prong Trail

Day 2: Drive to Smokey Mountains Park

  • Hike Low Back Trail Head​
  • Hike Mt. Cammerer

Day 3: Drive to/through Roaring Fork

  • Hike Grotto Falls​
  • Hike summit of Mt. Leconte

Day 4: Zip Lining

  • White water rafting tour​
  • Star gazing

Grand Canyon National Park – 2019

Day 1: Flew out to Utah

Day 2: Hiked to Zion National Park​

Day 3: Hiked to Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 4: Hiked to Valley of Fire State Park​

Day 5: Drove back to St. George

  • Enjoyed the carnival​
  • Watched a fireworks show

Day 6: Hiked to the Grand Canyon

  • Toured Grand Canyon​

Day 7: Las Vegas Sightseeing

  • Flew back home​

Acadia National Park, Maine – 2018

Day 1: Flew out to Bangor, Maine

Day 2: Hiked to Bar Harbor

  • Whale watching boat expedition​
  • Crab cake and clam chowder dinner
  • Stayed in a remote cabin

Day 3: Hiked throughout Acadia National Park

Day 4: Hiked through Camden Hills State Park

  • Treked Megunticook Summit​

Day 5: Drove back to Bangor and flew home

Program Curriculum

Week 1: Getting Started

  • Introduce course goals
  • Build Group Dynamics
  • Establish Trip Expectations

Week 2: Travel Planning

  • Learn To Read Maps
  • Destination Research

Week 3: Know Your Surroundings

  • Learn Preparedness
  • Learn Survival Tactics
  • Prepare Hiking Gear

Week 4: Benefits Of Travel

  • Make Cultural Connections
  • Learn About Travel Abroad

Week 5: Planes, Trains & Automobiles

  • Learn About TSA​
  • Learn Suitcase Organization

Week 6: The Amazing Race

  • Scavenger Hunt Field Trip​
  • Receive Explorer Program Certificates

Sponsor & Get Involved

Feeling philanthropic? Donate and or volunteer today! Below is a button to our Amazon wishlist of items that would assist us very much in our future Explorer Program endeavors!

We are looking for sponsors for the following:​
  • Hiking Gear

  • Flights

  • Lodging

  • Car Rentals

  • Meals

  • Ride Sharing