For over 25 years, NIYLP has been empowering the lives of Native youth through experiential education in a positive learning environment. Our adventure-based Project Venture includes activities such as hiking, backpacking, rafting, ropes course and rock climbing designed to incorporate traditional American Indian values. NIYLP seeks to foster youth leaders who are culturally sensitive and promote healthy lifestyles as an example for future generations.NIYLP's local efforts are focused on regional mid-schools with large Native student populations. Project Venture programming is designed to be implemented year-round--in school and after school--emphasizing team building, problem solving, communication and cooperation through experiential games and activities. Through experiential approaches we are also able to incorporate elements of biology, science, social studies, history and geography to provide a hands-on learning experience for students as young as 5th grade.