Through the Bear Captains program, we help these young adult men become leaders, role models, and mentors while learning skills that prepare them for jobs and a successful future. The Bear Captains program helps solve some big challenges that young adult men (ages 18-24) face, especially in underserved communities:

Lack of Leadership Skills: Many young adult men don’t get the chance to learn how to be strong leaders. Without leadership skills, it can be hard for them to guide others, make decisions, or feel confident in their abilities.

Few Role Models: Some young adult men don’t have mentors or role models to show them the way. Without guidance, it’s harder to figure out how to help others or grow into a responsible adult.

Limited Opportunities to Give Back: Many young adult men want to help their communities but don’t always know how. They need chances to make a difference and feel proud of what they can accomplish.

Unclear Path to Jobs or Careers: Some young adult men struggle to find training or experience that could help them get good jobs. Without learning important skills, it’s harder to build a strong, self-sufficient future.

By being a Bear Captain, young adult men learn to lead, grow as role models, and gain skills that help them succeed in life and their future careers. Our Bear Captains program helps young adult men (ages 18-24) overcome these challenges by giving them the tools and support they need to succeed. Here’s how:

Teaching Leadership Skills: Bear Captains learn how to lead, make decisions, and solve problems. Through hands-on experiences, they practice being strong leaders who guide and support younger boys in our programs.

Providing Mentorship: We pair Bear Captains with experienced leaders who act as role models. These mentors show them how to become confident, responsible adults who can inspire others.

Creating Opportunities to Give Back: Bear Captains mentor younger boys, teaching them skills like teamwork, survival, and safety. This gives them a chance to give back to their communities and feel proud of the impact they make.

Building Career Skills: Bear Captains gain valuable experience in teaching, leading groups, and problem-solving. These skills prepare them for jobs in outdoor education, emergency services, and other careers, helping them build a path to a self-sufficient future.