Youth Speaker Packet

Everything you need to bring Ryan Benz to your school or youth organization.

Thanks so much for your interest in bringing Ryan to your school or youth program. Below you’ll find an overview of his program, downloadable resources to support internal conversations, and details to help move things forward.

For additional questions or to confirm availability, please reach out to ryan@ryanbenz.com

Want to get a feel for Ryan’s energy and message style? Here’s a short video demo showing real moments from recent assemblies.

Overview

Program Title: Find Your Path

Ideal For: Grades 1–12 | School Assemblies | Orientations | Wellness Days | Youth Conferences

Length: 30–60 minutes (depending on age group and optional Q&A)

Delivery: In-person (based in NJ, available nationwide)

Through storytelling, reflection, and real-world metaphor, Ryan delivers an unforgettable assembly that helps students feel inspired, grounded, and ready to take ownership of their journey.

Drawing from his 2,000-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail, Ryan leads students through three powerful, age-appropriate life lessons rooted in:

  • Hike Your Own Hike (Courage)

  • You Can’t Turn Off the Rain (Gratitude)

  • Trail Angels Are Real (Kindness & Connection)

Each message is adapted for elementary, middle, or high school students to ensure relevance and impact.

A one-page program summary you can share with admin, colleagues, PTA, or NJ4S.

About Ryan

Ryan Benz is a bestselling and award-winning author, and speaker. A former brand strategist turned long-distance hiker, Ryan walked 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail and now brings the lessons from that journey into schools across the country.

His assemblies blend powerful storytelling with humor and heart, helping students reflect on their values, build resilience, and walk their own path—from the inside out.

What educator’s are saying…

  • “Ryan’s story captivated our students from the moment they saw his hiking boots and tent. His 2,000-mile journey inspired them to reflect on mental health, explore their own paths to happiness, and embrace the empowering motto HYOH—Hike Your Own Hike.”

    — Director, NJ4S Atlantic & Cape May County (Acenda Integrated Health)

  • “Ryan is changing lives. In our hurried, technology laden world, he gave us a reason to pause and think, presenting in a fun, engaging, and informative way.”

    — Wildwood City School District, NJ

  • “Ryan is an engaging, heartfelt presenter. His enthusiasm was contagious. He has practical, lifelong lessons for students which are presented in a clear, concise manner. His pictures and videos were remarkable, as his unique perspective on life!”

    — Frankford Township School District, NJ

  • “I’ve been teaching for over 30 years and this was the best assembly I’ve ever seen.”

    — Jefferson Township School District, NJ

  • “Ryan was amazing. He engaged both our middle schoolers and staff, inspiring mindfulness in our pre-teen and teen students. Many were so moved by his story that they came up afterward to thank him personally—a testament to the impact he made.”

    — Program Manager, SBYSP Wallace Middle School, Inspira Health Vineland School-Based Youth Services Program

  • "Our students were very fortunate to hear about Ryan's inspiring story of walking the entire Appalachian Trail. He was a true pleasure to work with."

    — Oratory Preparatory School

  • “Ryan made our students think about getting off social media, being kind and enjoying the outdoors. His message is sorely needed in today’s world and it was delivered in a motivating and enjoyable manner.”

    — Dennis Township Public Schools, NJ

  • “Our students have a new-found appreciation for nature. Many seemed to appreciate the importance of moving away from the screen and getting outside.”

    — Sussex Charter School, NJ

  • “This presentation was incredible and I was inspired by your story. The students were interested and engaged and took away many great messages about mindfulness.”

    — Stanwood-Camano School District, WA

  • “After a masterfully done presentation, I was left inspired and incredibly motivated.”

    — High School Student, Oratory Prep, NJ

  • “I hope this message reaches every child everywhere!”

    — Denville Township School District, NJ

  • "We’re grateful for the opportunity to support such a meaningful and impactful program through NJ4S. The messages of courage, connection, and resilience you bring to students are more important than ever, and it’s inspiring to see the difference being made."

    — Prevention Specialist, NJ4S Salem County (Acenda Integrated Health)

  • “I loved this presentation! It was relevant, engaging, encouraging and entertaining! All schools should listen to the message and take this phenomenal journey with Ryan!”

    — Old Bridge Township School District, NJ

  • “Ryan’s passion and enthusiasm was evident throughout this amazing presentation. Any student of any age would be very fortunate to be in his audience.”

    — Wildwood City School District, NJ

  • “Ryan’s presentation captivated our 5th and 6th graders, inspiring students, staff, and parents alike. His message of mindfulness was especially powerful in today’s technology-driven world, leaving a lasting impact on everyone.”

    — School Counselor, West Cape May Elementary, NJ

Trusted by:

School Districts • Youth Organizations • Universities • Nonprofits • Fortune 500 Companies

Speaking Fee & Funding Options

Speaking Fee:

Rates vary depending on grade level, location, and program format.

Please reach out directly for a personalized quote.

(W-9 and formal quote provided upon confirmation.)

Funding Support:

Ryan’s assemblies are often supported through:

  • NJ4S (New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services)

  • PTA / PTO funding

  • School wellness grants or partnerships

If needed, Ryan is happy to connect with your NJ4S county hub or assist in conversations with other funding sources.

What’s included after booking?

Once your program is confirmed, you’ll receive access to Ryan’s Client Resources Page, which includes:

  • A/V & Staging Guidelines (Everything Ryan needs to maximize a great program)

  • Biography for Print (For use in printed programs and pre-event promotions)

  • Spoken Introduction (Helpful guidance on what Ryan’s introducer can say before he takes the stage)

  • Photos of Ryan (A variety of high resolution photos of Ryan for use in promotional materials)

  • A Letter to Parents/Guardians (An easy way to announce to parents that your school is bringing me in to speak with their kids)

  • Teacher Follow-up Discussion Guide (Guides for different age levels to reinforce themes from Ryan’s presentation)

  • Signed W-9 Form (Emailed upon request)

This helps ensure the experience is seamless, easy to promote, and impactful from start to finish.

Contact

To check availability or book this program:

Email
ryan@ryanbenz.com