A hopeful year for our teens
It’s hard to write this without acknowledging this week’s election, which no doubt sparks a range of reactions from those reading our newsletter this month. I’m not going to editorialize, but I want to focus on finding the common ground that we do share: Belief in the tremendous potential of our youth; the transformative power of time spent in nature; the vital importance of working to ensure this next generation knows the outdoors is a space of belonging, empowerment and well-being.
Teens want to be outside, where they find resilience and community in growing relationships with their peers, our caring staff, volunteers and school advisors. They are discovering the peace to be found in nature, and the elation and confidence that come with the “I did it!” moments when a new skill takes hold.
Our 2023-24 program year saw a 50 percent increase in student participation; over 250 percent more program sessions in our newly evolving upper-level Crew Pathways programs; and the addition of five new intermediate opportunities for students to advance their skills in paddling, skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking and outdoor roller skating for the current year.
It’s a very hopeful year for us, and we look forward to sharing updates of this deepening investment in these programs and our teens’ growth.
Sometimes, the most powerful evidence of impact can come in the simplest of ways, however. I wanted to share some reflections from our young adventurers in response to the question, “What will you remember most about today?” As you read their words, I invite you to pause, take a moment to feel the impact of their experiences and how they might resonate with something you’ve felt in the past. These seemingly simple statements reveal worlds of hope, joy and beauty: Common ground for all of us.
What will you remember most about today?
“Being by the water and looking for shells with my friends.” — 9th grader from Bellevue
“Spending time on the water with my best friends.” — 11th grader from Newport
“How happy I was.” — 7th grader from SCPA
“I will remember that I had a lot of fun and learned how to kayak.” — 11th grader from Hughes
“That I overcame my fears.” — 12th grader from Scott
“All of the people that I met and all of the activities that I got to do 😊” — 8th grader from Walnut Hills
“I got to play outside.” — 7th grader from Gamble.
My thanks to you for believing in our work here at Adventure Crew, making these moments, and so many more yet to come, possible.