Soaring mountain peaks... Rushing rapids on wild rivers... Peaceful forests of majestic pines... Does this sound like a different world from the city inwhich you live?

Geography of Hope gives you the chance to take this journey into the beautiful American West. Climb the highest peaks! Raft thrilling whitewater rivers! Hike through ageless forests! Camp beside a clear mountain lake as the sun sets in a rainbow of color!

For three to four weeks, you will explore the wilderness with trained wilderness expedition leaders who are dedicated to safety, fun, challenge and learning. You will not only discover new places, but also new areas within yourself. You will gain new skills, learn new ideas, and rethink old attitudes. You will push past old limits and set new goals. Go places you have only imagined about, and do things you have only dreamt about.

Have adventures you will remember forever!

What does it take to have a summer like this?

Geography of Hope awards grants to bright, talented young people to attend outdoor education programs in the summer. Participants fill out an application, get references from teachers and other adults who know them well, and then interview with Geography of Hope staff .

We then work with our partner wilderness education programs to find an expedition that fits each participant. Geography of Hope will cover all costs to attend the program selected, including the cost of the program, travel costs, and all the clothing and equipment needed.

Geography of Hope provides grants based on financial need. Unfortunately, our grant funds are limited, so we are not able to all applicants.

For more information...

Check out our SCRAPBOOK for pictures of past Geography of Hope participants.

Check out our wilderness education partners for detailed descriptions of some of the programs you might be able to go on.