Youth in Project Venture experience challenging activities, including rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing, backpack trips, ropes course, mountain biking, orienteering, as well as service-learning projects and cultural activities that support their development as capable, productive members of their community. Project Venture includes an in-school component, which focuses on team building, group problem solving, communication and cooperation through experiential games and activities. The out-of-school program builds upon the in-school component, and focuses on the wilderness activities that also includes weekend, holidays and summer activities, including our annual national camp. 2007 will mark the 25th year of our camp program.

           In 2004, Project Venture was officially designated as a Model Program, by the National Registry of Effective Prevention Programs. Project Venture was developed over a 15 year period with funding from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Currently, Project Venture has been replicated in over 70 sites, in 20 states.

           Since 1990, over 3000 young people, in 5th—12th grades, have participated in Project Venture in the local area, through NIYLP programs. Another 20 replications within the state of New Mexico are serving over 1000 more.

For detailed information on Project Venture's model status, please click on the link below.