Nature nurtures

“Mr. Harris, do you see me? I did it, I did it!”

Last month, Adventure Crew partnered with Project Connect for Cincinnati Public Schools to introduce 22 teens experiencing homelessness to kayaking. Reflecting on their float down the Little Miami River, Justin Harris, a CPS teacher and chaperone on the adventure, said it was “…[one] of the greatest experiences of my life working with students.”

Most of our Project Connect youth were very nervous when they first faced the water and took the paddle in their hands; but toward the end of the trip, it was all laughter and smiles. For children who live with the unpredictable and helpless feeling of homelessness, kayaking for the first time became this incredible opportunity to conquer fear and prove themselves stronger than they thought – such a powerful moment of growth.

Whether city teens, immigrants, foster youth or homeless, they all just get to be kids again when we get them out in nature. Adventure Crew. Outdoors for all.