Live Like Sam brings youth programming, outdoor adventures and volunteer opportunities to summer 2026

Photo: Live Like Sam Foundation.

PARK CITY, Utah — From sailing on East Canyon Reservoir to working alongside rescued horses, the nonprofit is offering a full slate of free and low-cost experiences aimed at building confidence, resilience and connection among young people.

Live Like Sam is expanding its reach this summer with a mix of outdoor experiences, mental health programming and volunteer opportunities designed to meet young people where they are and help them grow.

Challenge Accepted: free teen meetups

The Challenge Accepted series gives teenagers a chance to step outside their comfort zones through a rotating roster of free outdoor and volunteer activities. This summer’s schedule includes:

June 18 | Intro to sailing, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., East Canyon Reservoir

June 24 | Hike the Provo River Trail with S.O.S., 5–7 p.m., Heber

June 30 | Hike Blood’s Lake Trail with S.O.S., 5–7 p.m., Park City

July 10 | Kayaking the Weber, 2–5 p.m., Weber River

July 16 | Namaste skateboard clinic, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Park City

July 24 | Namaste skate clinic 12 p.m.

July 29 | Volunteer with rescued horses, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Liberty Sanctuary, Heber

July 31 | Volunteer with the fire department, 9:30–11:15 a.m., Heber

Aug. 3 | Working with baby cows at Ballerina Farms

Aug. 10 | CPR certification, Heber

Register for upcoming Challenge Accepted opportunities.

Community volunteer events

Beyond the teen meetups, Live Like Sam is also hosting and participating in a series of community volunteer events throughout the summer:

June 11 | Heber Ice Cream Social

June 18 | Summer Movie Night

July 2–4 | July 4th Forum Fest — volunteers needed

July 4 | Walk with Live Like Sam in the Park City Parade

July 4 | Heber July 4th Parade

Live Like Sam will be tabling at Forum Fest and is looking for volunteers to help represent the organization July 2–4.

Thrive summer session: July 6–Aug. 14

Summer can be more than a break from school. The Thrive Summer Session runs six weeks and is designed to help middle and high school students strengthen emotional resilience, develop healthy coping skills and build communication tools in a supportive environment. Registration closes July 1 at 11:59 p.m. MT.

The program recognizes that summer, while a welcome break from academics, also creates space for connection and personal growth when channeled intentionally. Thrive aims to give students tools that serve them both inside and outside the classroom.

Learn more and secure your spot.

Live Well, Be Well day camp: July 20–23

Live Like Sam is partnering with Live Well Be Well to offer a free four-day day camp for sixth- through eighth-grade students in Summit and Wasatch counties. The camp runs daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and blends creative activities, mindfulness workshops, emotional intelligence skills and outdoor adventures including hikes and stand-up paddleboarding. Lunch and snacks are provided each day.

Teen volunteers are needed to serve as camp counselors, with half-day shifts available. Whether you’re looking to give back or build leadership experience, this is an opportunity to make a direct impact on younger students in your community.

Sign up for camp or volunteer as a counselor.

Parent Corner resources

Live Like Sam’s Parent Corner is also launching new summer content focused on helping families stay connected during a season when routines shift. Topics this month include:

Time together builds confidence: Confidence is often built in ordinary moments. This resource explores simple ways to create more connection and emotional safety this summer without adding more to your schedule.

Restoring ourselves through nature: Modern life keeps many families overscheduled and indoors. This piece explores how sunlight, movement and less screen time can improve mood, sleep and family connection.

Navigating life’s transitions: From graduates preparing for what’s next to younger siblings adjusting to change, this resource offers practical guidance for families managing summer transitions.

Save the date: Annual Gala, Oct. 10, 2026

The Live Like Sam Annual Gala returns for an evening of community, connection and celebration. Get notified when tickets go on sale.