Youth Lead! Teen Leadership Initiative developing the next generation of outdoor recreation leaders.

PLI offers innovative and inspiring programs, yet what makes our program unique is our leaders. Our desire is to have our leaders reflect the communities who use our programs by creating opportunities for diverse people to obtain high quality training, ongoing support, and practical leadership experience. PLI does this through our relationship with local schools and commitment from teachers.

PLI trains over 100 teenagers annually to lead our programs through partnerships with schools and classrooms. Developing the leadership skills necessary to facilitate a challenge course and lead our programs requires a commitment to the process of learning and adventure - Youth are given real leadership experience, job skills, school credit and new potential to be leaders in their own lives, in school, and within their community.

PLI hires 15–20 youth every summer and beyond simple employment, these youth are exposed to the natural world, develop social and technical skills, and are trained with extraordinary leadership skills applicable to their life in general.

 

“My greatest accomplishment during the ropes course was reaching the top and jumping the perch.  It took a while but I proved to myself that I could do it.”
~  Student, Horace Mann Middle School San Francisco

“It was really fun!  I was scared of heights but I got over it and actually made it to the next tree.  So I’m proud of myself…”
~ Student, Downtown High School San Francisco

“I have never seen a group of students work, communicate and support one another the way they did in your program.  I Have also noticed a more optimistic and energetic approach from our kids towards other projects.”
~ High School Teacher