Keeping it Sacred

After two months of being locked out of Yosemite and living at the portal of the Valley the door opened to local residents. Reentering into the sacred world of waterfalls, dogwood blooming, springs that we drink from, no cars, no people to speak of – the feeling is overwhelming beauty as my senses are opening to commune in a way that feels the past, present, and future. 

 The potential of Sacred Rok feels stronger than ever to interpret this kind of experience that the natural world is expressing.  It’s as if you can hear nature think. Or maybe it’s the spirit of nature and your spirit connecting. 

 For me this feels like an evoking of memory and reality that we are all from the earth and this is the relationship that needs rejuvenation from the human heart to find the respect and compassion to protect all life. This can only come through the higher education nature’s way. 

 Sacred Rok will always support the authentic self and promote the gifts that our kids have come into this world with. We are committed more than ever to facilitate this opportunity that Yosemite is expressing to the entire world as a world heritage site and we at Sacred Rok are dedicated to this responsibility to help, heal and mend a world out of balance. 

 Respectfully, 

Ron Kauk - Executive Director

2019 Annual Report

We are honored to share with you our 2019 Annual Report. Now more than ever, we know how important it is to work together. The support from our readers and donors literally keeps our youth on the trail to discover the potential they have to find the gifts they’ve come into this word to share. 

Click the image to view the report.

Thank you for being part of our Sacred Rok community, which gives us the privilege to continue sharing with our youth the realm of higher education nature’s way. 

Ron Kauk - Executive Director

Katie Lambert - Chief Operating Officer 

Being Inspired by Yvon Chouinard – a True Yosemite Climber

 As a pioneer of the 60’s, with routes like the North America Wall on El Capitan, it’s obvious that Yvon learned the art and respect for the natural laws that exists in such an environment.  

He built this into his company - with an environmental awareness and his visionary commitment through Patagonia’s pledge to environmental campaigns.

 Ron Kauk has been a Patagonia Ambassador for over 15 years. The ripple effect of this relationship has grown into a collaboration for the vision of Sacred Rok to continue to represent what Yosemite has inspired in Ron has a Yosemite climber, too. 

Ron on El Capitan, following in Yvon’s footsteps

 Yvon and his company are showing the world what good business can look like to create a healthier planet by taking responsibility. Sacred Rok has committed to this way of imagining a better world through the investment in our youth. 

 We are honored that as an Environmental Grants grantee Yvon and Patagonia will match your donations; Especially at a time when higher education nature’s way will be critical for our future generations. 

Always with respect and humbleness we thank you for willingness to support us. 

Katie Lambert - COO

Ron Kauk - Executive Director

Understanding the Wisdom of Nature

 As we have a decade of experience learning from our youth the value of facilitating the ceremony of nature we are extremely honored to have partnered with San Benito County Probation for five years. Through day trips to Pinnacles National Park, where board member Steve Shackleton served as Super Intendant, and camping trips to The World Heritage Site of Yosemite National Park, a unique opportunity has been provided for all of us to gather in such beautiful places that our parks provide. 

 These are incredible classrooms for the entire world and the experiences of our youth is proof of the importance of building a foundation with nature. 

 Our young people’s own accounts of their last camping trip supports the commitment we have always had for the simplicity of helping our kids respect nature and through that to respect themselves. 

So I got to go Yosemite, it was so beautiful nothing you would think of! The water is very pure and clear and taste so good. We got to sleep outside in a tent. It didn’t even feel like we were locked up. I had never even been there before and to say I got to go while I was locked up is crazy. There are beautiful trees, mountains, creeks, everything about it was cool. We talked and talked about anything and everything. We talked about how you can be educated in many ways than just school. I think this experience was important in many ways because it lets us get away from all the stress and pain we go through. It made me feel like I am not myself but someone better; I can be someone better than I was. It's crazy to think the things you have to do to get here. - JG

When I was pulled out of class I thought I was in trouble, but no we packed our stuff and jumped in the van and were on our way to Yosemite. I had never gone to Yosemite so I was excited. I had heard about it and seen pictures of waterfalls and stuff so I couldn’t wait. The ride up was bumpy but we stopped at a bomb restaurant. The view of the Yosemite was beautiful, all the trees and creeks. When we first got there we took a walk, we met Ron who a super chill guy. We talked, real talk, Ron understands our struggles. When we talked I felt good, no matter what I said Ron always has something positive to say. Super cool vibes! We went on super cool hikes, all in all, the trip was one for the books! Something I will never forget! - MV

Going to Yosemite I realized how beautiful life really is and how there is so much more to do in life than to be getting in trouble. There are better things to do like hiking, and being around family. Being around Ron and the amazing people I was with made me feel so happy. This experience made want to start being around family again and do positive things in life. I never thought I would go hike up 8 miles in my life, going to Yosemite made me feel like a whole new person. - AL

My experience at Yosemite National Park was the best experience I've ever had. Yosemite is a great place to be, to feel and be you. You're able to get thigs off your mind and have fun. There are so many beautiful things to see! Now it's your turn!!! - EL

Our collective future depends on the ability for the next generation to understand the natural laws. This is what we mean by education nature’s way. 

We deeply appreciate your support to continue with our commitment to the higher education available from the wisdom of nature. 

With Respect, 

Ron Kauk