Peak 7 Adventures: Outdoor Impact

Building confidence and hope through real-world challenges 

By Taylor Shillam 

At Peak 7 Adventures, the mission is to inspire youth to discover their greater potential through the transformative power of outdoor adventure. 

“We partner with other nonprofits and organizations to provide under-resourced youth with access to outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting, rock climbing, paddle boarding, and backpacking. These experiences give youth the opportunity to overcome fear, connect with one another, and experience creation in a new way," says Sarah Dahl, Development Coordinator with Peak 7.

Peak 7 began in 2006 when founder Ryan Kerrigan moved to Spokane and recognized a disconnect between the city’s youth and the creation surrounding them. “He would be kayaking down the Spokane River and see teens breaking bottles on the shores, and find needles in the water,” Sarah says. “He began to envision a way to use his outdoor skillset to provide opportunities for youth who would not otherwise be able to afford them.” 

Through Peak 7’s first rafting trips, Ryan saw that “pushing youth out of their comfort zones broke down barriers and allowed deeper connections,” Sarah describes. “Experiencing creation and overcoming these challenges truly holds the power to change the direction of someone’s life. It wasn’t just about the adventure; it was about transformation.” 

These realizations are still at the heart of Peak 7 Adventures. 

Sarah says, “When kids experience healthy risk, it changes how they see themselves and how they interact with the world around them. It rewires the brain to seek adrenaline in life-giving ways and inspires them to face challenges with confidence. These adventures leave a lasting impact; the confidence and growth kids experience outdoors can truly redirect their lives.” 

Since 2006, Peak 7 Adventures has instilled hope, resilience, and confidence in the lives of youth throughout the community, providing valuable opportunities to step away from screens, connect with nature and one another, and recognize their own capability through overcoming fear.

Sarah shares the reflections of one Peak 7 youth: “I used to struggle with drug addiction, and no high from a drug can compare to the adrenaline I get from climbing. Thank you, Peak 7 Adventures, for changing my life.”

Sarah says Peak 7 is projected to serve over 2,000 youth in 2025. “We can’t wait to see how these adventures in the outdoors will inspire confidence, resilience, and hope in the lives of the youth we serve,” she says.  

Peak 7 is also expanding its connection with the Airway Heights Police Adventure League, a program designed to engage under-resourced teens in Cheney Public Schools through outdoor adventure and mentorship. They will also launch a Paddle Board Concession under the North Division bridge and a new Challenge Course program at the Union Gospel Mission camp. 

The best way to support Peak 7 is by sharing their mission and spreading the word, Sarah says. “You can also sign up to volunteer on a trip, become a recurring monthly donor and invest in the lives of our youth, or donate gently used outdoor gear to the Peak 7 consignment account at The Evergreen Gear Exchange.” 

Every connection helps. “As we recognize how the next generation needs our support, these outdoor adventures are becoming essential to instilling hope in these youth,” Sarah says. “Kids are desperate for connection with the physical world around them, not the digital world that is engulfing them.” 

Young people are ready for a real connection—with nature, with others, and with themselves. In a world increasingly dominated by digital distractions, time in creation offers something real and transformational, shifting how kids view themselves and interact with the world around them. Email sarah.dahl@peak7.org to get involved or visit Peak7.org for more information.

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