On the river, challenge and connection create the conditions for a way forward.
ABOUT US.Immersed in nature. Supported by community. Grown through meaningful challenge.
Founded in 2010 by the team behind Orange Torpedo Trips, Life Expanding Adventure Program (LEAP) grew from decades of river guiding and a belief that shared experiences in nature can change how people see themselves and connect with others.
LEAP provides river programs for youth and adults facing adversity to build deeper connections with themselves, one another, and nature.
Working alongside partner nonprofits, we offer multiday river programs on the Lower Deschutes and Lower Salmon Rivers at no cost to participants. Each program brings together meaningful challenge, supportive relationships, and time in nature, creating opportunities to build confidence, connection, and a stronger sense of possibility.
At LEAP, participants do real, hard things.
They navigate whitewater in their own kayaks or in shared paddle rafts. They live outdoors together. They move through uncertainty. They rely on themselves and one another. Within a supportive community, these challenges build confidence, strengthen self-efficacy and belonging, and reconnect participants with themselves, others, and the natural world.
