Since 1973, Wilderness Ventures has been conducting exciting expeditions for beginners and experienced young adults, ages 13 through 20. Expeditions visit a variety of wilderness environments in the Western United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Europe, Australia, Central & South America, and the South Pacific for extended periods. Students learn outdoor and group leadership skills as well as gain an appreciation for various wilderness environments. Activities include backpacking, whitewater rafting & kayaking, mountaineering, biking, sailing, SCUBA, canoeing, sea kayaking, and community service. Participants come from nearly every state and several countries. Enrollment is limited, and applicants must submit school references prior to admission. Previous wilderness experience is not necessary.

SOAR staff lead expeditions in North Carolina, Florida Keys, Wyoming, California, and Costa Rica.

Youth build self-confidence, develop social skills, work on leadership and communication skills, while enjoying the many challenges of our wilderness areas.

Adventure activities include wilderness backpacking, horsepacking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, wildlife studies, mountaineering, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking and wilderness medicine. Summer expeditions range from two to four weeks in length. Shorter adventures of three to seven days are planned for the spring, fall and winter. Semester-length courses are available in the spring and fall.

The student to staff ratio is low.

We are a non-profit, non-denominational youth ministry. Our goal is to encourage everyone who attends in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.