Outdoor Outreach 2016 Annual Report

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A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR At Outdoor Outreach, we inspire young people to conquer their fears, believe in themselves, and pursue their dreams. Through joy-filled activities like surfing, climbing, and mountain biking, our participants safely explore vulnerability, risk and responsibility —factors that are critical for healthy youth development. For some, our programs help them become more resilient in the face of trauma; for others, we help build confidence and connections they need to achieve in school and at work. For all of our participants, Outdoor Outreach is a way to connect to something greater than themselves. Many of the youth we serve grow up with messages of what they can’t do or be. Now more than ever, Outdoor Outreach’s innovative work is necessary to help open a world of possibility and opportunity to vulnerable and at-risk youth. In 2016, we increased our programs by nearly 20% as compared to 2015. Our growth and impact would not be possible without our dedicated staff, community partners, and committed donors. I am excited to see what we can accomplish together in 2017. 2016 Number of Programs by Type Parks & Beaches Surfing Other Gear Fitting & Basecamp Training 40 5 31 57 14 37 14 Rock Climbing Leadership Training and Advocacy 27 44 30 Kayaking Stand Up Paddle Boarding Mountain Biking Snowboarding Hiking / Backpacking / Camping Yoga 14 52 67 54 Environmental Education & Stewardship Sincerely, Ben McCue Executive Director Total Programs by Year 2016 2015 391 486 2014 367 2013 303 Total Individual Youth Served 2016 2015 2014 2013 1,513 1,244 1,046 1,028 OUTDOOR OUTREACH THEORY OF CHANGE • Exposing youth to a safe, joyful and natural environment • Engaging in physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging outdoor activities • Developing positive relationships with supportive peers & mentors POSITIVE ATTITUDE CHANGE • Cultivating open mindedness • Improving self-image • Understanding that there are choices • Seeing the world from a different view • Developing hope, respect, confidence, and responsibility
PLAY AND LEARN BEHIND THE LENS WITH PHOTOGRAPHER DREW MCGILL “Choosing to volunteer with Outdoor Outreach was a no brainer for me. I wanted to be able to capture how important it is for these kids to be able to connect with positive mentors, while learning new skills or testing their limits in the outdoors. It’s difficult to select one moment or one image to sum up my experience working with Outdoor Outreach. For me, it’s about connecting with the kids and getting them excited about doing new things, cheering on a new friend going up a wall for the first time, or giving a high five just to share your stoke. This image (right) clearly showcases one of many inspiring moments I’ve had with Outdoor Outreach. Miriam, the OO instructor in the red shirt, was offering such positive words of encouragement to the climbers, while in the foreground two students are talking about their last climb and what a rush it was. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine this may be their first time ever rock climbing. It just gets me so stoked to go on another adventure.” 2016 School and Youth-Serving Organization Partners DAVID & ALLYN JOHNSTON | GIVING THE GIFT OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS Photo credit: Drew McGill Any Body Can Youth Foundation Barrio Logan College Institute The Blue Heart Foundation California National Guard Casa de Amistad Center on Policy Initiatives Chaparral High School Community Housing Works County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation: Lakeside and Spring Valley Teen Centers Crawford High School El Cajon Valley High School Girls Rising Gompers Preparatory Academy Ground Works Interfaith Community Services Jerusalem Foundation Juvenile Court and Community Schools Keiller Leadership Academy King Chavez Community High School Lincoln High School The Monarch School Monte Vista High School Mount Miguel High School North County Lifeline Club Crown Heights Orfalea Foundation The O’Farrell Charter School Project A.W.A.R.E. San Diego Show Allstars San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy- Ecology Club San Pasqual Academy San Ysidro Health Center- FLEXX Program South Bay Community Services: Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood South Bay Community Services: EXCEL Program St. Vincent de Paul Village David and Allyn Johnston found Outdoor Outreach through a benefit event at their climbing gym almost 10 years ago. It struck a chord. Says David, “I am a school teacher, and used to work at a school where kids didn’t have the opportunity to do outdoor activities… Going to the beach or mountains isn’t something that all kids can do on a regular basis. We were really impressed with Outdoor Outreach.” Since 2008, the Johnstons’ generous support has provided 10 local hikes at Torrey Pines, Mission Trails and more, giving more than 100 teens the opportunity to find and apply their strengths, and develop a new narrative of what they can do an be. What keeps the Johnstons coming back? “To see kids outside, smiling having a great time,” says David. “It’s really about the opportunity - to give kids opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have.” BEHAVIORAL CHANGE • Becoming more open to help & outside assistance • Asking for help when needed & helping others • Trusting others • Setting goals RESPONSIBLE AND HEALTHY ADULTS • Becoming a responsible citizen • Improving academic achievement • Engaging in post-secondary education • Obtaining a job • Environmental stewardship
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