North Cascades Institute

Mission

North Cascades Institute inspires environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature.

Description

Every young person deserves the chance to take root in a place that nurtures their confidence, curiosity, and sense of belonging—and to rise as a leader, ready to face the challenges ahead. Through immersive outdoor experiences, our programs help youth build lasting connections to nature, their community, their peers, and themselves. In a time when access to outdoor experiences remains inequitable, we strive to provide young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to explore, connect, grow, and thrive in the world. Please help youth take root and rise to become the next generation of environmental leaders by giving to North Cascades Institute. With your support, we can create transformative experiences that inspire young people to become stewards who protect the natural world and public lands.

Your donation will help 5th graders attend MOUNTAIN SCHOOL, our 3-day, 2-night program that introduces students to the natural and cultural history of the North Cascades. Participants benefit from spending time outside and learning how humans and the natural world are interconnected. Students, teachers, and chaperones look forward to attending Mountain School each year to explore a “classroom without walls” and to connect with the natural world and each other. Many schools build Mountain School into their curriculums for deeper learning with lessons focusing on wildlife, forest ecology, watersheds, and more.

Your gift will also help high school students experience canoe-camping and backpacking in the North Cascades through YOUTH LEADERSHIP ADVENTURES (YLA). For many, it’s their first time in the backcountry, and it's an experience that fosters resilience, independence, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Through hands-on conservation projects, leadership training, and climate action discussions, participants leave with new confidence and a vision for their role in creating a sustainable future.

Please partner with us to help young people take root in nature and community, to build their confidence, find connection, and inspire hope so that they rise as empathic, discerning, and compassionate leaders and stewards.

Please Give BIG for Youth—and have your gift matched 1:1—by scheduling your donation today!*

*Special thanks to Eric Hirst, Erin Rohan & Chris Nosko, Lee Whitford, Jane Talbot, George Sanders, and Andy Wickstrand for providing a $33,000 match!

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