Ridge Runners Teen Outdoor Leadership Program
Ridge Runners is OARS' seasonal outdoor education and leadership program for youth ages 8–18. Designed to build confidence, practical skills, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors, Ridge Runners combines hands-on adventure with real-world learning in a supportive, team-oriented environment.
Meeting throughout the spring, summer, and fall, participants learn entirely outdoors while exploring forests, fields, streams, trails, and wild places. Guided by adult instructors and youth leaders, Ridge Runners develop outdoor competence, environmental awareness, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Unlike traditional classroom programs, Ridge Runners uses the outdoors as the classroom. Every lesson emphasizes active learning, teamwork, observation, problem-solving, and personal growth.
What Participants Learn
Navigation & Orienteering
Participants learn how to read maps, use a compass, navigate trails, interpret landscapes, and develop confidence traveling through the outdoors.
Campcraft & Outdoor Living
Youth gain practical outdoor skills including shelter building, camp organization, knot tying, fire safety, outdoor cooking, gear selection, and responsible outdoor living.
Trailcraft & Outdoor Leadership
Participants learn hiking skills, risk management, weather awareness, Leave No Trace principles, teamwork, and how to safely lead others on outdoor adventures.
Naturalist Studies
Through observation, journaling, wildlife tracking, ecology, forestry, and watershed exploration, participants develop a deeper understanding of local ecosystems and environmental stewardship.
Appalachian Heritage
Youth explore the stories, traditions, working landscapes, and seasonal knowledge that have shaped life in our region while developing a strong sense of place and community.
Science, Math & Real-World Learning
Ridge Runners integrates science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and literacy into every domain. Participants measure distances, estimate travel times, analyze environmental observations, map landscapes, collect field data, solve practical problems, and communicate their findings through journals and group discussions.
Learning happens naturally through exploration, investigation, and hands-on experience.
Leadership Development
Older participants have opportunities to serve as Youth Leaders, helping mentor younger Ridge Runners while developing communication, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills. The program is designed to create confident young leaders who can serve both their peers and their communities.
Program Details
Seasonal Program (Spring, Summer & Fall)
Fully Outdoor Learning Environment
Adult-Led with Youth Leadership Opportunities
Small Group Experiences
Hands-On, Place-Based Learning
No Prior Outdoor Experience Required
1. Assumption of Risk
Outdoor activities may involve the use of tools, interaction with natural elements, uneven terrain, variable weather, and exposure to insects, plants, and wildlife. While instructors take precautions to minimize risks, injuries, accidents, or unexpected events may occur. By allowing your child to participate, you voluntarily assume all such risks on behalf of yourself and your child.
2. Release of Liability
By registering for this program, parents/guardians agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless:
Program instructors, staff, and volunteers
The organization sponsoring the program
The owners of the land and facilities where programs are held
from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, or liability of any kind arising out of participation, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
3. Parent Presence & Responsibility
A parent/guardian must remain on site at all times during the program.
Parents are responsible for immediate care and supervision if their child is removed for unsafe behavior, illness, or injury.
Parents are responsible for administering any personal medications their child requires.
4. Health & Emergency Preparedness
Parents must disclose all known allergies, medications, or medical conditions in writing.
Instructors carry a stocked first aid kit and communication devices, but emergency response times vary by location.
In the event of illness, injury, or emergency, parents agree that instructors may take reasonable actions to protect the child, including contacting emergency services.
5. Safety Practices
Children will receive instruction in Leave No Trace ethics, safe tool use, and outdoor awareness.
Use of tools (knives, hatchets, fire-making equipment) is permitted only under direct instructor supervision.
Proper attire is required: closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a reusable water bottle.
6. Behavioral Expectations & Conduct
To maintain a safe environment for all:
Children must listen to and follow instructor directions at all times.
Throwing rocks, sticks, or other objects; unsafe handling of tools; or aggressive physical behavior is strictly prohibited.
Disruptive behavior (yelling, interrupting, horseplay) that endangers others or interferes with instruction will result in removal from activities.
Parents agree to promptly supervise their child if removed due to behavior.
7. Property Use & Site Rules
The property is to be respected as a shared outdoor learning space.
Parents and children must remain within designated program areas.
Parents accept responsibility for any property damage caused by their child.
8. Photography & Media Release (Optional Section)
By participating, you consent to reasonable use of photos or video of your child for program documentation and promotional purposes, unless you opt out in writing.
Acknowledgement & Waiver
By registering my child, I confirm that:
I have read and understood this policy and waiver in full.
I recognize that outdoor activities carry inherent risks.
I agree to release the program instructors, sponsoring organization, and property owners from liability for ordinary negligence.
I agree to remain on site and take responsibility for my child’s conduct and well-being during the program.
Ridge Runners Teen Outdoor Leadership Program
Ridge Runners is OARS' seasonal outdoor education and leadership program for youth ages 8–18. Designed to build confidence, practical skills, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors, Ridge Runners combines hands-on adventure with real-world learning in a supportive, team-oriented environment.
Meeting throughout the spring, summer, and fall, participants learn entirely outdoors while exploring forests, fields, streams, trails, and wild places. Guided by adult instructors and youth leaders, Ridge Runners develop outdoor competence, environmental awareness, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Unlike traditional classroom programs, Ridge Runners uses the outdoors as the classroom. Every lesson emphasizes active learning, teamwork, observation, problem-solving, and personal growth.
What Participants Learn
Navigation & Orienteering
Participants learn how to read maps, use a compass, navigate trails, interpret landscapes, and develop confidence traveling through the outdoors.
Campcraft & Outdoor Living
Youth gain practical outdoor skills including shelter building, camp organization, knot tying, fire safety, outdoor cooking, gear selection, and responsible outdoor living.
Trailcraft & Outdoor Leadership
Participants learn hiking skills, risk management, weather awareness, Leave No Trace principles, teamwork, and how to safely lead others on outdoor adventures.
Naturalist Studies
Through observation, journaling, wildlife tracking, ecology, forestry, and watershed exploration, participants develop a deeper understanding of local ecosystems and environmental stewardship.
Appalachian Heritage
Youth explore the stories, traditions, working landscapes, and seasonal knowledge that have shaped life in our region while developing a strong sense of place and community.
Science, Math & Real-World Learning
Ridge Runners integrates science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and literacy into every domain. Participants measure distances, estimate travel times, analyze environmental observations, map landscapes, collect field data, solve practical problems, and communicate their findings through journals and group discussions.
Learning happens naturally through exploration, investigation, and hands-on experience.
Leadership Development
Older participants have opportunities to serve as Youth Leaders, helping mentor younger Ridge Runners while developing communication, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills. The program is designed to create confident young leaders who can serve both their peers and their communities.
Program Details
Seasonal Program (Spring, Summer & Fall)
Fully Outdoor Learning Environment
Adult-Led with Youth Leadership Opportunities
Small Group Experiences
Hands-On, Place-Based Learning
No Prior Outdoor Experience Required
1. Assumption of Risk
Outdoor activities may involve the use of tools, interaction with natural elements, uneven terrain, variable weather, and exposure to insects, plants, and wildlife. While instructors take precautions to minimize risks, injuries, accidents, or unexpected events may occur. By allowing your child to participate, you voluntarily assume all such risks on behalf of yourself and your child.
2. Release of Liability
By registering for this program, parents/guardians agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless:
Program instructors, staff, and volunteers
The organization sponsoring the program
The owners of the land and facilities where programs are held
from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, or liability of any kind arising out of participation, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
3. Parent Presence & Responsibility
A parent/guardian must remain on site at all times during the program.
Parents are responsible for immediate care and supervision if their child is removed for unsafe behavior, illness, or injury.
Parents are responsible for administering any personal medications their child requires.
4. Health & Emergency Preparedness
Parents must disclose all known allergies, medications, or medical conditions in writing.
Instructors carry a stocked first aid kit and communication devices, but emergency response times vary by location.
In the event of illness, injury, or emergency, parents agree that instructors may take reasonable actions to protect the child, including contacting emergency services.
5. Safety Practices
Children will receive instruction in Leave No Trace ethics, safe tool use, and outdoor awareness.
Use of tools (knives, hatchets, fire-making equipment) is permitted only under direct instructor supervision.
Proper attire is required: closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a reusable water bottle.
6. Behavioral Expectations & Conduct
To maintain a safe environment for all:
Children must listen to and follow instructor directions at all times.
Throwing rocks, sticks, or other objects; unsafe handling of tools; or aggressive physical behavior is strictly prohibited.
Disruptive behavior (yelling, interrupting, horseplay) that endangers others or interferes with instruction will result in removal from activities.
Parents agree to promptly supervise their child if removed due to behavior.
7. Property Use & Site Rules
The property is to be respected as a shared outdoor learning space.
Parents and children must remain within designated program areas.
Parents accept responsibility for any property damage caused by their child.
8. Photography & Media Release (Optional Section)
By participating, you consent to reasonable use of photos or video of your child for program documentation and promotional purposes, unless you opt out in writing.
Acknowledgement & Waiver
By registering my child, I confirm that:
I have read and understood this policy and waiver in full.
I recognize that outdoor activities carry inherent risks.
I agree to release the program instructors, sponsoring organization, and property owners from liability for ordinary negligence.
I agree to remain on site and take responsibility for my child’s conduct and well-being during the program.
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