URBANTREKKERS
UrbanTrekkers is an extension of UrbanPromise’s StreetLeader Program — it seeks to complement our highly successful academic initiatives with outside expeditionary learning opportunities.
We believe education requires motivation — an awakening of the childlike curiosity that is part of human nature. Trekker trips are designed to motivate students to learn from their outdoor experiences and carry that motivation back into their studies. Activities are designed to help develop students’ skills in teamwork, leadership, and decision-making.
The Six Key Elements of UrbanTrekkers are:
Community Service
Cross-Cultural Experiences
Environmental Awareness
Historical Perspective
Leadership & Teambuilding
Outdoor Adventure
THE urbantrekkers charlotte STORY
During the 2018-2019 school year, UP Charlotte piloted several Trekkers experiences designed to gauge the interest of StreetLeaders in adding the program in Charlotte. StreetLeaders were invited to participate in three initial Treks: a day of outdoor team-building activities at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, a group hike to the top of nearby Crowder’s Mountain, and a historical "Urban Trek” throughout the different neighborhoods surrounding center-city Charlotte.
After receiving positive feedback about all of these experiences, leaders decided to move forward with formalizing UrbanTrekkers for our students!
An initial cohort of 15 StreetLeader Trekkers launched the program during the 2019-2020 school year. In addition to embarking on several multi-day trips together, this cohort organized and planned other local trips for StreetLeader peers to join throughout the year!
Since the launch of UrbanTrekkers in Charlotte, participants have engaged in several overnight Treks to areas in North Carolina and beyond!
LEARN ABOUT PREVIOUS TREKS:
UrbanTrekkers Charlotte Officially Launches with First Trek!
UrbanTrekkers Visit Alabama on Civil Rights Tour
UrbanTrekkers Zip Through the NC Mountains in First Overnight Trip of 2021
We’ve loved seeing how everyone involved has learned and grown as leaders through their experiences! Express interest in getting involved with UrbanTrekkers below.
urbantrekkers leadership team
“I love the outdoors and have worked at high adventure camps during many summers of my life, so I’m excited to see our StreetLeaders engage in trips that challenge the way they see and think about the world. Let’s go Trekking!”
“I love being in the outdoors, and really see and feel God’s creation and presence there. I want everyone to be able to have those experiences, and UrbanTrekkers fits so well with the overall Urban Promise program!”
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