Nature as a Catalyst: The Outdoor Outreach Story
In communities across San Diego, far too many young people face systemic barriers — poverty, violence, and a lack of access to mentors or safe spaces — that limit their opportunities and sense of possibility. But what if nature could be the spark that changes everything?
Outdoor Outreach believes it can.
Since 1999, this San Diego-based nonprofit has connected youth from underrepresented and underserved communities to the transformative power of the outdoors. Through hiking, surfing, rock climbing, and guided adventure, they foster confidence, leadership, and lifelong resilience in the young people who need it most. Their four core programs — Positive Youth Development, Workforce Development, Environmental Education, and Outdoor Advocacy. They are structured experiences that help youth push past their comfort zones, build trust, and discover what they’re capable of. Participants often go on to become peer mentors and youth leaders, creating a cycle of empowerment that multiplies impact. In partnership with schools, community centers, and the state and local government agencies, Outdoor Outreach is giving young people not just an experience — but a future.
Impact at a Glance
- 20,000+ youth served since 1999
- Programs include surfing, rock climbing, hiking, biking, and kayaking
- 4 youth development programs: Partner, Adventure Club, Military, and Leadership
- Youth develop social-emotional skills, confidence, and purpose
- Many alumni return as peer leaders — multiplying the impact
At TALTalks 2025, we’ll hear how Outdoor Outreach is proving that access to the outdoors can be a turning point — building changemakers one trail, one wave, and one summit at a time.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one adventure to change the direction of a life.
