The American Indian population is a young one; the median age is 28.0, with 34% under 18 years old. In contrast, the median age for the overall U.S. population is 35.3, with 26% younger than 18 (Hawkins, Cummins, & Marlatt, 2004). It is difficult to avoid resorting to statistical hyperbole when describing the problems facing American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) youth across the nation. Within the AIAN population, youth tend to initiate substance use at a younger age, to continue use after initial experimentation, and to have higher rates of poly-substance use (Beauvais, 1992; U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, 1990). Project Venture (PV), a Native-developed program for adolescents that is guided by advice from Native elders, is gaining popularity among AIAN communities as one approach to addressing these problems (Carter, Straits, & Hall, 2007; Raudenbush & Hall, 2005). Developed by the National Indian Youth Leadership Project, Project Venture is a yearlong program incorporating therapeutic adventure strategies in school, community, and wilderness settings. PV assists youth in identifying positive role models, building confidence through overcoming progressive challenges, fostering knowledge of traditional values and self-knowledge, and developing leadership skills (Hall, 2007).