Outdoor Updates

Getting Outside Responsibly During COVID-19

In 2020, we saw how our organization could provide critical connections and outdoor spaces for youth dealing with emotional, employment, and school disruptions. When the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the immediate halt of our in-person programs in March 2020—as well as nearly all other out-of-school time resources available to our youth—our staff team rose to meet the moment by moving our program model online. Outdoor Outreach instructors provided powerful tools for more than 300 youth to engage with each other, supportive adult mentors, and the outdoors through live virtual programs and pre-recorded lessons.

We returned to in-person programming in July 2020, carefully adapting our program implementation to adhere to local and state health guidelines. With the safety of our participants and staff as our top priority, the impact of that work has been meaningful for our youth and their families.

It’s our vision that the tools and positive support systems our programs provide—whether in the outdoors or virtually—will remove barriers that prevent youth from reaching their full potential. In 2021, Outdoor Outreach will continue to implement programming that we’ve identified as the most adaptable to changing public health guidelines and high impact for our youth.

Family Engagement and Community Programs

Outdoor Outreach’s Family Engagement Program, piloted in 2020, will continue to reach youth and their parents or caregivers through outdoor activities together. The purpose of this program is to connect families to recurring positive experiences and bonding opportunities. In 2021, we intend to offer a minimum of 12 family engagement programs that engage 275+ youth and family members.

Executive Director Ben McCue shared about a parent participating with her kids on a family outing at Mission Bay:
“For one mother, it had been a difficult summer for her and her four kids. In the summer out-of-school months, she typically relies on community services to keep her kids engaged. This year, with libraries and swimming pools closed, our program was the first time they had spent time outside the house together in months.”

Outdoor Outreach’s 10 Principles of Responsible Outdoor Recreation:

1. DOUBLE-CHECK YOURSELF. If you have any current symptoms, don’t go into public spaces unless you have to.
2. KNOW THE RULES. Check local public health guidelines to ensure that the area you are going to is open to the public and appropriate for the activity you want to do.
3. LIMIT YOUR IMPACT. Choose less frequented parks and trails. Bring everything you need with you and pack out all your trash.
4. EXPECT CLOSURES. Prepare for restroom and parking lot closures and a lack of running water. Not all trails and beaches will be open for activities.
5. STAY LOCAL. Don’t travel far from home. This is the time to appreciate nearby nature.
6. STICK WITH YOUR HOUSEHOLD. If you don’t live together, don’t go outside together.
7. PRACTICE PHYSICAL DISTANCING. Avoid crowded areas. Stay 6-feet away from anyone that you don’t live with and wear a face covering.
8. KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Stick to activities that limit your chances of injury and need for healthcare services.
9. BE KIND. A smile and wave can mean a lot. Help others enjoy the outdoors responsibly by sharing the 10 Principles of Responsible Outdoor Recreation.
10. ENJOY YOUR ‘HERE AND NOW’ MOMENT. Breathe deeply and connect to the sounds, smells, colors, and movement of nature. Encourage your friends and family to find their moment.

Information and Restrictions for Parks and Beaches in San Diego County

Below you’ll find a list of local and national resources. Please limit your activities to “nearby nature” within your local community where you can practice getting outside responsibly.

For more information and to stay updated on responsible outdoor recreation during the COVID-19 outbreak, follow us on social media:

You can also tune into our Outdoor Outreach Community Connect Live Streams every Monday on Facebook, and check out our Virtual Outings on Youtube every Wednesday!