Mission

We are a nonprofit organization committed to providing opportunities for at-risk and underprivileged youth to gain confidence and self-esteem through participation in outdoor activities.
 
About Us:
Outdoor Outreach programs support underserved youth in San Diego County who are at risk for school dropout, substance abuse, violence and unintended pregnancy. We are the only agency in San Diego and one of just a few in the country that utilizes outdoor physical experiences to provide youth with the support, relationships, resources and opportunities they need to become successful adults. Since its founding in 2001, Outdoor Outreach has taken more than 3,500 youth on over 1,000 outings, including rock climbing, snowboarding, surfing, snorkeling, mountain biking and backpacking. In 2008, we expect to serve 750 youth through 250 outings.
 
Our Programs:
Through our programs, we provide youth with positive, healthy alternatives to the negative influences that surround them. Experiences such as climbing a cliff, surfing a wave or snowboarding down a mountain present exhilarating challenges that youth can successfully meet with preparation, training and a desire to succeed. Through these experiences, we incorporate elements of proven youth development models with outdoor activities to improve teens' ability to thrive, despite their family and community challenges.
 
Outdoor Outreach activities foster academic achievement; skill-and competency building; self-efficacy, self-worth, hopefulness; and connectedness to peers, caring adults, the community and the natural environment.  These factors have been shown to promote healthy youth development across a spectrum of adolescents, regardless of gender, age or ethnicity.
 
How to Get Involved:
Volunteer: Our volunteers are the life-blood of our organization. Without the help of volunteers it would be impossible to carry out our mission of helping at-risk and underprivileged youth. For information on how to volunteer please visit our website (www.outdooroutreach.org) or contact our Volunteer Coordinator (erin@outdooroutreach.org).  
 
Donate: Help fund Outdoor Outreach programs and adventures by clicking here.
 
Web Address: www.outdooroutreach.org