Making the outdoors even greater

Together, we can make the great outdoors even greater.

Remember your first time ice skating? How about riding a bike, skiing or rock climbing? Maybe it was frustrating or scary as you launched yourself into it. The equipment felt odd, and falling was a very real possibility. But more than likely, you had someone teaching you, cheering you on, helping you persevere through the newness so you could get to that first exhilarating “I did it!” moment. 

Every week, Adventure Crew is that supportive community for our city’s teens as they courageously dive into new experiences and reach their own “I did it!” milestones. As of last month’s newsletter, we had 41 percent more students participating in our programs this year than in 2022; as of this writing, that number has grown to 46 percent. We asked one of those new students, 12th grader Angela, what motivated her to come out. “Ice skating!!!" she said. "I’ve always wanted to ice skate since a kid but never got the chance.”

We ask you to renew your support so every teen across our 27 public schools who wants to try new outdoor experiences in 2024 gets their chance, just as Angela did. 

After ice skating on her second outing with us last weekend, eighth grader Trinity shared what she likes most about Adventure Crew: “Getting to do things I never thought I’d try.” Other students from the past couple of weeks shared, “It’s so fun and it provides so many opportunities for different people;” “[My favorite part is] how we have an opportunity to do fun things that I wouldn’t normally be able to do;” and “They are the sweetest people, I was afraid they would judge since I’m not that outdoorsy, but they were so kind.😄😄" 

And, in the enthusiastic words of 10th grader Haddasha after her recent adventure, “I LIKE THE SMILING FACES AND THE FOOD BUT ALSO DESSERT!” A kid after my own heart. 

Thank you for helping us ensure that Trinity, Haddasha and even more of their peers can experience all that the greater outdoors has to offer — plus dessert — in 2024. 

Wishing you all the best of the season,

Libby