2025 Teen Program Application

Applicant Name*

First NameLast Name

APPLICATIONS DUE BY MAY 15TH

Please select the trips you'd like to attend. These internship opportunities are open to teens of all experience levels. However, our Field Science trip will prioritize those with strong interest in science. Serious applicants only please. See our Cancellation & No-Show policy.

Space is limited, sign up early.

Teen Trail Crew Stewardship

June 22-28 ● Boulder Lakes, Trinity Alps CA. Make a difference while exploring the great outdoors! On this teen stewardship trip, you'll take part in hands-on conservation projects, restoring trails, protecting wildlife habitats, and learning sustainable land management practices. Work alongside experts, develop leadership skills, and see firsthand how your efforts can positively impact the environment. Whether you're planting trees, maintaining ecosystems, or learning about conservation careers, this trip is your chance to give back to nature while having an unforgettable adventure!

Teen Field Science Internship

July 9-13 ● Swift Creek, Trinity Alps CA. Step into the wild and experience science like never before! On this hands-on field science trip, you'll explore ecosystems, collect real data, and work alongside expert scientists. Whether you're hiking through forests, wading into streams, or analyzing samples in the field, you'll discover the thrill of scientific discovery while connecting with nature and like-minded peers. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure where the world becomes your classroom.

Teen Wilderness Career Pathway Internship

July 21-25 ● Location TBD in the Trinity Alps. Adventure meets ambition on this teen wilderness career trip! Step into the great outdoors and explore careers in conservation, wildlife management, outdoor leadership, and more. Thorough hands-on activities, expert mentorship, and real-world challenges, you'll gain practical skills, build confidence, and discover pathways to exciting careers in the wild. Whether you're navigating trails, learning survival techniques, or assisting with conservation projects, this experience will open your eyes to the possibilities of a future spent working in nature!

All-Ages Stewardship ▲ Family Friendly

August 9-10 ● Siphon Lake Car-Camping Weekend

Age*

Birthdate*

Preferred Pronoun(s)*

Guardian/Parent Name(s)*

School Name*

Best Contact Number for Teen*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Do You Receive Texts?*

YesNo

Best Contact Number For Guardian/Parent.*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Do You Receive Texts?*

YesNo

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Email*

example@example.com

Is Email A Good Way To Reach You?*

YesNo

Would You Like To Join Our Email News*

YesNo

How Did You Hear About Ascend?*

Emergency Contacts (We consider the teens guardian the primary contact. Please list other contacts besides the guardian below)

*Emergency Contact Person #1 (Name, Address, Phone Number, Relationship)*

*Emergency Contact Person #2 (Name, Address, Phone Number, Relationship)*

*In case of an emergency, Ascend will take participant to the nearest ER and contact Emergency Contacts. If there are further directions you'd like to give Ascend for emergencies, please include below:

*Permission for Medical Treatment: Administrative procedures vary among medical personnel and medical facilities with regrard to provision of medical care. The exact procedure required by physician or hospital to be used in emergencies should be verified in advance. All participants should have health insurance; if you are injured on the project, you are responsible for all medical and evacuation expenses. In case of an accident or an emergency, I authorize a staff member or contractor of Ascend Wilderness Experience to take me to the nearest emergency hospital for such emergency treatment and measures as are deemed necessary for my safety and protection, at my expense. (Guardian Signature, If minor)

*Permission for Medical Treatment: Administrative procedures vary among medical personnel and medical facilities with regrard to provision of medical care. The exact procedure required by physician or hospital to be used in emergencies should be verified in advance. All participants should have health insurance; if you are injured on the project, you are responsible for all medical and evacuation expenses. In case of an accident or an emergency, I authorize a staff member or contractor of Ascend Wilderness Experience to take me to the nearest emergency hospital for such emergency treatment and measures as are deemed necessary for my safety and protection, at my expense. (Participant Signature)*

Teen Backpacking/Hiking Experience:

Have You Ever Been Backpacking Before?*

YesNo

If Yes, How Far Did You Hike (Miles/Hours)?

How Many Nights?

With Ascend?

YesNo

Have You Ever Been On A Day Hike?*

YesNo

If Yes, How Many?

How Far In One Day?

With Ascend?

YesNo

Have You Applied For An Ascend Trip Before, But Not Chosen To Participate?*

YesNo

If Yes, Please List Year(s) You Applied

Internship Application Questions:

Please write a short description of relevant experiences you've had along with hobbies, sports, or activities that you participate in that have prepared you for the physical and mental challenges of a Wilderness Trip.*

Backpacking is a physically demanding task. Are you willing and able to participate in the physical challenge?*

Can you maintain a good attitude even if you get tired or homesick?*

Please also share any concerns that you might have about the physical and mental challenges of a Wilderness Trip or the specific internship(s) you've signed up for. *

REFERENCES TO BE PROVIDED FOR OVERNIGHT TRIPS: Please provide two names and phone numbers of adults who know the teen and who would recommend the teen for participation in a backpack/internship trip. The adult should not be related to the teen. An appropriate reference would be a teacher, coach, troop leader, youth group leader, etc.

Reference 1 (Name, Contact Number, Relationship to Teen)*

Reference 2 (Name, Contact Number, Relationship to Teen)*

*We have limited space in our internships. Answers to these questions will help place you accordingly*

Why are you interested in this internship(s)?*

What relevant experience or skills do you have regarding the internship(s) you are applying for? Please describe thoroughly. *

What do you hope to gain from this experience?*

Describe a time you worked on a team. What role did you play and what did you learn from the experience?*

What strengths do you think you can bring to the internship(s) you've signed up for?*

For Teen Trail Crew Participants Only: The teen stewardship trip with Ascend provides and opportunity to do stewardship in the Trinity Alps. Much of this work can be arduous. Are you able to participate physically and mentally to help with trail reconstruction and basic use of hand tools? And/or if you cannot participate fully, what are you limitations so that we may accommodate you?*

PERSONAL DISCLOSURES, MEDICAL INFORMATION and MEDICAL RELEASE

(All medical information is confidential)

1. Are you under treatment for any illness or conditions? If yes, please describe.*

2. Are you currently taking any medications? If yes, please describe.*

3. Do you have any allergies to medications, foods, or insects. If yes, please describe. Other dietary restrictions? *

4. Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to participate in the wilderness activities? Examples include, but are not limited to: heart disease, previous heart-attack or stroke, seizures, respiratory problems, or any other condition that limits your ability to participate in strenuous exercise. If yes, please describe. *

I have answered the above questions accurately and completely. I hereby grant permission for the performance of any emergency medical treatment that may be required in the case of an accident wherein I am rendered unconscious or unable to approve the required medical treatment. In the event that I become the victim of an accident I will hold the Ascend Wilderness Experience harmless from liability or negligent actions which may arise in connections with the rescue, stabilization, evacuation, transportation, and emergency care I receive while secondary aid resources are being sought. ***Guardian Signature, if minor***

I have answered the above questions accurately and completely. I hereby grant permission for the performance of any emergency medical treatment that may be required in the case of an accident wherein I am rendered unconscious or unable to approve the required medical treatment. In the event that I become the victim of an accident I will hold the Ascend Wilderness Experience harmless from liability or negligent actions which may arise in connections with the rescue, stabilization, evacuation, transportation, and emergency care I receive while secondary aid resources are being sought. ***Teen Signature****

RELEASE WAIVER OF LIABILITY, INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

I am aware that during the Ascend Wilderness Experience activity in which I am enrolling, I will be exposed to certain risks and hazards which could result in property damage, personal injury, or death.

In consideration of being permitted to enroll in and participate in the outing, class instruction, or other activity, I agree to the following:

1. I hereby release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue the Ascend Wilderness Experience, their directors, officers, employees, contractors, associated coalition agencies and agents(hereinafter, referred to as "Releasees")from all liability to me, my personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin for any loss or damage in any claim or demands therefore, on account of property damage, personal injury, or death, whether caused by the negligence of the Releasees or otherwise, arising out of the outing, trip, class instruction, or other activity.

2. I agree to indemnify, save and hold harmless the Releasees and each of them from any loss, liability damage or cost that they may incur due to my enrollment or participation in the outing, trip, class, instruction or other activity whether caused by the negligence of the Releasees or otherwise.

3. I hereby assume full responsibility and risk bodily injury, death, or property damage due to the negligence of Releasees or otherwise arising out of the outing, trip, class instruction, or other activity. I understand that there are certain risks and dangers that may occur, including but not limited to: exposure of personal injury, rigorous physical activity; such as running, tumbling, and climbing, accident or illness in remote places without medical facilities, forces of nature, and travel by automobile or other conveyances.

4. I further expressly agree that the foregoing Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement is intended to be as broad and is inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall continue in full legal force and effect.

5. I have read and voluntarily signed the Release, Waiver, and Indemnity Agreement and further agree that no oral representations, statements, or inducements not contained in this document have been made.

6. I agree that while participating in this activity, I agree to conform to all policies of Ascend Wilderness Experience, and to abide by all state and federal laws. I also agree to accept and follow the directions of the outing or activity leader(s) or instructor(s) and to act in a mature and responsible manner. I further agree to follow all facility regulations and adhere to any lodging or camping requirement or precepts. I agree not to leave the group unless first notifying the outing or activity leader. I understand that upon leaving the group, I waive all rights as an outing or activity participant.

By signing here I acknowledge that I have read and understood the Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement and acknowledge the risk and agree to all of the above. ***Guardian Signature, if minor***

By signing here I acknowledge that I have read and understood the Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement and acknowledge the risk and agree to all of the above. ***Participant Signature****