We are a force of nature

This month, we embarked on our 10th school year of adventures for city teens. Paddling is where it all began for Adventure Crew -- we were actually founded on the Little Miami River.

What started as a small kayaking adventure of 10-12 teens from Hughes High has grown into a monumental organization serving nearly 1,000 students a year from 26 schools with more than 23 adventure partners a year in two states.

And while our numbers increased, so did our programming. Not only can Crew teens take part in a new adventure once a month, they can also now access an outdoor mental health program, advanced destination adventures in the wilderness of another country, specialized clubs for climbers and anglers, swim training and lifeguard certification, as well as a Pathway program that connects them to higher levels of environmental education and green career opportunities. Adventure Crew has become a true force of nature.

Driven by a vision where every city teen is inspired by nature, Adventure Crew has continually evolved to become a leader of systemic change for environmental justice. And our journey has just begun.

"The best education does not happen at a desk, but rather engaged in everyday living -- hands on, exploring, in active relationship with life." - Vince Gowman