What is the Foster Youth questival?
To see photos from the most recent climb, see updates and learn about Questival Club hikes, like the Foster Youth Questival on Facebook. |
The Foster Youth Questival is many things. At it's core, it is a five-day trip to Shasta, CA with the goal of climbing Mt. Shasta, the fifth highest mountain in California.
After months of training and fundraising, climbers carpool from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Shasta, California. We spend two days in Shasta acclimating to the elevation, getting to know each other better, packing and preparing for the climb. We then head to Mt. Shasta, where the climb is typically divided into two days. Part of the beauty of Mt. Shasta is that we are at the mercy of the mountain, so flexibility is a must! On day one, we climb to base camp. We will set up camp, practice more technical mountaineering techniques and sleep for the night. On day two, we get an "Alpine start" around 2am and head for the summit with the goal of an arrival around sunrise, weather permitting. We then descend the mountain, head back to our home base in Shasta and celebrate the adventure (usually with hot showers and BBQ). After another good night's sleep, we will carpool back to Los Angeles and/or San Francisco. This program is organized by the team of volunteers, including former foster youth who have made the climb numerous times. Questival originally started as a fundraiser, and has grown into a favorite community event. We select a team of about 16 people, including transition-age foster youth and adult supports, to tackle this adventure. Some of the commitments a Questival climber makes include:
Before the trip to Mt. Shasta, Questival climbers (as well as their friends and loved ones, and community members who support the event) are welcome to participate in Questival Club events, which center around weekend hikes in Los Angeles. |
The challenge I faced while on Shasta has motivated me unlike much else, and I feel confident in saying that I return with the utmost humility and gratitude for the people and things in my life. I am forever appreciative of this experience. - Kevin Clark, Questival participant since 2012