Learning
If tasked with naming the qualities of a good leader, we could all probably come up with a sizable list: Committed to the cause. Excellent communicator. Team player. Forward-looking. Honest and full of integrity. Seeks to empower others. Positive role model. And so it goes. But how do we provide opportunities for young people to develop these very same qualities, and how do we support...
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Learning
Whether we’re talking about nonprofit organizations, afterschool programs, community initiatives or beyond, there’s no doubt that volunteers are at the heart of many efforts to connect young people—any people, really—with the outdoors. Below, we’ve gathered some useful resources to help you find and manage volunteers, while also offering a few suggestions for those who are interested in volunteering or encouraging other people to volunteer on...
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Learning
Sure, the days are shorter and the temperatures are cooler, but the winter months are still an amazing time to offer outdoor programming. Need some inspiration to get started? We pulled together a range of information to help you plan and prepare for winter outings, from safety tips to program ideas. PREPARING FOR WINTER OUTINGS Just as with any other time of year, the key...
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Learning / Partners
Whether you’re leading a small group of teenagers on their very first backpacking trip or guiding a university climbing club on an advanced mountaineering adventure, you’ll likely need to obtain a special use permit in order to execute the trip if it occurs on U.S. Forest Service lands. While applying for a permit might seem daunting, we want to help demystify the process, which has...
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Learning
One of the top reasons outdoor programs struggle to raise funds is that they don’t have a solid structure in place to measure the effects of their work and communicate those effects to potential funders. These measurable effects – or outcomes – are things that go beyond just getting young people outdoors; they should actually speak to making positive, measurable improvements when it comes to...
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Learning / Tech Tip
Time outdoors offers the opportunity to disconnect from electronics and reconnect with the natural world. While we definitely encourage plenty of screen-free time, we also recognize that sometimes the use of phones and electronic tablets actually boosts our ability to learn about what we’re seeing out there. In that spirit, here are recommendations for several apps that can support your outdoor activities and lesson plans...
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Learning
The lazy days of summer offer the perfect excuse to head out to your favorite lake, stream, or river and try your hand at catching a few fish. It’s also a great time to share your love of angling with others, so we put together these tips – inspired by our brand new Angling Path on the TYO website, created in partnership with the U.S. Fish...
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Learning / News / Partners
If you’re reading this, chances are you not only enjoy spending time outside, but you also feel that there are both physical and mental benefits to doing so. The question, then, is how do we quantify these benefits so that we can advocate for more outdoor programming, more funding for outdoor initiatives, and more equitable access to outdoor spaces? The great news is, there are people...
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Learning
So, you feel like you’re out there doing good work – but how do you actually measure and prove that you’re doing good work? By creating a theory of change, a tool that will help define your program or organization’s overall strategy for creating a positive impact. WHAT EXACTLY IS A THEORY OF CHANGE? A theory of change is an organizational tool that will help you...
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Learning
The warmer weather and longer days of springtime offer the perfect opportunity to head outdoors. One way to enjoy all of that extra sunshine is to implement a rock climbing program with a focus on safety, education, and fun. Of course, you can teach rock climbing indoors, as well – but we’ll take any excuse to get kids (and ourselves) outside! Here are some...
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