Onward & Upward

08/11/2026

One of our emerging student leaders stepped up to help guide the group safely through the culvert. Our programs are more than learning canoe skills—it’s building confidence, judgment, teamwork, and the ability to lead when it matters.

08/10/2026

One of the challenges in our Canoe Skills Course: navigating the culvert between Cottonwood Lake and mud lake.

08/10/2026

Canoe Skills Camp: Rescue Ready!

Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing photos and videos from our recent Canoe Skills Camp—and there’s a lot of good stuff coming!

08/07/2026

First Strokes. A New Adventure.

This weekend marks a milestone for Onward & Upward as we launch our first-ever Level 1 Adventure Canoe Skills Camp.

While students will experience the excitement of being on the water, many hours of preparation happen behind the scenes—organizing equipment, refining lessons, reviewing safety practices, and creating an experience built for learning and growth.

“I am excited for our canoe skills camp,” says returning Onward & Upward leader Joshua.

Spending time outside and sharing meaningful experiences with others builds confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills.

Following the American Canoe Association Level 1 Canoe Skills Curriculum, participants will develop foundational canoeing skills while strengthening teamwork, communication, and connection.

A new adventure, a new story, a new chapter as we evolve Onward & Upward!

08/04/2026

Rain.
50 participants in the largest challenge course event we've ever facilitated at Burchell. "Our goal is to face challenges," shouted Amanda. By afternoon, challenges arrived from the sky.
Five facilitators. Four course elements. Countless opportunities to step outside our comfort zones.
Laughter echoed across the grass as participants played Pretty Pretty Princess and Wiggle Walk Freeze. "It was great to hear everyone laughing," Abby reflected during lunch.
Giant's Ladder. Catwalk. Tarzan. Leap of Faith. Rain-soaked jackets and muddy shoes washed away hesitation. People identified rain as a hazard and paid attention to one another.
In the rain each element asked something for each participant to answer: Sometimes courage takes the next step. Sometimes hold the rope for someone else. For some, the answer was to climb. For others, it was to encourage.
For some the rain defined the day, and for others they barely noticed it as they flew through the sky.
On the shuttle back to camp, one counselor shared "Learning doesn't happen only during the experience. It happens when we reflect on the experience.”
At Onward & Upward we know that Challenge course isn’t about ropes, knots, cables, or climbing prowess. Those are simply the activities, the tools to discover something deeper about ourselves. The real work happens for us in relationships—between ourselves, the people beside us, and the place that surrounds us.
I didn’t hear one complaint. The rain wasn’t a problem. It became part of the classroom. Everyone adapted. Laughed. Faced their fears. Facilitators adjusted. Confidence grew. Changing conditions made us stronger. That's One Health.
Lessons aren't found in perfect conditions. Sometimes, the lesson is how we adapt. The day ended with 50 people shouting: "Onward and Upward!" Their shouts drowned out the sound of the rain.

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

Walking Into the Clouds

On July 9,fifteen adventurers stepped into the deep waters of Onward & Upward’s Level 3 backpacking experience—a tradition that has challenged young people for more than a decade.

This is where resilience is forged through snow, rain, cold, heavy packs, and unforgettable peak experiences.

“We will teach them to be strong,” says Director of Operations Amanda Montevon.

Then came a moment every group remembers: the first step right into water. Some stepped in without hesitation. Others stood at the edge for 10 or 20 seconds, building the courage to take that first step. Some tried to find a way around the water. But there is no way around it—dry feet on day one is never part of this journey.

With wet boots and determined hearts, these students walked straight into the low-hanging clouds, discovering that growth begins the moment we stop avoiding discomfort.

Onward and Upward. 🌲🥾☁️