Sisters on Leadership Expeditions, or SOLES, is a Durango-based nonprofit led by women for high school women, non-binary, and queer folks. SOLES leaders believe fostering a connection with the San Juan Mountains is crucial for high school youth to develop a strong sense of self-worth and belonging.
Students enroll in the year-long program that starts with an eight- to 10-day summer backpacking trip in the San Juans, followed by a winter avalanche program and a desert camping trip in the spring. As well as monthly workshops, SOLES uses the wilderness as a tool for deep connection, leadership development, personal challenge, and strong peer-to-peer relationships.
“Something that sets SOLES apart from other outdoor education programs is consistency,” said co-director Kayla Nardoozi. “Crew members aren’t spread out across the country coming together for a month-long trip, like in Outward Bound. Students stay together for an entire year and go on multiple trips, which allows deep relationships to form.”
The idea of SOLES came from high school students in 2013 when they asked their teacher, Ashley Carruth, to help plan and lead them on a summer backpacking trip. Inspired by their trip, Carruth founded the SOLES program in 2015.
Throughout the last 10 years, SOLES has served around 100 students.
“Because we place a strong emphasis on building community and mentorship, the bonds we form last a lifetime,” Carruth said, who keeps up regularly with graduates.
All SOLES graduates have gone to four-year universities, and many are pursuing degrees in environmental sciences, outdoor education, or related fields.
“One of our participants went on to lead an outdoor organization for female-identifying youth at her college,” Carruth added. “One is a marine biologist based in the UK. One is an archaeologist. The list goes on.”
This year’s high school cohort has 10 members and five returning students. “I see students feel more empowered to go out on their own,” Nardoozi said. “Returning students are starting to plan their own backpacking trips outside of SOLES. Two returning seniors are thinking about thru-hiking the Colorado Trail together this summer.”
SOLES offers financial aid to all students who need it, and donations go directly to the SOLES scholarship program. To donate or enroll your child, visit https://www.sanjuanmountainsoles.com.
By Beth Henshaw
