Outdoor Outreach

About

Outdoor Outreach has engaged with youth in over 23,000 participant hours of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, environmental stewardship, and camping. These outings took place at numerous parks and outdoor recreation venues around San Diego County, and also included overnight outings to more distant destinations, including Joshua Tree National Park. By providing free equipment, transportation, and guided instruction, Outdoor Outreach helps participants experience the power of nature in new ways.

Categories Program Children & Youth Community & Advocacy Educational / Vocational Therapeutic

Program Details

Since 1999, Outdoor Outreach has provided opportunities for more than 19,000 young people to explore their world, cultivate belonging, and discover what they’re capable of. The youth in our programs come from communities that have been historically impacted by social inequities. With every opportunity to surf, bike, kayak, or climb, our programs provide two things that increase their chances of success. First, we provide opportunities for youths to share new experiences, explore close-to-home green spaces, and discover their strengths. And second, we provide meaningful connections with supportive peers and mentors who believe in the participants and show them that they matter.

Services Offered

Youth Development
Adventure-based programs
Leadership Development

Contact info@outdooroutreach.org (619) 238-5790 Outdoor Outreach

Populations Served

Youth
Underserved communities
LGBTQ+

Cost to Participate
There is no cost to participate; we work with different schools and community organizations to provide services.

A leader wearing a blue shirt and a backpack points at a sign. Young people stand around looking at the sign among a dry, brush landscape.

A diverse group walks a path through dry brush. A leader in a blue shirt talks to a girl in a hijab and a boy in a hoodie.

A boy and a girl ride in a tandem kayak. Both hold paddles and wear life vests. The water is calm and there are boats and trees in the background.

Two individuals in the foreground prepare to rock climb by tying knots in ropes on a rock face. The individuals in the foreground are wearing blue helmets, and individuals in the background are wearing orange and black helmets.

A young girl with pink hair rappels down a rock face using rope. The girl is wearing blue jeans and a helmet.

Recent Case Studies

A group of individuals gather wearing traditional clothing.

Program

Whiteswan Environmental (WE): Restoring Indigenous Kinship Through Truth, Healing, and Classroom-to-Place-Based Education

Whiteswan Environmental reconnects our Saltwater Salmon People with ancestral village sites, camps, reef net teachings, and 13 Moons food systems through classroom and place-based learning as part of our work in truth and healing.

People walking along concrete paths between planted garden areas. Annotations and arrows identify features and flows.

Place

Xuhui Runway Park

Formerly an airport runway, this 36-acre park now includes themed gardens, constructed wetlands, outdoor event spaces, and plenty of options for "green" commuting while preserving elements of its aviation history.

A brown and white goat on a leash stands on a cement walkway with signs about Philly Goat Project placed on the side.

Program

Philly Goat Project (PGP)

Philly Goat Project is a nature-based nonprofit rooted in community wellness. The organization’s aim is to bring folks together alongside the joyous presence of trained goats.