fbpx

Our Impact

Eastern
Sierra
32.8126° N
117.0311° W

Theory of change

Outdoor Outreach utilizes outdoor physical experiences to provide youth with the support, relationships, resources and opportunities they need to become successful adults.

Two primary drivers facilitate positive transformation in the youth we serve: the Experience and the Relationships.

1. The experience

Youth experience amazing natural environments, are challenged in a safe way, and learn to value and protect the places where they play.

Through the experiences, they garner a sense of achievement, which increases their confidence, self-esteem and resilience, and enables them to see new possibilities for their lives. Leadership training enables youth to gain job skills and employment, and contribute to their communities as advocates for the outdoors.

2. The relationship

The youth form ongoing supportive relationships through their outdoor experiences.

When the staff and volunteers model possibility and positivity, and consistently show up to support the youth, it inspires participants to see new opportunities and set and achieve high goals.

Theory of change
Youth are introduced to program
  • Exposing them to a safe, joyful and natural environment
  • Engaging in a 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, & responsibility
Positive 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

Outdoor Success

Since
the year
1999
Over
14,000
Youth
served
Over
24,722
Hours
On
3,015
Trips
mountain
96%
Of participants
  • ›Show improved interpersonal relationships
  • ›Increase their ability to set and achieve goals
  • ›Increase their ability to work with others
"Outdoor Outreach is family, support, and a glimpse of what you can accomplish when you break the negative mold. I have learned so many things about myself and have been able to break the stereotypes put on me by society. I continue to learn from every participant and staff member, each and every day I’m at OO."
Juan
First-ever Leadership Program Graduate,
Former Field Instructor
"I’m able to see potential in myself. Outdoor Outreach helped me get back into school and gave me new motivation to grow so that I can succeed both here in my role at OO and out there in the world. I finally feel connected to something that I love to do and that I’m actually really passionate about."
Deven
Field Instructor
2017 Leadership Program Graduate
"I have a lot to be thankful for: people with kind hearts and positive minds who are always reaching out to help and guide me to where I need to be. I have achieved the confidence to express myself and to share my beliefs and values, and this has brought me closer to my peers. Sharing our stories contributes to the support we have for one another."
Eh Ler
Field Instructor
2017 Leadership Program Graduate
"I remember my very first trip with Outdoor Outreach, to Mount San Jacinto. I was shy, and didn’t know anyone on the trip. On the ride up, I told myself I wasn’t going to talk to anyone. That plan changed when we arrived and I saw snow for the first time. I was in shock. It was an unbelievable experience that required stepping out of my comfort zone. Returning to the van, I realized I had talked to almost everyone. That felt good."
Ivonne
2018 Leadership Program Graduate
"Even at my lowest point I knew Outdoor Outreach was there for me and that I had friends that I could rely on when I really needed it. In this way, I was able to connect to a sense of purpose that helped me to see my own struggles as less than the mountains I made them out to be."
Vincent
Field Instructor
Leadership Program Graduate