NatureBridge, the largest nonprofit educational partner of the National Park Service, leads backpacking programs for middle school students and high school students in Olympic and Yosemite national parks each summer.

These one-week and two-week programs offer the perfect mix of backpacking, science and adventure and give participants the opportunity to conduct field science investigations in two of the most iconic national parks in the country.

Registration is open for this summer, with programs available in June and July.

Students and parents who are interested are encouraged to contact Katie Draude, NatureBridge Summer Programs manager, at 415-598-9832 or kdraude@naturebridge.org. To learn more about NatureBridge’s Summer Backpacking, visit naturebridge.org/summerbackpacking.

Summer backpacking programs are designed to develop future environmental leaders as they take students on a challenging physical and academic journey into spectacular wilderness. Students participate in a multi-day backpacking adventure, conduct hands-on science projects and develop their leadership skills.

“Supported by a new group of friends, students return home with a deeper connection to nature, empowered to pursue their interest in environmental science,” program organizers say.

Students have used their NatureBridge summer backpacking experience and research for school capstone projects, college entrance essays and job resumés, they note.

Founded in 1971, NatureBridge provides environmental science programs for students in national parks. For more information, visit naturebridge.org.