At Ascend, we are alarmed by the physical, emotional, social, and environmental consequences of dwindling exposure to nature in average American life.  That is why we are dedicated to creating opportunities for youth and adults to discover the restorative and positive powers of wilderness.

The reviews of past Ascend program participants are encouraging indicators of Ascend’s success.  Ascend outings trigger exclamations like:

“This is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life!” and

“This is even better than Disneyland!”

and insights, such as:

“I realized that when there is a big challenge put in front of you or you come to a wall in life, if you go for it head on and tell yourself you can do it, then you can.”

One parent of a participant raved

“I don’t know what you did, but I brought you a boy and you brought me back a man.”

Wilderness is unparalleled in its ability to bring us face to face with our perceived emotional and physical limitations and in turn empower us to overcome those limitations. Yet, we find ourselves in an age where many are deprived of experiences in nature and wilderness. Ascend provides opportunities for individuals and groups to discover wilderness for themselves.