2023 Summer Impact Report

2023 Summer IMPACT report

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

2. Never underestimate the importance and power of youth led activities.

3. 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

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SUMMER IMPACT REPORT 2023

Board of directors

Staff

Mary Tuck Welch VP, Audax Group John murphy Director, Platform Services/ Solutions, AthenaHealth ALEC GRISWOLD

SOPHIE GOULD

Founder &Executive Director Favorite Outdoor Activity: Fishing

Director of Programming & Operations Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking

Nicole davis Teacher, Milton Public Schools Robin bose VP, Vimeo ben jackson EVP North America Sales, BC Platforms

Waddy stryker

tori fischer

Outdoor Instructor Favorite Outdoor Activity: Kayaking

Summer InternOutdoor Instructor Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking

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

Rachel lowell Summer InternAdministrative Favorite Outdoor Activity: Soccer

Emily Sacala Outdoor Instructor Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking

advisory board andy bernstein

cam regan

kira rey

susan gladstone

Jason cordeiro joe gugino mike connolly

SUMMER IMPACT REPORT 2023

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of Elevate Youth cohorts represented

100%

hOURS OUtSIDE of overnight summer camp daytrips in boston

new youth leaders

Demographics

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SUMMER IMPACT REPORT 2023

Kids' favorite trips this year were visits to Thompson Island & Overnight Summer Camp At Thompson Island kids get to explore tide pools, youth-lead a hike, and catch crabs.

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

SUMMER IMPACT REPORT 2023

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Our summer programming helped youth achieve advanced status in...

100% outdoor kids this summer reported a positive connection to the outdoors, support for the social environment, and increase in well-being emotional after being outside learning the staff were very nice and kind and i felt like i could have a normal conversation with them Finda, Age 12

92% our kids enjoy learning by working with Working their peers at summer camp which helps with them develop stronger relationships

peers

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

88% supportive youth report feeling supported by adult mentors who encourage them to succeed especially when adult trying new activities outside their comfort zone role models 6

SUMMER IMPACT REPORT 2023

data from hello insights

JAXSON

What do you like most about 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 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

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See you next summer!