Outdoor Outreach 2016 Annual Report

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