Outdoor Outreach

We want to introduce you to Chris, an Outdoor Outreach Youth Programs Associate Manager. Click the video below! Listen as he talks about the impact of providing accessibility to San Diego Youth and Outdoor Outreach participants. Today, 25 years after Outdoor Outreach was founded, we have provided over 20,000 youth with access to the outdoors through transportation, mentorship, and advocacy. Will you help us continue this important work by making a donation today? We have a goal of $100,000 and with your help, we can make it! Head to the link below to donate today: https://lnkd.in/gZYa95ya

THANK YOU to everyone who made 2023 a year to remember by supporting over 1400 youth throughout San Diego! Our work has gone beyond our outdoor programs and into public policy, sponsoring legislation for increased access to the outdoors. Check out how your support made an impact by heading to the link below! https://lnkd.in/ddyrkWSB _____ ¡Gracias a todos los que hicieron un año inolvidable del 2023 apoyando a más de 1400 jóvenes en todo SAN Diego! Nuestro trabajo ha ido más allá de nuestros programas al aire libre y ha llegado a las pólizas públicas, patrocinando legislación para ganar más acceso a campos libres. ¡Vean como su apoyo nos impacto dirigiéndose ase el enlace abajo! https://lnkd.in/ddyrkWSB

We're hiring a Director of Community Engagement! Looking to join a mission-driven team, build community, and develop philanthropic initiatives? Click the link on this post to learn more and apply.

We are humbled to share that Senator Toni Atkins recognized Outdoor Outreach as the 39th Senate District’s 2024 Nonprofit of the Year. Each year, state legislators choose a nonprofit from their district to be honored. This is the ninth year of the California Nonprofit of the Year initiative, a statewide effort honoring the critical role nonprofit organizations play in California. “Coming in our 25th year as an organization, this award is a testament to our impact in connecting over 20,000 San Diego youth to the transformative power of the outdoors and to our strong community of supporters,” says Outdoor Outreach Executive Director Ben McCue. “Thanks to our founder, Chris Rutgers, to all of the staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, Advisory Council members, and funders–past and present–for your dedication and support of this important work.”  Molly Morelli, Sr. Director of Finance and Administration, and Ben McCue, Executive Director, joined the Senator and her staff in Sacramento to accept the award. Please join us in sharing this great news and our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped us get to where we are today. With gratitude and inspiration, Outdoor Outreach

Two weeks ago, our team headed up to Sacramento to advocate for equitable access to the outdoors. Read more about Ocean Day here!

National Volunteer Week is here and Outdoor Outreach wants to shout-out and celebrate our amazing volunteers! From helping staff ensure safety in the field to working through adverse conditions, our volunteers have done it all - and we couldn’t be more grateful for the 177 hours they’ve spent volunteering this year! Outdoor Outreach is always accepting new volunteers and requires a minimum of 5 days of volunteership a year. Volunteers can sign up as either Skilled Field Volunteers or Youth Development Volunteers. To qualify for the Skilled Field Volunteer role, you’ll need to have experience in one of our activities (biking, surfing, climbing, etc.) and be able to assist with coaching on programs- like Alex! Alex came to us as a route setter from Mesa Rim Mission Valley and has used his skill set to inspire and challenge Outdoor Outreach participants. In the role of Youth Development Volunteer, you’ll need to have professional experience in youth development and some experience in outdoor activities. This unique volunteer role will support a specific program or school partner. Volunteering and getting outside?! Sign me up! Great! So what are the next steps? You can reach out or head to our website here to learn more. Once you’ve completed your application, one of our staff members will contact you and work towards getting you started on your volunteer journey with Outdoor Outreach! If you’re interested in planning your next small group corporate volunteer event with us, contact Ramona Wallace, Senior Coordinator of Outreach and Fundraising, and chat about the next steps! 

Our fundraiser ends tonight at midnight! Your gift creates possibilities in 2024 for San Diego youth to build self-confidence through moments that move them forward for a lifetime. Can we count on your support by tonight? https://bit.ly/3SRLLiG

We need to raise $100,000 by December 31 to serve more than 1,500 youth in 2024— WILL YOU GIVE TODAY AND MAKE THAT POSSIBLE? Every cent donated goes directly back to supporting San Diego youth and families connected to the outdoors in 2024. Donation link: https://bit.ly/3SRLLiG

“It took me just one backpacking trip to spark my passion for pursuing a career in the outdoors, and I would like youth to experience that in their way,” said Maung, program graduate, and field instructor—Inspire San Diego youth like Maung to climb new heights outdoors and in their daily lives. Make a meaningful gift today! Donation link: https://bit.ly/3SRLLiG

As we approach our 25th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the deep investment we’ve made together to support youth and families in San Diego. What started as one after-school adventure club has grown into programs with over 50+ schools and organizations serving over 20,000 youth. Please help us continue our mission in 2024 by making a meaningful gift.  Donation link: https://bit.ly/3SRLLiG