What is a "transformative" outdoor experience?


We use the phrase "transformative outdoor experience" often. We believe lasting personal growth and positive community engagement are outcomes of these transformative outdoor experiences. Nicky Wood, our Executive Director, explains that this phrase is the foundation of Outside Perspectives and our work. 

"When I named this organization Outside Perspectives, I had the transformative experience at the heart of all of our programs in mind. When our partnered programs take their youth on an expedition, this group of youth will leave everything about their everyday lives behind. And when I say everything, I mean it.

They'll sleep differently, eat differently, and even use the toilet differently. They'll leave behind their devices, and all connections to their family and friends. It essentially turns their reality upside down and forces them to reach out to their peers on the expedition for support and camaraderie.

The result is folks get a unique outside perspective on their life back home. They see, for the first time, what they were taking for granted and how they communicate, treat, and relate to the people in their lives. 


Through the reflective facilitation of our professional instructors, youth will return home with a greater understanding of their strengths, challenges, and a bonded group of peers ready to support each other through the trials and tribulations that lie ahead.

We've had many participants tell us that the experience has changed their life and that it'll be something that they remember and talk about forever. 


That's what we mean by transformative.  It's not just a fancy buzzword. It literally changes lives."

You can learn more about the transformative outdoor experiences we offer and the impact on our local youth at our website; www.outsideperspectives.org. Go to our YouTube Channel to see and hear from our Alumni Participants as they share the impact their experience with Outside Perspectives had on them. 




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