
SAIL2CHANGE
FRESH WIND FOR YOUTH

FOUR WEEKS OF SAILING AND BACKPACKING
Our pilot year began on June 29th, 2019 as a four-week summer program for upcoming 10th-grade students. The purpose of this program is to provide the opportunity for students to empower themselves and learn survival skills that connect them to the natural environment through Wilderness Survival Training and Sailing Courses. The program builds trust, leadership skills, self-confidence, and teamwork.
Students passed the required 50 meters swimming test before the program began, which was necessary to participate in both the sailing portion and supplemental recreation opportunities in the area.
The Wilderness Experience and Survival Camp portion were hosted by the US Forest Service at Trappers Creek Campground on Odell Lake. Through hands-on activities and presentations, led by local USFS experts, students gained an understanding of Leave-no-trace Ethics, Forest Fire, Ecology, Bats of the Pacific Northwest, Wildlife Safety, Spotted Owls and other Endangered Species, Native Plant and Tree Identification, Oregon Fisheries, Geology and Hydrology, Archaeology/Native American History, Natural Resource Career Opportunities.
Following wilderness training, students separated into two smaller groups, each with two qualified instructors, to begin navigation from Odell Lake to the wilderness. With the guidance of instructors, each group had the opportunity to plan their route- based on group ability. Each group was responsible for packing their food (provided by the program) and equipment.
Programs and events will be available to youth throughout 2019 to keep the participants connected to the Wilderness and Sailing community. All participants are offered an active mentorship program for one year. Professional mentors will be available 24/7 for all the students throughout the year.