2026 Teen Program Application

Applicant Name

First NameLast Name

APPLICATIONS DUE BY MAY 15TH

Please select all trips you’re interested in attending. These internship opportunities are open to teens of all experience levels. Our Field Science trip will prioritize participants with a strong interest in science.

We ask that applicants apply only if they are able to commit to participating. Please review our Cancellation & No-Show Policy for more information.

Marble Mountains Stewardship Weekend

May 23-25 ● Stanshaw Trail, Car Camping Weekend, Marble Mountain Wilderness Teens interns will rehabilitate the Stanshaw and Let'r Buck trails within the McCash Fire footprint. The goal is to prep these trails to stock passable standards for Packer access the following week, when one of Ascend's Adult Volunteer Trail Crews will go in a 7-day backcountry trail maintenance project on the arterial Haypress trail and associated trail forks. In coordination with the Six Rivers NF USFS staff & BFTA. (NOTE: MANDATORY PACK MEETING, Ascend Office, Friday May 22nd @ 5pm.)

Trinity Alps Trail Crew

June 21-27 ● Boulder Lakes, Trinity Alps Wilderness. Teen interns will continue their 4th year of maintaining River Complex Fire ravaged trails around the popular Boulder Lakes trail system. Each year, Ascend schedules trail work on these trails, followed by an Adult Volunteer Stewardship trip to tag-team maintenance necessary after fires devastated this area of the wilderness in 2021. This trip is pack mule supported and provides direct trail crew training with USFS personnel and Ascend staff. (NOTE: MANDATORY PACK MEETING, Ascend Office, Saturday June 20th @ 11am.)

Teen Field Science

July 6-10 ● Scott Mountain area, Shasta-Trinity/Klamath National Forest Teen interns will get hands-on field research experience with a multitude of environmental scientists. Justin Garwood, Aquatic Species Coordinator for the CDFW, will work with teens while implementing rapid, science-based recovery actions for Cascades Frogs and Long-toed Salamanders. Actions will include removing non-native fish and reintroducing and establishing populations of native amphibian species to restore fishless habitats at a landscape scale. Biologist Eric Peterson will be connecting the CDFW research to aquatic hexapodals and cryptogams in their various riparian habitats, and Entomologist Jared Dunham will spend a day studying local terrestrial arthropods and their place in the forest's riparian ecosystem. Cal Poly Humboldt graduate students through California Native Plant Society will engage youth in botany based field work. (NOTE: MANDATORY PACK MEETING, Ascend Office, Sunday July 5th @ 3pm.)

Klamath Mountains Teen Trail Crew

July 27-31 ● East Boulder Lakes, Trinity Alps Wilderness Teen interns will target post-fire trail repair and drainage improvement to protect thin soils, support natural regeneration, and maintain safe access to wilderness areas. This trip is directed by USFS leadership and facilitated by Bigfoot Trail Alliance and Scott River Watershed Council's Youth Environmental Summer Stewardship (YESS) interns. These trips aim to connect peers within the Klamath Mountains for meaningful, place-based learning, bridging the gaps between our rural communities. (NOTE: MANDATORY PACK MEETING, Ascend Office, Sunday July 26th @ 3pm.)

Trinity Alps Stockmanship and Stewardship Trip

Aug 3-9 ● Stoddard and Doe Lake, Trinity Alps Wilderness Train with the Backcountry Horsemen of America to care for pack animals, practice safe backcountry travel, and master packing techniques. Participants will also complete trail maintenance and campsite restoration projects while building teamwork, stewardship skills, and an understanding of the role pack animals play in caring for remote public lands. (NOTE: MANDATORY PACK MEETING, Ascend Office, Sunday Aug 2nd @ 3pm.)

A person can attend multiple internship trips. If space is limited, please rank your Teen Internship trip interest with 1=most preferred, 5=least preferred. (Drag & Drop) We'll do our best to place you accordingly.

Orientation Meeting Attending 1 of these dates is mandatory if this is the participant's first time with Ascend. If you have previously been on a trip with Ascend, then attending 1 orientation meeting is encouraged but not mandatory.

A person can attend multiple internship trips. If space is limited, please list your Teen Internship trip interest with 1=most preferred, 5=least preferred. We'll do our best to place you accordingly.

Applicants may be put on a waitlist. Families will be notified as changes to waitlist occur. Ascend receives more applicants than can be accomodated. Acceptance is not guaranteed.

Applications are not first come, first served. Applications received between April 1- May 15 will be given equal consideration. Participants will receive notification of their placement towards the end of May. Applications are still accepted after May 15, but will be put on a waitlist.

Age

Grade

Birthdate

Preferred Pronoun(s)

Guardian/Parent Name(s)

School Name

Best Contact Number for Teen

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Do You Receive Texts?

Best Contact Number For Guardian/Parent.

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Do You Receive Texts?

Mailing Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Email (Teen)

example@example.com

Email (Guardian/Parent)

example@example.com

Is Email A Good Way To Reach You?

Ascend uses email as it's primary method of communicating. Expect to receive multiple emails from information.ascend@gmail.com. Please indicate the best method of communication for you (email, phone, text, all of the above). *NOTE Inability to connect, lack of email responses, etc., will result in a participant being moved to the waitlist*

Would You Like To Join Our Email News?

How Did You Hear About Ascend? (If someone referred you, you're welcome to share their name .)

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 regard 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

GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (IF PARTICIPANT IS A MINOR)

Teen Backpacking/Hiking Experience:

Have You Ever Been Backpacking Before?

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

How Many Nights?

With Ascend?

Have You Ever Been On A Day Hike?

If Yes, How Many?

How Far In One Day?

With Ascend?

Have you applied for an Ascend trip before, but not been chosen to participate?

If Yes, Please List Year(s) You Applied

Internship Application Questions:

*To be answered answered by Teens. We have limited space in our internships. Answers to these questions will help place you accordingly*

1. 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.

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

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

4. 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.

5. Why are you interested in this internship(s)?

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

7. What do you hope to gain from this experience?

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

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

10. Much of this work can be arduous (especially on trail crew/stewardship trips). 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 your limitations so that we may accommodate you?

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)

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. List any specific activities that the participant SHOULD NOT take part in.

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

5. 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.

PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE

GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (IF PARTICIPANT IS A MINOR)

PRIVATE DRIVE PERMISSION

I give my permission for a driver that has been screened and determined by Ascend Wilderness Experience to be an Acceptable Driver, to transport First Name* Last Name* (name of child) to, from, and, as needed, during the Ascend Wilderness Experience Trip. I understand that the driver will drive a privately owned vehicle and that in the event of an accident or incident, the insurance coverage for the privately owned vehicle will bear primary responsibility for any losses or claims of damage.

PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE

GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (IF PARTICIPANT IS A MINOR)

PERMISSION TO SWIM

I understand that NO CERTIFIED LIFE GUARD WILL BE ON DUTY during the Ascend Wilderness Experience trip. Knowing the risks and dangers involved, including but not limited to hypothermia, drowning, physical injury and possibly death.

PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE

GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (IF PARTICIPANT IS A MINOR)

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.

PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE

GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (IF PARTICIPANT IS A MINOR)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS OF RISK FORM

I recognize the element of risk in any adventure sport or activity associated with the outdoors. I am fully aware of the risks and dangers inherent in backpacking, hiking, swimming, rock climbing, river rafting/kayaking, including but not limited to:

*Exposure to cold water and extreme environmental conditions, becoming lost, and physically injured.

Knowing the risks and dangers, I understand the possible consequences of participating in such activities are as
follows:

*Hypothermia, illness, serious physical injuries, and possibly death.

I certify that I have, or my child has, the necessary skills and abilities to participate in the said activities and assume full responsibility for myself, or my child, for bodily injury, death and loss of personal property and expenses thereof as a result of my, or my child’s negligence in participating in said activities except to the extent such damage or injury may be due to the negligence of Ascend Wilderness Experience.

I also agree that my child, or I will abide by the rules or instructions given to us, either orally or in writing by Ascend Wilderness Experience. I further understand that Ascend Wilderness Experience reserves the right to refuse to allow any person to participate who is judged by Ascend Wilderness Experience to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the said activities.

By signing here I have read, understand, and accept the terms and conditions stated herein and acknowledge that this agreement shall be effective and binding upon me, or my child, during the entire period of participation in the said activities.

PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE

GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (IF PARTICIPANT IS A MINOR)

CANCELLATION AND NO-SHOW POLICY

Although Ascend offers our trips at no cost to participants, cancellations and no-shows always come at a cost to the organization. We understand life throws curve balls and plans change. If this happens and you need to cancel, we need to know as soon as possible so that we can offer the trip to another applicant who is on the waiting list.

If you cannot attend a trip you've been confirmed for, there is no fee if you inform us at least two weeks prior to your departure date. If you cancel within the 14 day window of your trip, Ascend will charge you $200 for an overnight trip and $50 for a day hike. This is to cover the costs of non-refundable supplies such as food and administrative time. Once confirmed for a trip, we will ask for credit card information to only be used in the instance of having to charge for a no-show. We hope you understand and that this does not deter you from applying!

Exceptions to the fee will be considered on a case-by-case basis should a last minute unavoidable circumstance lead to last minute cancellation. Just give us a call.

By signing here I have read, understand, and accept the terms and conditions of the cancellation and no show policy stated herein and acknowledge and agree to all of the above.

PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE

GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (IF PARTICIPANT IS A MINOR)

PROMOTIONAL RELEASE

In an effort to promote the Ascend Wilderness Experience’s community programs, photographs and videos may be taken of participants. These are mostly used in grant reports in order to continue receiving outside funds and may be published in a variety of promotional materials such as newspapers, brochures, or on Ascend's web site. Please check the applicable box below. We do not use names when using photos.

Can Ascend use your photo for promotional purposes?

PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE

GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (IF PARTICIPANT IS A MINOR)

SUGGESTED DONATION

Everyone should have access to safe and meaningful experiences in the wilderness. To this end, Ascend offers our teen wilderness trips free of charge. At the same time, donations and community support are essential to keeping Ascend’s programs alive.

The dollar amounts that Ascend must raise for our hiking programs are:

Day Trips: $100 per participant

Overnight Trips: $300 per day per participant

These amounts cover food, transportation, insurance, safety equipment, permits, gear, supplies, trained guides, and even access to boots and clothing as needed, but do not reflect the entirety of the efforts, resources, and staff/volunteer hours necessary to make Ascend programs possible. If you are able, please consider contributing to the cost of the trip you are interested in.

Ascend will follow up with you about the donation only if participation is confirmed.

Any amount helps. Thank you for helping to ensure the future sustainability of Ascend!

An applicant's success in being selected for a trip does not depend on their ability or the size of the donation they make.

Please apply even if you are unable to donate at this time!

If confirmed for participation in a trip, I can commit to the donation amount below (Optional).

Thank you for helping to ensure the future sustainability of Ascend!

WHAT TO EXPECT ONCE YOU SUBMIT

You should receive an email confirmation.
Reach out to us if you did NOT receive confirmation of your application submission. Otherwise we will reach out to chosen participants by the end of May. (Note: If you apply for the Marble Mountains Stewardship Weekend Trip May 23-25, you will hear from us sooner! Most likely the end of April/beginning of May.)
Applications are not first come first serve, we wait until May 15 to review all applicants.
We use email as our primary mode of contact. If you do not check your email regularly, please tell us the best way to contact you in the section provided above.
Being Waitlisted is ok! If you don't make our first round of participants, please keep in mind our waitlisted participants have a great chance to still attend a trip.
Signing up for more trips ensures your participation on at least one trip.

Questions or Concerns?

Please contact us anytime and we will reach back out ASAP.

General Inquiries

Phone: (530)-739-1177

email:information.ascend@gmail.com

Ascend Office

420 Main St., PO Box 3263, Weaverville CA, 96093

Program Director-Andrew Nelson

Phone: (530)-739-1177 ext. 0

email:andrewn.ascend@gmail.com