Onward and Upward Alaska: Building confidence and empowerment through outdoor adventures

One of the things that attracts people to Alaska is the unbelievable scenery that is right outside our door. It invites people to get out and explore the wonders, the nature, and the wildlife.

The role that nature can play in people’s health and wellbeing can be extremely therapeutic and empowering. “Onward and Upward” is helping to harness that empowerment for youth all around the Mat-Su Borough.

“Onward and Upward” is a local nonprofit organization that uses experiential learning, adventure, and the outdoors to strengthen youth, families, and the community.

“We don’t push anyone to do it, but we’re helping them (the students) to be empowered to do something, encouraging and praising, and finding out what they’ve learned at the end of it all.” said Louisa Branchflower, Director of Marketing and Communications. “

“Onward and Upward” offers different programs that actively encourage students to step outside their comfort zones to discover their strengths through experiential education. Experiential education is a philosophy in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experiences and reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop their capacity to contribute to their communities.

“Onward and Upward” also serves as a trauma sensitive school, focusing on supporting students’ mental, emotional and physical health. Students can count on an environment where they feel safe to confidently engage in learning and create positive connections with their peers and instructors.

“We get to take students out, away from computers, phones, and desks, to do something fun, but they’re also making a connection that is so important, and to have that connection that a lot of kids don’t have,” said Branchflower.

She says the programs are “challenge by choice” in which students are respected and empowered by choosing their own level of participation in the challenges provided throughout the various courses offered.

“All of the courses are meant to set students up for success, show what they didn’t know they were capable of doing. It builds confidence when they see that they have done something beyond what they thought they could do.”

Among some of the courses offered is a backpack expedition that includes a ropes challenge course designed for students to explore concepts in problem-solving, decision making, and relationship building. The outdoor adventure also includes lessons on rationing, bear safety, and packing a backpack, which is actually more challenging than people often think. There is also an off-trail adventure in which students learn and practice expeditionary skills such as navigation, route finding, risk management, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Branchflower says one of the highlights is taking students out and watching the growth students experience, “Some having never completed something, such as the ropes course, or even skiing and it’s completely foreign to them. But to see them get the hang of it, it’s awesome!”

There is also a popular rock-climbing course, where students work indoors and develop skills that lead them to top rope climbing and even rappelling.

While most of the focus is on student-based programs, there are opportunities for businesses or organizations looking to offer their employees a unique professional development experience or to provide them with quality wellness programs.

The organization is a non-profit and receives donations that go directly back into “Onward and Upward,” especially to provide scholarships so everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow.

For more information about their upcoming teen summer programs, school-based programs, and professional development courses, visit www.onwardandupward.org