Please read the Challenger Sierra program description and full details online before completing this application.
Thank you for your interest in Challenger Sierra 2026! This program is for young adults ages 18–32 (must be a high school graduate) and will be held in the Emigrant Wilderness of California. Located just north of Yosemite, this breathtaking wilderness highlights the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. Challenger is a backpacker’s paradise, complete with majestic views of exposed granite, mountain lakes, streams, forests and meadows. It is the perfect setting for a Challenger program.
Below you will find an overview of the application process, requirements and deadlines, followed by the initial application form. Please read this carefully, as it is significantly different from applications for United Youth Camp or other young adult activities.
While we have specific deadlines listed below, we strongly encourage anyone interested in Challenger Sierra 2026 to apply as soon as possible! This is due to the limited number of participants we can accept (12) and the advanced planning required.
You can learn more about the program through this informational video: UYA Challenger West | Summer 2026
What is Provided?
Permit, group gear (water filters, jet boils for hot water, first aid kits, satellite communications), dinners (you pick your favorites), tents, and transportation to and from the airport.
What Do I Need To Bring?
Here are the main items:
* Here is a helpful, extensive packing list to show you what you will need to bring and what will be provided for you: Challenger Sierra Packing List
How Do I Get There?
* Gear is expensive...please email the director if you are interested in a partial sponsorship.
How Should I Prepare?
Please look over the Challenger Sierra Conditioning Guide to provide you with guidelines and ideas on physical conditioning in preparation for Challenger Sierra.
Application Phases
Application Phase 1: Items due by May 9, 2026
Application Phase 2: Interviews and acceptance by May 22, 2026
Application Phase 3: Items due by June 22, 2026
All The Documents to Review and/or sign:
You are welcome to contact Scott McKeon at any time with questions via text, call or email.
We look forward to receiving your application! We hope you can join us for Challenger Sierra 2026!
Director | Scott McKeon | 480.229.2306 | [email protected]
27029 N. 44th Street, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Yes, it's okay to send me text messages including order confirmations, updates, event reminders, and event information. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. View our terms of service & privacy policy.
If you have served on United Youth Camps staff, a Youth Corps project, or attended a Challenger program, list below the five (5) most recent.
Describe any training, experience or certifications you have that are related to canoeing, camping or other wilderness activities. If this will be your first time on a camping or hiking trip, please indicate.
Please list three non-family references who know you well.
After reading the program description, please answer the questions below. Answers need to be specific and they need to demonstrate personal reflection on what you want to accomplish in Challenger Sierra, and what you can contribute to it.
1. Describe what you expect from the Challenger Sierra program. What aspects of Challenger Sierra are especially interesting to you?
2. Challenger Sierra is a great opportunity to learn more about yourself, who you want to become and how to make changes. This is important knowledge for individual and group leadership.
Briefly discuss three (3) characteristics about yourself that you would like to explore / grow in at Challenger Sierra. These can be spiritual in nature, but can address other areas as well. (Use 2-3 sentences per area.)
3. Challenger Sierra is not simply a "guided tour" of great scenery. It is an intensive immersion program that is designed to make a difference in all participants. As a result, it requires full participation in an active group dynamic.
Briefly discuss three (3) strengths that you will bring to this program that will help individuals and the group achieve significant results from this adventure. These can be spiritual in nature, but can address other areas as well. (Use 2-3 sentences per strength).
4. Challenger Sierra actually begins before arrival in California. It begins with preparation—reading and physical conditioning.
Briefly describe, providing some detail, about your plan to accomplish the required reading and to be in excellent physical condition for this program.
5. Briefly describe your current work, career or student status, and your plans for the next 3-5 years.
There is a $150 fee to participate in this program. Participants are expected to provide their own backpack, sleeping bag, ground pad, most food, personal items, fishing gear and license (optional) and meet their own transportation costs. Tents, cooking gear, dinners and all equipment for cooking are provided by the Challenger Sierra program.
