YOUTH PARTNER CHALLENGE

About the SCLT Youth Partner Challenge (YPC)

The Youth Partner Challenge encourages youth 17 and younger and the adults in their lives to engage in hiking activities that offer fun, educational experiences and to develop an appreciation for the land and trails that SCLT aims to protect.

The YPC program was established as a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation

Contact the SCLT Office today to receive your Youth Partner Challenge Passport and a bookmark

THE CHALLENGE

Complete 7 hikes in the Saluda Community area or an approved hike (Download your activity log here)
Complete 1 service project

THE COMPETITORS
Those who are 17 and under

(accompanied by their adult partner)

THE REWARD

Earn a SCLT embroidered patch and a Certificate of Completion once you have logged your 7 hikes and completed your approved Service Project!

If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it.

- David Sobel

More Information

Make sure to log your hikes in your passport or activity log (Blank activity log here)

Choose an approved Service Project. Explore some of the most beautiful trails in or near Saluda on conserved land.

Suggested Hikes

You may participate in guided hikes or hike on your own

The following hikes count as one of your 7 hikes:

Any SCLT led Walks in the Woods Hike
Local hikes with your adult partner on the following trails: Lazy Girl, Missing 40, Adawehi, Bell Park, Vaugh’s Creek, Little Bradley, Blue Wall, Palmetto Trail, Twin Lakes or Henry’s Nature Center
A class field trip to Carl Sandburg’s, Johnson Farm, Historic Saluda
Any approved hike with your adult partner, family, or school/community group.

Approved Service Projects

Pick-up litter at a trailhead and as you hike
Write 7 hiking etiquette rules and share them with a parent, friend or group
Make a poster about the 7 principles of Leave No Trace and explain them to your parent, friend or group
Write, draw and give a report to your parent, friend or group about your favorite native wildflower. Include how it can be protected.
Give a report to your parent, friend or group about poison ivy, draw picture and include how to avoid it
Participate in a SCLT work day with your adult partner
Any preapproved project on SCLT property

Trail Etiquette

Stay behind your hike leader
Stop at all intersections
Stay on the trail, especially while taking switchbacks
Leave what you find! Take Pictures, Leave Only Footprints
Greet other hikers with a friendly "Hi" or a smile
Yield to others on the trail
If you pack it in, pack it out.