Onward & Upward

Onward & Upward School for Adventure-Based Learning and Exploration for Discovery Our mission is to establish a culture of “One Health” in Alaska through evidence-based action.

Onward & Upward is an evidence-based, AEE accredited, 501c3 nonprofit organization based in the Mat-Su Valley. We accomplish this by engaging our students in adventurous, inspiring, meaningful, and empowering experiences with varying degrees of challenge methodically designed for positive growth and development. Course offerings are diverse- ranging from open enrollment summer adventure courses to year-round after-school, and homeschool opportunities. Visit our website at www.onwardandupward.org to find out more or email us at [email protected] to see how we can customize a course for you!

September Community CPR class TOMORROW EVENING!! Tuesday, September 29th from 5:30-8:30 💓💓💓For Teens 12+ & Adults - 2 y...
09/28/2026

September Community CPR class TOMORROW EVENING!!
Tuesday, September 29th from 5:30-8:30 💓💓💓
For Teens 12+ & Adults - 2 year cert - sign up link in comments 👇

09/09/2026

Onward & Upward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit experiential education organization based in the Mat-Su Valley, Alaska. Our programs combine adventure, positive psychology, evidence-based youth development, place-based education, and managed risk to strengthen youth, families, and communities.

We work with young people across a variety of settings—from schools and after-school programs to multi-day wilderness expeditions. Our programs may include hiking, paddling, climbing, challenge courses, service learning, outdoor skills, and other adventure-based experiences.

We are now hiring a full-time, year round Field Instructor/Guide, that will work as an educator, mentor, facilitator, outdoor professional, and role model. They will help create environments where students are challenged appropriately, supported meaningfully, and encouraged to recognize their own capacity for growth.

This is a great resource for connection! You can also participate in the scavenger hunt and enter to win an Amazon gi...
09/01/2026

This is a great resource for connection! You can also participate in the scavenger hunt and enter to win an Amazon gift card! 💜 More details can be found here: https://anthc.org/events/tyhs/

08/11/2026

One of our emerging student leaders stepped up to help guide the group safely through the culvert. Our programs are more than learning canoe skills—it’s building confidence, judgment, teamwork, and the ability to lead when it matters.

08/10/2026

One of the challenges in our Canoe Skills Course: navigating the culvert between Cottonwood Lake and mud lake.

Canoe Skills Camp: Rescue Ready!Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing photos and videos from our recent Canoe Skills ...
08/10/2026

Canoe Skills Camp: Rescue Ready!

Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing photos and videos from our recent Canoe Skills Camp—and there’s a lot of good stuff coming!

First Strokes. A New Adventure. This weekend marks a milestone for Onward & Upward as we launch our first-ever Level 1 A...
08/07/2026

First Strokes. A New Adventure.

This weekend marks a milestone for Onward & Upward as we launch our first-ever Level 1 Adventure Canoe Skills Camp.

While students will experience the excitement of being on the water, many hours of preparation happen behind the scenes—organizing equipment, refining lessons, reviewing safety practices, and creating an experience built for learning and growth.

“I am excited for our canoe skills camp,” says returning Onward & Upward leader Joshua.

Spending time outside and sharing meaningful experiences with others builds confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills.

Following the American Canoe Association Level 1 Canoe Skills Curriculum, participants will develop foundational canoeing skills while strengthening teamwork, communication, and connection.

A new adventure, a new story, a new chapter as we evolve Onward & Upward!

Rain. 50 participants in the largest challenge course event we've ever facilitated at Burchell. "Our goal is to face cha...
08/04/2026

Rain.
50 participants in the largest challenge course event we've ever facilitated at Burchell. "Our goal is to face challenges," shouted Amanda. By afternoon, challenges arrived from the sky.
Five facilitators. Four course elements. Countless opportunities to step outside our comfort zones.
Laughter echoed across the grass as participants played Pretty Pretty Princess and Wiggle Walk Freeze. "It was great to hear everyone laughing," Abby reflected during lunch.
Giant's Ladder. Catwalk. Tarzan. Leap of Faith. Rain-soaked jackets and muddy shoes washed away hesitation. People identified rain as a hazard and paid attention to one another.
In the rain each element asked something for each participant to answer: Sometimes courage takes the next step. Sometimes hold the rope for someone else. For some, the answer was to climb. For others, it was to encourage.
For some the rain defined the day, and for others they barely noticed it as they flew through the sky.
On the shuttle back to camp, one counselor shared "Learning doesn't happen only during the experience. It happens when we reflect on the experience.”
At Onward & Upward we know that Challenge course isn’t about ropes, knots, cables, or climbing prowess. Those are simply the activities, the tools to discover something deeper about ourselves. The real work happens for us in relationships—between ourselves, the people beside us, and the place that surrounds us.
I didn’t hear one complaint. The rain wasn’t a problem. It became part of the classroom. Everyone adapted. Laughed. Faced their fears. Facilitators adjusted. Confidence grew. Changing conditions made us stronger. That's One Health.
Lessons aren't found in perfect conditions. Sometimes, the lesson is how we adapt. The day ended with 50 people shouting: "Onward and Upward!" Their shouts drowned out the sound of the rain.

Address

1705 Ranch Road #2
Palmer, AK
99645

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