User:Edgardoleblond/sandbox

Introduction

Balanced Rock is a non-profit organization based out of Yosemite, CA that focuses on inspiring health and well-being through outdoor and wilderness journeys that allow their participants to develop a deep connection to nature and spirit. A variety of trips are offered throughout the year, from journal writing and painting workshops, to backpacking trips, and climbing adventures.

History

Providing these life changing outdoor empowerment opportunities stemmed from Heather Sullivan’s and Tana Leach’s Matthew A. Baxter Award Grant that sought to help the community heal after the tragic killing of Joie Armstrong in 1999. Through challenging backcountry experiences and introspective time within the awe inspiring wilderness, participants were inspired to formalize these Wild Women Workshops with a Board of Directors and a staff, extending these experiences to the general public. Quickly expanding their impact Balanced Rock was founded as a non-profit by Eliza Kerr and Heather Sullivan in 2007.

Experiences

Balanced Rock utilizes many professionals in their field to promote meaningful and transformative individual experiences in our public lands. A wide variety of adventures and retreats are organized each year by a community of professional instructors. These individuals display the passion of Balanced Rock’s mission through yoga retreats, painting workshops, slackline fundraisers, climbing and hiking adventures, and guided reflections in the wilderness.

Balanced Rock is based out of El Portal, CA giving it premier access to one of the nation’s most popular wilderness areas, Yosemite National Park. As a part of the community, Balanced Rock offers yoga classes for only suggested donations and continues to provide support for the well being of the community for the long-term. Through meetings and discussions with the National Park Service, balanced rock is committed to ensuring their trips have a lasting impact on the individuals involved, but a small impact on the resource.

References

Balanced Rock, http://www.balancedrock.org/, Retrieved June 14, 2012