On The Rise
July 27 - Aug 9, 2025
On The Rise is backpacking and climbing course for youth entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. This course is a 14-day backpacking and climbing expedition in the Sierra National Forest and John Muir Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada mountains. All gear, food, and transportation is provided.
While living together in a self designed community that reflects the values chosen by the group, students explore concepts such as trust, social justice, identity, and leadership in depth. Backpacking provides the format and structure through which young people can develop the physical, emotional, and social tools that help them be successful on this course and also with their families, schools and other groups.
Alumni from this course are eligible to apply to become Assistant Instructors for GirlVentures and/or join our Youth Advisory Board.
Check out our Course Description here!
Program Cost
We offer a range of sliding scale options to ensure that financial hardship is not a barrier to participation. When apply you will asked to indicate your household income and to pay at one of the following levels. These course fees contribute to our basic programs costs. We ask that families self-asses their circumstances and pay what they can. Payments can be made in 1 installment or in 3 monthly installments. Please review our Payment Policy before applying.
Option 1 - $210
Option 2 - $945
Option 3 - $1680
Option 4 - $2730
Option 5 - Request a fee waiver (these are available on a limited and case by case basis).