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Youth Outdoors: Growth Through Adventure

Since 1999, a Cleveland-area program has worked to meet the developmental needs of urban youth through involvement in outdoor recreation and environmental education programs.

Groups of youth participate on a regular basis in the Youth Outdoors 4-H Adventure Clubs to explore a variety of adventure activities such as hiking, biking, nature exploration, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, team-building activities, and community service. Young people who are between the ages of 8 to 18 and who live in the city of Cleveland are eligible to participate in these positive and safe outdoor adventures.

By experiencing the wonder of nature and developing skills in outdoor recreation, young people gain a life-long appreciation and understanding of the importance of natural resources. They also learn valuable life skills in making decisions, communicating thoughts and feelings, and fulfilling responsibilities to others in their group and in their community.

Youth Outdoors is a partnership between Cleveland Metroparks and the 4-H Youth Development program of Ohio State University Extension. Youth Outdoors collaborates with the city of Cleveland recreation centers and other youth-serving and faith-based groups to organize the ongoing Adventure Clubs. In 2005, Youth Outdoors served 2,650 individual youth in 528 outdoor recreation activities, including those provided through 34 Adventure Clubs. Several Adventure Clubs participated in advanced overnight camping programs. Assisting in the program were 105 volunteers who provided 2,498 volunteer hours.

For information on starting a such a program in your community, contact:

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Created: 2008-04-11, Updated: 2008-04-30