Partnerships with local schools have been highly effective in promoting outdoor education, environmental awareness, and overall student development. Youth referred by local schools have enrolled in Outdoor programming offered by Alma which then links their families to various other resources leveraged by the organization. Alma has also collaborated with community partners to disseminate information on opportunities for youth and families to learn, connect with peers towards developing healthy relationships, and engage in healthy activities. Furthermore, the outdoor activities grant has been able to enhance educational experiences to youth and families by providing opportunities for them to learn beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. Our Outdoor activities aim at fostering experiential learning, allowing youth to explore and interact with the natural world firsthand. This outdoor grant has also helped us focus on promoting physical activity, health, and well-being amongst our youth. Outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, and nature exploration have contributed to improved fitness levels, reduced stress, and increased mental well-being. By collaborating with schools and community-based organizations, the outdoor grant has helped instill healthy habits early in our clients' lives, leading to lifelong benefits.

For many of our inner city youth, the outdoors is their last resort as far as "healing", stress reducer alternatives and or family bonding opportunities. In addition, technology, which centers around wifi availability, keeps our youth and families stuck with easy access to shopping and or communication. This limits our youth and families with developing social skills, relationship building and physical activities that promote healthier lifestyles, For many of the youth who participated in our Outdoor Equity program this past year, it was their first time hiking, camping, water rafting, surfing, kayaking, healing circles and many more activities. Hearing kids say that they want to go camping and hiking again but with their parents and siblings was amazing! Removing youth form their normal elements and exposing them to other venues such as nature and in community trips expands their horizons and potentials. These activities help with the initiation of connecting with their family.

The Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) Prevention, Soledad Enrichment Action.

Our collaborating agency, Outward Bound Adventures, completed the following Nature Trips with our WLCAC Outdoor Equity participants: * April 28, 2024 - serviced 5 participants * May 19, 2024 - serviced 5 participants * June 21, 2024 - serviced 7 participants * November 30, 2024 - serviced 6 participants Our additional collaborating agency, Southern California Counseling Center, provided "Healing Circle" Activities during our In Community and or Nature trips on the following dates: * August 7, 2024 - serviced 9 participants * August 25, 2024 - serviced 10 participants * November 19, 2024 - serviced 8 participants

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the number of youth participating in in-person activities throughout the first year of services. Alma has leveraged resources to offer PPE, education and access to preventive measures to boost participation in activities.

Having other options during a planned outing is always good as weather conditions can change very quickly. This also helps not to cancel trips and disappoint youth. Pre planned activities that can help prepare youth for long hikes, emergency guidelines, hydrating tips, familiarizing youth with tools/camping gear, food menus and cooking essentials is a great idea prior to actually conducting a camping trip. Reviewing essential needs prior to such as clothing, proper shoe attire, hygiene, food storage and activities that will be conducted during trips is also a great idea. Having proper and updated emergency kits that fits the needs of all participants and staff is also essential. All vehicle maintenance and inspection is required prior to your trip. Lastly, conducting field canvasing prior to visiting locations you plan to visit can give you a broader perspective of the needs and preparation required to make your trip and experience a successful one.