The Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC) changes lives. It is an incredible leadership and literacy program that makes a difference! Every summer, 10 young adults are exposed for 40 days to a range of natural environments & wilderness experiences designed to inspire the confidence needed to envision & accomplish critical life goals.
This is the second year, that I have had the opportunity to participate in this Cal Berkley sponsored program and I am hooked. Experiencing first hand the transformation of these sparked youths as they face their fears and become empowered is awesome. From my first visit to the home base at Sage Hen north of Truckee, I was struck by the power and beauty of the land. It was there that I met Jose’. With a heart of gold and an openness that touched me deep, he inspired me.
Ten days later, after a five day backpack trip into the High Sierra, including a 24hr solo introspective journey, they descended into Squaw and paid us a visit at the gallery. It had only been a short time since I had seen them last, but the transformation I heard in their voices and saw in their body language was unmistakable. They were happy and tired from their immersion in our backyard. They were covered in a beautiful soft layer of dust and had big smiles with eyes sparkling bright. As I showed them around the gallery, sharing stories about faraway lands they engaged me with a slew of probing questions that made the entire Gallery team smile. An air of Inspiration, openness and hope filled our creative space and reminded us all how lucky we are live a life of daily passion… Living in the moment, being adventurous, taking chances to be all you can be is everyone’s true calling.
Last night, we met up again, this time at the gracious Cedar House in Truckee for ARC’s 10th annual Voices of Youth. The room was filled by our beautiful mountain tribe. One by one each of the ten students got up, exposed themselves and shared their personal stories of challenge and hope. Each and everyone spoke their truths and touched us all deeply. When they were done it was my turn. I looked out at these amazing kids and was filled with love and hope. I shared my perspective, my own path of Adventure, Risk and Challenge and the unexpected journey that lead me to the PUSH to the south pole. How Grant and Shawns Korgan’s Love trumped the most incredible physical feat I had ever seen and how the experience had transformed me…Learning first hand how unrelenting focus and positivity can make anything possible.
Thank You ARC.
From my humble perspective, your team of dedicated souls makes all the difference.
