Get Ready for the Sheppard Conservation School!

From August 25-30, join Cascade Challenge and Crew 502 for a week of conservation service at Mt. Rainier National Park. Find out how all the trails and campsites you see in the backcountry got there, then get to work on them yourself. Learn about the history of the Mt. Rainier area and the story of our National Parks came to be. Meet people from all over the Pacific Northwest for an unforgettable adventure.

The Sheppard Conservation School was inspired by the ArrowCorps502 project in the summer of 2011. By continuing the legacy of service that others began, CLC is proud to continue spreading the message of responsible outdoor adventure and environmental stewardship to members of our community through its programs and outreach efforts.

The Sheppard Conservation School is the third and final expedition of the Mt. Rainier Triple Crown. More information on the program, including maps, site information, and recreational opportunties, is available to registered users. Not a member yet? Sign up today!

Click here to watch the promo video. See YOU on the Mountain this summer!

CLC Offers Spring Break Whitewater Guide Training and NAUI Scuba Certification

CLC is proud to announce several traning initiatives during Spring Break, where members can receive either their whitewater guide certification or their NAUI scuba certification.

Cascade Challenge is working with Orion River Rafting to deliver this professional-grade Whitewater Guide Training. This is a five-day intensive experience on the Deschutes River. We will then train on various rivers during May to hone our skills at river running, equipment management, guest services, safety and rescue, and outdoor stewardship. This course is used to prepare professional, commercial guides for employment and will help take all of our members to a higher level of adventure, fun and safety on the water. When members turn 18, they are eligible to work commercially for guide companies.

A partnership with Sound Dive Center provides open water Scuba Diver Certification course for teenagers and the adults who work with them. Graduates will hold the NAUI Scuba Diver card—your ticket to undersea adventure worldwide, including our own diving trips. Explore the icy waters of Puget Sound and discover the new world waiting for you there.

Gain the skills to travel safely and in style this summer. Not a member yet? Register today and gain access to all of our members resources!

First Aid Training March 16-18

Cascade Challenge will host CPR-AED and Wilderness First Aid training on March 16-18.

CPR training will be held Friday March 16, 6:30-9:30 PM at the Cave (925B NW49th Street in Ballard) Cost is $25 and the certification is valid for 2 years. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Members may register in the Members section.

Wilderness First Aid Training will be held Saturday and Sunday March 17-18 at Camp Pigott. We will leave the Cave Saturday morning at 6:45 AM to be at camp by 8 AM. This will be a "scenario-based" course. Each participant will need to bring a backpack as if they are heading out on a five-day backpacking trip (less the food, of course). Participants will be presented with a series of accident scenarios that will require teamwork, first aid kits, backpack contents and found objects to stabilize and treat mock victims. Cost is $60, which includes the course fee, van transportation to camp and food for the weekend. We will camp backpacking-style over Saturday night. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Members may register in the Members section.

Cascade Challenge the Beneficiary of the Lake Sammammish Half-Marathon

Recently, Cascade Challenge was announced as the beneficiary of the 3rd Annual Lake Sammammish Half-Marathon. This is an exciting opportunity to partner with another community group as well as to promote Cascade Challenge's mission within the communities we serve.

The Half-Maraton will take place on March 10. According to the group's website, the Half-Marathon is flat, fast, and follows the scenic East Lake Sammammish gravel trail along Lake Sammamish from Issaquah to Redmond. Cascade Challenge will have members on hand to volunteer, while others will run the race.

Please visit www.lakesammishhalf.com to register or for more information. Thanks again to the event organizers and Ray Sayah for for making this parnership possible.

Winter Mountain Travel March 31-April 1

This weekend trip is training for the summer's upcoming mountaineering events. We will emphasize go-light camping in the snow environment and mountain approach travel using snowshoes and telemark skis. There are two options for trip destinations and the choice will be made based on current conditions and group make-up.

If all the stars align we will make for the south side of Mt. St. Helens. Admittedly, Mt. St. Helens is a longshot. The fall-back (and entirely excellent) alternative is the Paradise Valley and Reflection Lakes area on Mt. Rainier. Note that given our level of training and equipment on hand, we will proceed only in low avalanche danger conditions. This is not a high-angle mountaineering trip. Participants will need to attend a mandatory preparation meeting at the Cave and provide their own winter backpacking equipment and mountaineering ski setup. We have snowshoes and mountaineering tents to lend. Cost is $50, which covers transportation, food and group equipment. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Members may register online in the Members section.