Thank you for being a Trailblazer with Elevate Youth
Alec & Kimani on Mt. Monadnock, July 2019
Dear Elevate Youth Family,
We are grateful for the support you have provided this year to ensure more young people have the opportunity to engage & thrive in nature. This year, Elevate Youth offered an array of opportunities for our youth to continue building on their passion for the outdoors.
I’d like to share a moment from this summer which highlights the importance of our mission. I was helping facilitate a community/ family fishing day at Castle Island alongside several other great local organizations. I looked up and saw a familiar smiling face. Kimani came over and greeted me with a strong handshake. Kimani was a member of Elevate Youth’s first cohort in 2018-2019 and participated in over a dozen EY trips. I remembered him as a shy middle schooler who enjoyed the challenges that come along with new experiences. Now a senior in high school, he is completing his second year summer internship with a local conservation & outdoor advocacy organization. I asked him what he enjoyed the most from his time at Elevate Youth and Kimani stated, “EY gave me the chance to explore.” Seeing a former student follow their passion for the outdoors beyond our programming is the very reason Elevate Youth exists.
Reflection is an essential element of our programming and as I reflect on this exceptional year several lessons stand out:
Our young people are very resilient and when given the chance to expand their comfort zones, they rise to meet that challenge.
Our communities are full of adults with exceptional outdoor passions that our youth can share in their own journey.
Never underestimate the importance and power of youth led activities.
In nature & beyond, great moments come from actively listening to our young people.
As I begin to turn my focus to all our adventures planned for next year, I am confident our youth will use their experiences from 2023 to excel at home, in their communities, and beyond. I am excited for all the adventures to come and grateful for all of YOU that support our work. Lastly, I look forward to the day when Kimani (and all Elevate Youthers) are sparking a lifelong love of the outdoors for the next generation.
With Gratitude,
Alec Griswold
Founder & Executive Director