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Wild Country · Wild Country Rising
Outdoor Empowerment Experiences

Wild Country Rising.

An outdoor program designed to help local cancer survivors participate in unique and meaningful experiences in nature.

Two climbers on a rocky trail at dawn, a snowfield and cliffs behind them and the valley far below in pink light.
Photograph by KGB Productions

What happened

This summer, four cancer survivors from Wild Country's classes set out to climb the Grand Teton with mountain guide Lisa Van Sciver. More than 20 people also joined a stargazing experience with Teton Stargazers.

Thanks

Our Grand Teton trip was made possible with additional support from a Women in the Tetons scholarship, Badger’s Climbing Grassroots Program, KGB Productions, Creekside Market, and Wanna Johansson. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring this experience to life.

Press

We made it!

Jackson Hole News&Guide · September 2, 2026

Film

Film by KGB Productions

Lisa Van Sciver

Lisa Van Sciver

Lisa Van Sciver is an IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide with 20 years of experience guiding in the Tetons and surrounding region. Throughout her career, she has enjoyed sharing her passion and expertise with others, empowering and educating people through experiences in the mountains and on the rock.

In recent years, Lisa has combined her skill set with philanthropic organizations, leading a Kilimanjaro fundraising expedition for Education For All Children and participating in the inaugural Grand Teton trip with Wild Country Oncology. She has also supported programs with organizations such as SheJumps, the Jim Ratz Memorial Fund, and others. Lisa recognizes the powerful connection between the energy of nature and meaningful outdoor experiences, particularly when those experiences can support people in need.

Lisa will partner with Emma Williams, founder of Wild Country Oncology, to continue the annual Grand Teton cancer survivorship climb and develop new programs, including a rock-climbing experience in the City of Rocks next year.

Together, these two women are excited to use climbing and outdoor experiences to help cancer patients and survivors reconnect with themselves, build confidence, and embrace new challenges. They believe that community, connection, and time spent in the outdoors can play an important role in healing. Through this partnership, Lisa and Emma hope to create supportive, empowering experiences where cancer patients and survivors can find strength, connection, and renewed perspective through climbing.

Photos

Five people stand arm in arm at a high camp beneath rocky peaks. Three climbers in helmets smile on a rocky slope at sunrise, with snow-streaked peaks behind them.
Three roped climbers cross rocky ground below a patch of snow. Four climbers in helmets and warm jackets look up from a notch in the rock.
The group of eight standing together on the summit of the Grand Teton under a deep blue sky.
Three climbers in helmets smile up at the camera from a gap in the rock. A roped team crosses a rocky ledge under a clear blue sky.
Two climbers stand side by side on the summit, with a lake and distant ranges far below. Six climbers stand arm in arm on the summit, with mountains stretching out behind them.
Six people in matching pink neck gaiters stand smiling in front of a domed hut high on the mountain. Seven people stand arm in arm at the trailhead, with the Tetons rising above the trees behind them.

Photographs from the group and from KGB Productions

What is next

Our guide, Lisa, is excited to partner in other ways, including a rock climbing trip prior to next year's Grand Teton trip.

A collaborative kayak expedition with Rendezvous River Sports is anticipated, pending additional fundraising support.

Funding

The Wild Country Rising project is funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.