Paddle for Leaders 2015 Auction

This auction, with items generously donated by businesses and individuals who support the Alzar School, benefits the scholarship program. With your help, we will empower more teenage leaders who want to make a difference in the world.

The Backstory

Each semester, the Alzar School asks our students to challenge themselves. In the course of their semester, they find themselves consistently stretched. There are long days on the trail, backpacking through the Owyhee Canyonlands. There are epic study sessions as they engage in rigorous, college preparatory courses that equip them with the critical thinking skills to be thoughtful leaders. And there are the meaningful culminating leadership projects students plan for implementation in their communities. In their career as leaders, joining the Alzar School for a semester is just the launch of a lifelong journey towards being community leaders who work to make the world around them a better place.

Back in 2004, when Kristin and Sean Bierle started the Alzar School by sketching out a campus on posterboard with a couple of Crayola markers, they anticipated the journey ahead would challenge them. From running the entire school out of their living room, to the school’s newly purchased van breaking down on our first summer expedition, to starting our Semester 1 with no complete buildings… creating this one-of-a-kind school has been a feat of endurance, a demonstration of persistence in the face of many obstacles. This year, we are launching an annual effort to support the school’s ability to make the Alzar School experience accessible for as many great teenagers as possible. “Paddle for Leaders” will enable supporters of the school to get in on the challenge and adventure of developing the next generation of leaders.

First, alumni from around the country will also complete their own “Paddle for Leaders” challenges, raising funds to give the Alzar School experience to future teenagers. Pledge to support their efforts here. [Link coming soon].

Then, in one day, (May 7th, 2015) co-founder and Head of School Sean Bierle will paddle from Payette Lake, high in the river’s watershed, down the upper North Fork of the Payette River, across Cascade Reservoir, and back onto the river, passing the Alzar School’s campus. At Cabarton Bridge, supporters will join him on rafts, finishing the journey in Smith’s Ferry. In tackling such a mighty endeavor, we hope to inspire others to join us in this journey of building an innovative school.

In total, Sean will:

-Travel over 60 miles
-Take more than 24,000 strokes
-Complete over 19 hours of continuous paddling

Sean will launch at midnight, paddle a variety of crafts, and will be joined for different legs of the trip by stakeholders in the school. Throughout the marathon paddling session, we will tell the story of the school’s history, its students, and our vision for the future.

How YOU can paddle for leaders...

FROM ANYWHERE…

You can paddle from anywhere by:

-Making an online pledge. Support by stroke, mile, or lump sum. Choose to sponsor Sean’s journey in the Payette watershed, or an alumni’s “Paddle for Leaders” challenge on their waterway around the country.

-Bidding on sweet items. Businesses near and far have donated amazing items to our online auction. You can pick up gear, acquire artwork, or plan your next vacation, with proceeds going directly to the Paddle for Leaders scholarships. Visit the online auction here!

-Following throughout the day. We will be posting updates from Sean’s paddle, stories of our students, information about our vision for the future, and pulling raffle winners. (All donors will be entered into a raffle to win a variety of exciting prizes!)

-Going for the big paddle trip. Donors that are able to make major donations are invited to join the school’s leadership team for a multi-day rafting trip down the Wild & Scenic Main Salmon River in July 2015.

-Posting our custom hashtag — #ipaddle4 — and shout out what aspect you support. For example: #ipaddle4 #idaho”.

IF YOU’RE IN THE AREA…

Supporters in our area have several opportunities to join in on the day’s adventure. You can paddle for leaders too.

-Kick off the big day with us! On May 6th, the night before Sean launches, there will be a launch party at the Shore Lodge in McCall, with proceeds from the event going to the school.

-Finish the journey. Join us at Smith's Ferry at 6:30pm on May 7th, 2015 to celebrate the completion of the journey.

Alzar School is a leadership semester school where education is the confluence of rigorous academics, cultural exchange, and outdoor adventure. We are a 501c3 nonprofit based in Cascade, Idaho. Each semester features expeditions around the US and Chile.