The Explorers Program is a year-round program for youth in 6th grade through high school who attend Ithaca City School District schools. This program is free for participants and allows students to participate in activities that encourage and promote team building, communication skills, and personal growth. The long term nature of this program (up to 6 yrs), allows staff to develop strong relationships and bonds with participants and families. Past participants have described the strong relationships they develop with one another as being ‘their other family’. We strive to maintain a well-blended group, taking into consideration gender, age, municipality, income level, ability, race, and ethnicity.

The Pathfinders Program is a school-year program for young people in the 4th and 5th grades who reside in the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) limits. This program is free for participants and pairs two elementary schools from different areas together to have blended groups of rural and urban youth. This program brings different groups of youth together to get to know one another before they meet in middle school. Students participate in team-building and trust activities, hopefully building friendships along the way. They get opportunities to experience activities devoted to healthy living, cross-cultural understanding, and developing safe and practical walking and biking skills. Each cohort of 2 schools (6-12 participants), takes part in a block of five weekly sessions after school, during the school year. We make every effort to have well-blended groups and take into consideration gender, municipality, school, income level, ability, race, and ethnicity. Sign up for the Pathfinders Program.

The Trailblazers Program is a two-four week summer program for young people entering 6th grade who reside in the Ithaca City School District (ICSD). This program is free for participants and promotes team-building, communication skills, and personal growth. Through participation in this program, students increase their confidence and learn skills useful for successfully navigating middle school. We make every effort to have well-blended groups and take into consideration gender, municipality, income level, ability, and ethnicity.

Outdoor Adventure Programs are our fee-based and contractual programs that youth in Tompkins County can participate in. Activities include but are not limited to: tree climbing, indoor rock climbing, high adventure & leadership initiatives, canoeing, and more. All of our adventure programs focus on learning program basics, techniques, and leadership development while creating a culture of belonging and acceptance. We encourage participants to push their perceived limitations with the help of well-trained staff. Each program is offered to a group of 6- 12 youth who are similar ages which allow staff to pace the program to the group abilities and needs.