Ridge Runners Youth 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

Cost & Scholarships

Participation is just $25 per youth for the season.

OARS believes every young person should have access to outdoor learning opportunities regardless of financial circumstances. Full cost-covering scholarships are available, ensuring that no child is turned away because of an inability to pay.

Explore. Learn. Connect. Lead.

At Ridge Runners, youth don't just learn about the outdoors—they learn in the outdoors, developing the skills, confidence, and leadership needed to thrive both on the trail and in life. Program Policy & Liability Waiver (Ages 8–13)

Parent & Guardian Safety Guidelines

Our youth bushcraft program is designed to help children ages 8–13 build outdoor skills, confidence, and respect for nature. Safety is our highest priority; however, participation in outdoor activities always carries inherent risks. By registering your child, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the policies outlined below. Parents/guardians are required to remain on site for the duration of the program.

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

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.