The Lost Mountain is moving forward: the Additive Adventure 2015 Next Gen Symposium is in July, and we have 26 participants from Africa and North America. As of April 12th, the North American participant team is assembled. Four students from high school to grad school, each looking to combine passion and purpose to create an engine for positive change. Meet them:

Grant Bemis, Positive Tracks Next Gen | BA in Environmental Studies with minors in Biology, Chinese, and Art, Eckard College 2014: I first became aware of The Lost Mountain Project the summer before my senior year of college. My high school science professor at Breck School first put me in touch with Majka, and as it turns out, Majka and I had both graduated from Breck. As I looked closer at the project I was hooked. The combination of adventure with science and environmental conservation was right up my alley. I knew instantly I had to be a part of this. Through a series of emails, Skype sessions and some fundraising, the possibility came into focus. And with the combination of Positive Tracks and my hard work, it became a reality.

Courtney Fieldman | BA in International Relations with a certificate in Environmental Studies, Princeton University 2012: I am inspired to take part in the 2015 Lost Mountain Symposium because I want to be surrounded by the experience and the perspectives of others and expand my perceptions to allow for new learning to take place. To be able to hear from African conservationists and see the land as they see it, to see their connection to it; that is why I want to go. I do not believe that there is one model that fits all societies. We have to learn to see other perspectives and systems of diversity and to foster them. I would like the opportunity to engage with the surrounding community and hear their perspectives, to get a new view of how they see these problems being cured and how we should treat them. I want to brainstorm and discover how we can bring attention to the mountain ecosystems surrounding these communities and see the impact that they have within East Africa. I hope to learn how we can craft new approaches to secure African conservation and our environment. The application of how successful conservation movements can work for African ecosystems has the possibility of unlocking future success in different places all over the world. I hope to find a key that can aid in other geographic locations. To be able to listen, learn, and absorb from all that is around me is extremely powerful and would be an immense opportunity.

I would also like to learn how to conduct entomological and /or herpetological field work with the Lost Mountain scientists. I would love to engage with their findings and begin to see a new aspect of the ecosystem and why it is so essential within such a cyclical process. Although hidden treasures lie all over the world, as they are being unlocked we must find new ways of protecting their beauty and show the value of their worth to the world. Just as our trees, plants, animals, and insects are like pristine jewels that engage and protect our environment, so must we protect their value as well. That is why I would love to go and see so much value and opportunity in this adventure. (Support Courtney’s fundraising goal here.)

Catherine Kimmel, Positive Tracks Next Gen | High School Student, New York: I am inspired to join the Symposium because it the opportunity to join a world-class team that is focused on making connections between the environment, the community, and climbing is remarkable. In fact, the chance to learn and explore with this team, while combining conservation, science and adventure, is truly a once in a lifetime chance. For many years I have also hoped to travel to Africa. As such, the content and timing of this trip are a perfect fit in my life right now.

My passions in life include travel, sports, my family, and the outdoors. My dream major could include elements of these passions. For instance, a degree in environmental sciences would be a great fit with my interests in conservation, travel and the outdoors, as well as dovetail with my favorite science class: biology. As a sophomore in high school, I still have some time to contemplate a college major, but I feel this trip to Africa will be very informative and inspirational. (Support Catherine’s fundraising goal here.)

Maegan Richards, Positive Tracks Next Gen | Undergraduate student majoring in Geosciences at Princeton University: Taking part in the Lost Mountain Symposium inspires me because it seems like the perfect fit for my diverse interests in the environment and working with people towards conservation goals. While I have not decided on a career path, I know I love the outdoors, and I am interested in conservation to protect what I love. The symposium fits into a place that allows me to use these interdisciplinary focuses to explore what I am passionate about in new lights. The opportunity to participate in the program, and to learn more about the environment and conservation efforts in Mozambique, is very exciting to me.

The portion of the Symposium in Gorongosa National Park particularly interests me. On my ROCS experience I learned how hunting permits are sold and how they decide how many to sell, taking into account the new absence of wolves and grizzly bears due to over hunting. I wonder how the East African response to poaching is similar and different from an American response, and how the park plans on returning to a pre-war state. This is just one facet of the program that excites me. Overall, the program fits in well with my passions and I am enthusiastic about learning more. (Support Maegan’s fundraising goal here.)

What’s a Positive Tracks Next Gen? These are our Next Gen’s who are 23 and younger and are therefor qualified to have their fundraising dollars matched by Positive Tracks— a national, youth-centric nonprofit that helps young people get active and give back using the power of sport and adventure. In 2015 Positive Tracks, together with our outdoor industry partners, will double every dollar Next Gen Symposium participants fundraise until we have $90,000 for innovative integrated conservation.

Read more about our Positive Tracks Challenge Grant and get involved here