Building Character - Developing Leadership - Improving Teamwork

Since its inception in 1971, Venture Outdoor Leadership has been committed to helping students explore the great outdoors while building confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. Our programs, like SOAR Outdoor, Venture Bound, and spring break Leadership Institute, offer hands-on learning experiences that have proven to boost student success and well-being, both academically and personally.

Our students face numerous challenges, and financial barriers shouldn’t be one of them. By offering adventure-based experiences, we equip students with the tools to step out of their comfort zones, grow through challenges, and build lifelong connections with both peers and nature.

This year, we’re raising funds to make our programs even more accessible by purchasing a fleet of hiking boots to create a boot library! These boots will be provided to students free of charge, ensuring that financial limitations don't prevent anyone from joining a backpacking adventure. Your donation will directly lower the barrier to entry, making transformative outdoor experiences possible for more students.

Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders—one adventure at a time!

Your donation will help cover the cost of expenses related to Venture Outdoor Leadership.

You can double or triple the impact of your gift if your employer participates in a matching gift program.  To see if your employer has a matching gift program, click here. If your company matches, complete your matching gift form and submit it to UNC Charlotte via mail (UNC Charlotte Foundation, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223), fax (704-687-7259) or email (mwinslow@charlotte.edu).