20

9th - 12th grade participants

150+

Hours outdoors each

30

Hours of community service each

High School

Trekking towards Leadership

The Outdoor Leadership Institute works with approximately 20 new participants each year and engages program alumni throughout the year. During the summer, Blue Sky hosts three trips: one for OLI Alumni and two trips for new participants. Throughout the academic year, participants join on monthly community service projects that both benefit our community and help introduce students to the potential careers and pathways.

Are you a rising 9-12th grader, interested in building your confidence, leadership abilities, & cultural awareness while also learning new skills of community involvement & backcountry basics? Then join our Outdoor Leadership Institute!

Participants will commit to joining a summer wilderness excursion and eight community service projects throughout the academic year. This is a great opportunity to experience the summit of our state's highest peak and make some new friends!

For more information about OLI, contact David, the Adventure Programs Manager at adventure@blueskyfund.org

Are you interested in being part of the program?

Apply Now

2026 Trip Dates & Details

Trip 1 Dates

July 7th - 17th

Includes an eleven day commitment including 5-days backpacking to Mt. Roger's Virginia's highest point. Participants will be in the backcountry July 11th to 15th.

Trip 2 Dates

July 29 - August 8

Includes an eleven day commitment including 5-days backpacking to Mt. Roger's Virginia's highest point. Participants will be in the backcountry August 1st - 5th.

Alumni Trip

June 2026

Program graduates from the previous year are invited to join the Alumni Trip where they'll spend 5 days canoe camping along the James River!

School Year

Service Saturdays

After completing the summer portion of OLI, students will meet one Saturday each month throughout the school year, during which crew members will apply their new skills across Richmond by engaging together in meaningful community service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the ideal OLI candidate?

What are the benefits of the program?

What's next after applying?

After an application has been submitted, the student will receive an email with more information about the program.

The student will be asked to fill out a short application and then schedule time for a brief interview with our staff.

If accepted, the student will receive materials for the program in the Spring and will be invited (along with their caregivers) to attend an informational session in May.

When is the deadline for applications?

How do I pay the program fee?

OLI has been such an incredible experience. It's really hard for people to leave their life and be a part of nature, with all of life that flies by around us. The Mt. Rogers trip was incredible. But I also enjoy all of the volunteer work that I have had the opportunity to do throughout the year. I love OLI and all that it has done for me.”

Lili, OLI Graduate 2023
Growing up already adventurous and in love with nature, OLI has been a great way to experience even more nature with friends while helping my and others communities along the way.”

Sam, OLI Graduate 2023
It felt good to be back on Mount Rogers since my [first] backpacking [trip] six years ago. I was given the chance to stop & notice changes on the mountains & make new connections.”

Qui, OLI Graduate 2017 & 2023 Guide