In the last few months, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Utah’s College & Career Readiness program has organized groups of youth to tackle indoor climbing, set out on cross-country skis, and clamber to new heights in snowshoes. Thanks to a growing partnership with Summit Journeys, monthly outdoor excursions are core to youth engagement at the IRC, especially for teens working hard to integrate into a new education system and build social connections. The outings offer the chance to try something new while learning essential skills and having fun.  

8 participants dressed in snow gear wearing snowshoes stand side by side in front of a snowy landscape with snow-covered mountains in the background and a cloudy sky. The central figures hold a flag with a while field, blue logo noting "Summit Journeys".
Summit Journeys believes transformation happens outdoors. With a supportive crew, teens learn to dig deep within themselves, discovering newfound compassion for others and push past limitations they never knew existed.
Photo: Summit Journeys

“The outdoor adventures give youth the chance to focus on social emotional skill building, including resiliency & adaptability, self-awareness & goal setting, as well as stress management & emotional regulation,” Jess Hudson, college & career readiness coordinator, explains. The adventures also bring youth closer to the outdoor settings Utah is known for, but remain inaccessible to many newly arrived families who might lack the expendable resources or knowledge of the area.  

The College & Career Readiness program focuses on increasing knowledge by coupling language-specific workshops alongside outdoor fun. The most recent group, led in Dari, Pashto, Tigrinye and Arabic, spent time learning how to choose a career, fund their educational pursuits, increase basic financial literacy and dive into internet safety. Each month, the educational workshop is followed by an adventure facilitated by Summit Journeys, an organization that provides transformational adventures that positively shape your outlook, inspire leadership and enhance your overall well-being.  

Jess continues to be impressed with all that Summit Journeys has offered: “They have been great! They plan the activities, lead meaningful group discussions, and work closely with the IRC to ensure the youth have a good time. [Summit Journeys] crew members take care to help the kids engage, have fun, and connect with each other—even across language barriers.” 

A refugee youth in a hijab in the distance climbs up an indoor climbing wall on her own.
From indoor climbing, snowshoeing, and more, the partnership formed between the IRC in Utah and Summit Journeys provides an entry point for refugee youth to enjoy outdoor adventures in Utah.
Photo: James Roh

Summit Journeys believes transformation happens outdoors. With a supportive crew, teens learn to dig deep within themselves, discovering newfound compassion for others and push past limitations they never knew existed. A recent activity provided just the setting: a group of 10 youth tried out cross-country skiing for the first time. Though everyone was excited, some jumped right in while others took time warming up to the activity—working hard to maintain balance and push forward. At the end, the group took time to reflect on the day.  

“We discussed with the teens that some parts of the activity may have been easy or more challenging, but they all tried their best,” Jess remarked, “It was a reminder that each one can overcome difficulties. The effort to a step to creating a belief system that they can thrive in a new environment and increase their tolerance for uncertainty.” 

The IRC’s College & Career Readiness program has ambitious plans for 2025, from hiking and kayaking adventures to a potential multi-day summer camp planned for June and open to refugee youth across Salt Lake County. The outdoor adventures would not be possible without an incredible partnership with Summit Journeys in addition to a grant awarded by the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, the Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation & Education grant.  

You can support the IRC in Utah’s efforts to help youth engage with all that Utah has to offer by contributing to our work: make a monetary donation, become a volunteer, or contact us to discuss potential partnerships by emailing SaltLakeCity@Rescue.org.