2023 Summer Impact Report

2023 Summer IMPACT report

A LETTER FROM Alec A LETTER FROM Alec

Dear EY Family,

The other day 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. Seeing a former student follow their passion for the outdoors beyond our programming is the very reason Elevate Youth exists.

This summer, Elevate Youth offered an array of opportunities for our youth to continue building on their passion for the outdoors. Our day trips included exploration of the Boston Harbor islands, sailing, fishing, farm visits, and paddling. We also spent 3 weeks enjoying an amazing overnight summer camp experience at Lantern Lights camp in New Hampshire. It was a summer filled with adventure, joy, and overcoming challenges. In a post trip evaluation, Jorge stated,”It was very fun and I came in nervous and came out very proud.”

Reflection is an essential element of our programming and as I reflect on this summer, several lessons learned stand out: 1. 2.

When young people are given agency and supported by consistent adults they can accomplish anything.

Never underestimate the importance and power of youth led activities. In nature, great moments come from actively listening to our young people.

As we begin to turn our focus to the school year, I am confident our youth will use their experiences this summer to excel in the classroom 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.

Alec Griswold Founder & Executive Director

Staff Staff

Board of Board of directors directors

Mary Tuck Welch VP, Audax Group

John murphy Director, Platform Services/ Solutions, AthenaHealth

Nicole davis Teacher, Milton Public Schools

Robin bose VP, Vimeo

ben jackson

EVP North America Sales, BC Platforms

Chaya harris National Program Director, Outdoor Afro

Greg hErrema

Senior Fellow, Harvard API

alexander reyes

School Police Unit, BPD

sam kornstein

VP of Strategy & Analytics, Cartesian

advisory board advisory board

andy bernstein

kira rey

Jason cordeiro

mike connolly

cam regan susan gladstone joe gugino

ALEC GRISWOLD Founder &Executive Director Favorite Outdoor Activity: Fishing

SOPHIE GOULD Director of Programming & Operations

Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking

Waddy stryker Outdoor Instructor Favorite Outdoor Activity: Kayaking

tori fischer Summer InternOutdoor Instructor

Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking

Rachel lowell Summer InternAdministrative Favorite Outdoor Activity: Soccer

Emily Sacala Outdoor Instructor Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking

Demographics

Kids' favorite trips this year were visits to Thompson Island & Overnight Summer Camp

At Thompson Island Thompson Island Thompson Island kids kids get to explore tide pools, get to explore tide pools, get youth-lead a hike, and youth-lead a hike, and catch crabs. catch crabs. crabs.

At At Overnight Summer Camp Overnight Summer Camp Overnight in New in New New Hampshire many kids spent their first Hampshire many kids spent their first many their first night away from home enjoying the night away from home enjoying the night from home the lakeside waterfront, practicing archery, lakeside waterfront, practicing archery, lakeside waterfront, and learning how to chop wood & build and learning how to chop wood & build learning wood & build a fire. a fire.

100%

kids this summer reported a positive connection to the outdoors, support for the environment, and increase in well-being after being outside

Our summer programming helped youth achieve advanced status in... outdoor social emotional learning

the staff were very nice and kind and i felt like i could have a normal conversation with them

our kids enjoy learning by working with their peers at summer camp which helps them develop stronger relationships

92%

Working with peers

Elevate Youth helped me get out of my comfort zone Anonymous, Age 14 Anonymous, Age 14 Anonymous, Age 14

88%

supportive adult role models

youth report feeling supported by adult mentors who encourage them to succeed especially when trying new activities outside their comfort zone

Finda, Age 12 Finda, Age 12 Finda, Age 12

JAXSON JAXSON

What do you like most about

What do you like most about elevate Youth? elevate Youth?

"The workers at Elevate Youth try their best to bring us places we wouldn't normally go so we can experience the outside world and elevate our brains"

What advice would you give to What advice would you give to kids that want to get outside? kids that want to get outside?

"Just pick a day you don't have school, maybe you could find a hiking trail, or something you've never done before, that can help you learn and become a better person."

For the second year running, EY went to overnight summer camp in New Hampshire where kids were able to learn new skills, challenge themselves, and hone their leadership skills.

Our organizations are focused on providing unique outdoor opportunities in an effort to connect young people to the outdoors and the natural world with the goal of developing a lifelong love of learning and awe and wonderment of the natural world.

-Lily Desgroselliers, Director of Programming at Wah-Tut-Ca LLC Summer Camp

AT BGCD we are fortunate to have this collaboration [with Elevate Youth] as this type of programming... allows our members to learn about the value of outdoor recreation while gaining the skills to continue taking advantage of the outdoors.

-Mike Joyce, VP of Programming at Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester