Come for the adventure … stay for the Crew

Despite a year of endless COVID-19 limitations, it has still been a year of expansion for Adventure Crew.

While we added two powerful new programs that get right to the heart of greater safety and wellness for our city’s teens (Crew Cares, a mental health program anchored in the outdoors; and our first annual Spring Break Swim Training), the student roster for our traditional adventures has also grown to include 68 new Crew teens since September.

To continue attracting more students this year speaks not only to young people’s need for a nature “fix” during this pandemic, but also their need for inclusion and connection. As much as our Crew loves getting out in nature, many have simply, and joyfully, found their “fit” with Adventure Crew. Our students:

• Don’t all make the school sports teams, but they still want to be active.

• Are not all born for the stage, but they still want to be seen.

• Some struggle with school, but they still want to learn.

• Some are not he or she, but they should still be respected.

• Others are just used to being alone, but they still desperately hope for friends.

Adventure Crew is their home, and we have very intentionally created an environment that makes kids want to be with us. From who we hire to how we work, we make the Outdoors for All. They may come for the adventures, but they stay for the Crew.