Student leadership is a core value of Adventure Rec. Student Rec Leaders led over 70 trips in 2024–25. From Yosemite to Big Sur to the desert, Rec Leaders open the doors of outdoor adventure and connection for hundreds of UCSC students.
Adventure Rec's Giving Day goal is to raise $20,000. Gifts received on Giving Day will once again go toward the Nik Madsen Memorial Endowment for Whole Heart Leadership to support leadership development among Adventure Rec student field staff. The Nik Madsen Memorial Endowment for Whole Heart Leadership was created in 2018 to support leadership development among Adventure Rec's student field staff. Since then, the fund has approached $200,000, with close to $20,000 in student leadership awards allocated.
This will be the sixth consecutive year of Giving Day supporting Adventure Rec student leadership. During that time, over 55 Rec Leaders have participated in more than 25 field-based outdoor leadership trainings, expanding ther technical skills and interpersonal qualities to lead UCSC students on life-changing adventures.
Beyond specific skill development, student leaders graduate with authentic leadership qualities — interpersonal communication, judgment and decision-making, adaptable problem-solving, and resilience in challenging situations — that prepare them for any career. We’re immensely proud of their continued leadership, and we’re immensely grateful for your belief in this work.
Thank you for your support!
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