For many young people, a first camping trip, a first paddle across a lake, or a first hike through the wilderness can be a life-changing experience.

This summer, sixteen local youth discovered exactly that through the Ascent Project, a new H.A.R.D. initiative, supported by the H.A.R.D. Foundation, designed to introduce teens to the outdoors while developing leadership, teamwork, confidence, and environmental stewardship. What began as an outdoor adventure became something much more—a journey of personal growth.

Interest in the program exceeded expectations, with 39 students applying for just 16 available spaces. More than 74 percent of applicants reported barriers that had prevented them from participating in outdoor recreation, including the cost of equipment and activities, transportation challenges, and limited access to outdoor programs.

Over the course of the week, participants challenged themselves through hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, environmental science activities, team-building exercises, and an overnight camping experience on Mt. Diablo. Along the way, they learned practical outdoor skills such as setting up camp, preparing meals, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and working together to overcome challenges. More importantly, they learned to trust themselves and one another.

The results speak for themselves. Participants showed measurable growth in leadership, teamwork, outdoor safety, and confidence. The percentage of students who viewed themselves as positive leaders more than doubled—from 40 percent before the program to 90 percent afterward. Every participant said they wanted to continue exploring the outdoors, and every participant said they would recommend the Ascent Project to another student.

Perhaps the greatest measure of success came from the participants themselves.

“Before Ascent, I thought I don’t like camping. Now I think I like camping and I want to do it more.”

Another student shared, “It gets you off your phone and helps you communicate with people around you.”

The Ascent Project is about much more than outdoor recreation. It is about expanding horizons, removing barriers to opportunity, and helping young people discover strengths they didn’t know they had. The program also creates a pathway for the future, with nearly every applicant expressing interest in returning as a paid assistant instructor or mentor for future participants.

At the H.A.R.D. Foundation, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the confidence, resilience, and joy that come from connecting with nature. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and community partners, the Ascent Project is helping make that vision a reality—one adventure, one leader, and one life at a time.