DARRINGTON, Wash. — Glacier Peak Institute (GPI) was formed as a direct response to deadly SR 530 Mudslide that devastated the Darrington community in March of 2014.
Their Youth Outdoor STEM Pilot Project was a group effort created by North Counties Family Services, Washington State University Extension and the Darrington School District launched the Darrington to invest in Darrington’s youth, forests, and recreation programs.
“What an amazing place we live in and the possibilities that are here where we live,“ said Oak Rankin, Executive Director of Glacier Peak Institute. “From the mountain bike trails, from the rivers, the forests, and the lakes that we call home.”
It is a community of mentors, educators and families who are passionate about the future of the Glacier Peak Region and believe that a stronger future starts with our kids.
Their faculty lives for the outdoors and is passionate about the lasting impact that a connection to the outdoors has on kids’ health.
“Glacier Peak Institute is the answer for our rural forest communities, and it is looking at a positive future.” said Rankin. “It embraces community, youth and ecosystems.”
GPI offers after-school and summer camp programs for youth ages 10 and up. Thanks to community volunteers, donations and sponsors, 99% of their programs are free.
“We run about 700 programs per year,” said Rankin. “The foundation of all our programs is the outdoors and place.”
The youth can participate in many fun outdoor activities like archery, rock climbing, mountain biking, and more.
Their programs really focused on how we use this environment for play, work and learning. Giving the opportunity for youth to work through a challenge that's internal to themselves.
Stepping outside literally has a calming effect. It's open, and there's a possibility—a possibility for you to explore, be something different, and learn.
“Doing something that would be objectively dangerous in the safest way possible by managing those risks,” said James Gallant from Mountain Madness.
“Being able to work through those fears and those doubts at the moment, it's super powerful,” said Esteban Usuga from Mountain Madness. “Watching these kids get timid at first and have them realize that it's OK and have an awesome time afterward.”
The GPI bridges the gap between classroom lessons and real-world applications. It combines a nature-based curriculum with learner-led research and problem-solving.
“You grow the most when you're uncomfortable, so putting yourself in uncomfortable situations is the best way to grow as a person," Usuga said.
Students are encouraged to think creatively, work collaboratively and live sustainably as they take ownership of environmental projects and the opportunity to impact their community.
“You see this confidence gaining in themselves, and that gives me hope for the future,” said Rankin. “Hope for a future and a belief in them.”
Learn more about the impact of Glacier Peak Institute.
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