The North Face, has awarded an Explore Fund grant to the Summit Quest Youth Cycling program. The Explore Fund’s mission is to inspire and enable the next generation of explorers by funding non-profit organizations that are working to re-connect children with nature. By encouraging an active healthy lifestyle and protection of our natural landscapes, a stronger connection of youth to the outdoors can be nurtured. Summit Quest was selected from more than 900 applications submitted for the first of two grant cycles in 2012, because of their mission to provide strength, hope, and service to children and families affected by cancer. Since The North Face Explore Fund was initiated in 2010, The North Face has provided more than $1 Million in grants to non-profits all over the world working to connect youth to the outdoors, with more than three quarters of that going to programs in the United States.

“It is an amazing blessing to be sponsored by such a great organization like The North Face. With the funding awarded, Summit Quest will be able to impact the lives of children in our community who have a parent or loved one affected by cancer. Summit Quest, along with community partner Cycle Therapy will work to connect youth affected by cancer to the joys of cycling.” William James, Executive Director Summit Quest

The Summit Quest Youth Cycling Program was established in 2012 to provide a positive coping outlet for the many young people in our community whose families are facing cancer. Since it’s founding, the program has worked with multiple families and have led trips at Berry College as well as at the new trail system at Jackson Hill. The Summit Quest Youth Cycling Program has allowed young people to ride away from the worries and stress that comes along with seeing a loved one face cancer. Riding a bike is filled with empowerment and with the freedom to leave behind whatever problems we each may be facing. In addition, Summit Quest has been able to advance the mission exponentially with the support of several important partner organizations including local bicycle shop Cycle Therapy. Cycle Therapy is a positive force in the Rome community and provides bike maintenance and rider support during the outings of the Summit Quest Youth Cycling Program.

“There can be so many barriers to getting kids outdoors, whether it be a disability, health resources or simply a lack of  access. A large percentage of the grants went toward funding organizations that are addressing these issues by providing access and education,” said Ann Krcik, director of Outdoor Exploration at The North Face. “We believe that if you can get kids to love the outdoors, not only will they develop skills that will help them throughout life, but they will grow up to care about their natural world, protecting and conserving the wild places they explore”

Summit Quest Youth Cycling Program will launch on January 1st and has openings for families interested in connecting to this great service. To learn more about Summit Quest and the Youth Cycling Program visit www.SummitQuestAdventures.com. For more information about The North Face Explore Fund, please visit www.explorefund.org

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