San Juan Outdoor Learning Academy (SOLA)

Are you adventurous?  Do you love being outside?  Do you want to learn to ROCK CLIMB? Do you want to go camping?  If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions, then SOLA is the program for you.

Summer 2010 SOLA Programs:

Rock Climbing (click for dates, ages, and price)

Camping Skills (click for dates, ages, and price)

SOLA Philosophy – Experiential outdoor programs help youth build confidence, create lasting friendships, and challenge youth to push beyond perceived limitations.  Youth develop trust and learn valuable communication skills through completing outdoor camps.

Registration – To register for any SOLA camps, you must complete the Voyager Enrollment Packet and the SOLA Waiver.  These need to be sent to: Voyager Youth Program, PO Box 709, Ridgway, CO 81432.  Once we have received these materials, we will send out a “Camp Information Packet.” 

2010 SOLA Enrollment Packet

SOLA Waiver

SOLA Scholarship Application

*We will not be able to register youth for the camps if any materials are missing.

Safety – Voyager Youth Program has run successful programs since 1997.  Running safe programs has always been our priority.  We are happy to report no major incidents in the past 13 years.  Our record reflects our ability to manage risk even though we participate in vigorous, challenging activities.  At Voyager we mitigate risks by:

  • Always using proper safety gear - Helmets are required for rock climbing.  Our climbing ropes and harnesses are checked daily. 
  • Competent staff – All of our staff complete a 3-day training in addition to being CPR/First Aid certified.  Our Outdoor Educators are further trained in wilderness medicine.
  • Individual attention – We have two Outdoor Educators for every 8 youth.  Each outdoor program is limited to 8 youth to ensure that each youth gets the attention needed to learn and improve their skills. 
  • At Voyager, we believe that youth learn best when given responsibility.  In regards to safety, we teach our students to identify hazards.  We teach proper gear use and care, recognizing weather concerns (approaching thunderstorms), and identifying personal considerations (dehydration, heat stroke). 

Outdoor Educators – Each of our Outdoor Educators are trained, experienced adventure professionals.  At minimum they complete a program training, have First Aid certification, and have extensive outdoor experience. 

Transportation – We want to experience as much of our beautiful area as possible.  In order to explore, we will use either a School Bus or Suburban.  These vehicles are leased through the Ridgway School system and are in compliance with CO transportation standards.  Drivers are certified, licensed individuals who are at least 21 years of age and have a clean driving record.