WLCAC was able to connect nine youth to the Outdoor Youth Connection Training along with five staff members. Youth received training, exposure and an exchange of outdoor knowledge. This helped our youth initiate excitement, family traditions, and healing opportunities. For almost each youth in attendance, it was their first time ever seeing so many stars. The silence under the skies disturbed their sleep! Youth who attended the MudTown facility learned how to create their own organic fertilizer, plant seeds, harvest vegetable's and learned the benefits of healthy eating as they grow older. Youth also attended the Botanical Gardens where they connected with the outdoors and painted a reflection of the scenery. Their painting was then taken home where they debriefed their parents and siblings on their experience with hopes that they create a family trip in the near future.

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 following partnership pertains to our WLCAC Outdoor Equity Grant: Southern California Counseling Center and Outward Bound Adventures

We conducted our first Outdoor Equity Collaborative meeting which we introduced staff and services provided via the Outdoor Equity Grant. We also exchanged a target start date for our partners, reviewed budgets and sub contractor templates. Finally, presentations and program recruitment events were conducted at local schools, community based organizations and community resource fairs in order to promote our Outdoor Equity program.

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

A few unforeseen challenges were: Weather, transportation break downs and location resources (Scout).

Lessons learned: Staff had to be creative in replacing "Nature Trips" with "Activities' in the Community" due to rain.

Youth were not well prepared for weather circumstances so we will need emergency jackets, sweaters, rain gear etc..

Ensuring our first aid kits are fully equipped along with water and other essentials (Feminine products) during trips.

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.