At Outdoors Empowered Network we believe that all young people should have regular opportunities to recreate outside with their friends, family, and community.

However, most young people don’t have these opportunities. Bringing more young people outside requires practical, measurable steps, including access to appropriate gear, training, and best practices for risk management and cultural inclusion.

OEN has divided this work into five primary areas, predicated on access to public open space, honest history, and community support.

• Gear

  A primary barrier to getting outside, outdoor gear can cost thousands of dollars for a first-time camper.

• Training

  Lack of skill and experience in the outdoors can be a primary barrier if you don’t know how get the training you need to be safe.

• Safety

  Working with generational trauma, addressing real & perceived lack of safety, and paying attention to power dynamics.

• Culture

  How are we including culturally informed activities and cultural sharing?

• Healing

  What tools, rituals, and practices help us connect to the healing aspects of nature, both as individuals and community?