Connecting Youth: Through Community, Education, and Transformative Outdoor Experiences!

NEW Partnership Announcement!

At Outside Perspectives, forming a partnership with community organizations that resonate with our core mission is always exciting. We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with BOOST!—an innovative after-school initiative spearheaded by Bridge to Success in Waterbury, CT. Yesterday, we kicked off our 10-week pilot program at Gilmartin School. The kids were excited and engaged during their first Team Building Day!

Gilmartin 8th Grade Leaders

About BOOST!

BOOST!, rooted in the community school framework, is more than an after-school program. It's a beacon of holistic development, providing a diverse range of resources that cater to the academic, social, and emotional needs of our youth.

In 2017, BOOST! began transforming the after-school landscape in Waterbury, starting with four PreK-8 schools. This initiative is based on the understanding that schools are central to community life, offering much more than just education. They are the heart of our community, where students, families, and educators can access a myriad of programs aimed at nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Our Partnership

Our partnership with BOOST! is a testament to our shared vision of empowering youth. Yesterday, we began our 10-week pilot program designed specifically for an eighth-grade student leadership group at Gilmartin School. This program isn't just about after-school engagement; it's about laying the groundwork for future leaders through comprehensive outdoor education, social-emotional learning, and leadership training.

Our program covers a wide range of activities, from after-school programs once a week focusing on team building and learning outdoor skills to full-day field trips every other week, where students can apply what they've learned in the outdoor world.

These young leaders from Gilmartin School will delve into navigation and orienteering, Leave No Trace Principles, and the skills necessary for rock climbing and canoeing. Our aim is to provide these students not only with the required skills for outdoor adventures but also with invaluable life lessons in problem-solving, effective communication, leadership, and conflict resolution.

Social-emotional learning is at the core of our program. Through activities like briefing and debriefing sessions, journaling, and guided discussions, we encourage students to engage in meaningful self-reflection. This process is crucial for personal growth and developing grit and a resilient mindset.


Evidence-based Programming

BOOST and Outside Perspectives are excited to grow this partnership to include other Waterbury schools and a variety of student groups. 

Supporting our efforts, Dillinger Research and Applied Data plays a pivotal role in data collection and analysis, ensuring the program's effectiveness and our ability to make informed decisions moving forward.

The Leaders of Tomorrow

This partnership between Outside Perspectives and BOOST! is more than a collaboration; it's a bridge connecting education with the empowering experience of the great outdoors. It's a privilege to lead such initiatives, and we are eager to see the positive changes these experiences will bring to the lives of Waterbury students!

As we continue this journey, I am reminded of the transformative power of community, education, and the natural world. Together, we are not just shaping the leaders of tomorrow; we are fostering a generation ready to face life's challenges with courage, empathy, and a deep-seated respect for the environment.

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting journey as we pave the way for a brighter, more connected future for our youth!


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