About

The WELS program is a leadership development opportunity for Fayette County youth.  It engages 7th & 8th grade young men and women through the sports of rafting, biking, climbing, and hiking as well as providing adult mentorship and community service opportunities.  WELS uses these sports as a tool to share our core curriculum of RESPONSIBILITY, RESPECT, TRUST, EMPATHY, RESILIENCY, & GRATITUDE with our students, instructors, and volunteers.  We encourage the transfer of leadership skills into students’ everyday lives. 

Selected youth participants will experience an outdoor adventure activity on Sunday afternoons with professionally trained guides.  Each adventure activity will have a have a new core value introduced, discussed, and applied to that activity.

Youth participants are required to meet each Monday evening following their outdoor adventure experience.  This will provide our facilitators the chance to expand on the core value learned and experienced and for all to discuss how it might apply to our everyday lives.  There will also be a shared meal and time for working on homework. 

Fall Session

The 2024 Fall session begins September 15 and runs for 6 consecutive weeks on Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings.  September 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 29 & 30.  October 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21  Graduation Program is October 27.

Spring Session

The 2025 Spring Session starts May 4 and runs for 6 consecutive weeks on Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings. May 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 25 & 26. June 1 & 2, 8 & 9. Graduation Program is June 15.

Kayak Pool Sessions

Pool Sessions are canceled until we can find a new location to host.