Gain Your Outside Perspective

A Movement; From Screen Time to Green Time As we delve into our "From Screen Time to Green Time" theme for this year's campaign, we want to share why this rallying cry is more crucial now than ever. Watch the video below and hear our young people share the importance of this message in their own words.  DONATE TODAY!  https://secure.givelively.org/donate/outside-perspectives/from-screen-time-to-green-time In a world increasingly dominated by screens, our youth face unprecedented challenges, from the pervasive influence of digital technology to the impact of ongoing global changes. The transformative power of the outdoors serves as a beacon of hope, offering a remedy to the struggles that today's generation grapples with. 1. Disconnection in a Hyperconnected World: Despite the hyper-connectivity facilitated by technology, our youth often find themselves in a paradoxical state of disconnection. The constant barrage of screens, virtual interactions, and the demands of th...

Participant Spotlight: Meet Sadie An Outsider and Trailblazer on All Fronts Introduction: Meet Sadie Levy, a senior at Hall High School in West Hartford, whose journey with Outside Perspectives has been nothing short of inspiring. Sadie is involved with The Bridge Family Center in West Hartford, and this was the first year of an Outside Perspectives Bridge partnership. Sadie speaks to her “why” behind being a part of the Teen Center. “I am a part of the West Hartford Teen Leadership Committee because I like working with people my age and organizing events that will make a difference in my community.”  From her inaugural expedition to becoming a certified Wilderness First Aid provider and leading the charge in fundraising, Sadie embodies the spirit of exploration, leadership, and community engagement. Embarking on the Expedition: Sadie's first foray into the world of outdoor adventures came through Outside Perspectives' expedition facilitated in partnership with The Bridge Famil...

Nicky's Outside Perspective: Back on the Trail By Nicky Wood, MSW Last week was my first time leading an expedition since becoming a mom. My last expedition was in the early fall of 2020, at the start of the pandemic. It felt like so long ago and yesterday at the same time. The most significant change was how I needed to prepare myself and my family for an expedition. Now, it feels much more monumental to get to day one! I can tell you that once we pulled our backpacks out of the van at the trailhead and watched the van pull away, it felt like I was back in the saddle. The worries of the world melted away, and I was just there. There in the woods, in the rain, with whatever we remembered to bring and nothing more. Our challenges are what are in front of us, and we have only each other to rely on.  After this trip, the one thing that sticks with me is that pivotal moment that an instructor lives to facilitate, helping a participant turn a challenge into fun. In some ways, the instru...

In the spirit of collaboration and community building, Outside Perspectives Directors recently participated in the Connecticut Community Foundation's Nonprofit Community Conversation hosted at Naugatuck Valley Community College this past Friday. This event brought together nonprofit leaders, community members, and municipal leaders to connect, share, and discuss the path to a brighter tomorrow. The Connecticut Community Foundation, guided by its mission to foster an equitable and inclusive community in Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills, organized this gathering with a compelling goal. They aimed to unite people around a shared vision for the future while engaging in intentional conversations about the community. The Foundation, present and listening, gathered feedback to share with the community, nonprofit organizations, and municipal leaders.   Nicky, Lauren, and Liza sat at different tables alongside other nonprofit leaders and community members at the event. Everyone at the...

Introducing Jahnyah Meet Jahnyah, a remarkable young individual we have enjoyed getting to know over the past several years. Jahnyah is a part of the Charter Oak Boxing Academy (COBA) family and has been on several Outside Perspectives (OP) programs over the last three years. She stood out as a leader at COBA and during OP programs and is now moving on to do great things at UCONN and beyond! We want to congratulate Jahnyah on all of her accomplishments and spotlight her time with us at OP. Jahnyah happily shared how her experiences with COBA and Outside Perspectives shaped her and why these experiences are crucial for all kids. Her journey from East Hartford High School to the University of Connecticut (UCONN) is a testament to her dedication, ambition, and the transformative power of experiences like those offered by a partnership between Charter Oak Boxing Academy and Outside Perspectives. High School Achievements Jahnyah graduated from East Hartford High School on June 6, 2023, with...

The Youth Excellence Project of Outside Perspectives, Inc.   Bigelow Preserve & Flagstaff Lake 2023 Expedition By Damion Grasso, YEP Founder, Director, and Instructor The crew convened early on Saturday in New Hartford for the long drive North to Eustis, Maine. Ben and I took turns driving and playing DJ for the boys, stopping for lunch at Subway in Brattleboro. Aimee and Liz, our logistics crew, drove separately but nearby. The boys played the “Shotgun” road trip card game in the van and earned points for silly challenges like, “ First person to spot a billboard insurance advertisement .” As one can imagine, the noise level and shenanigans in the back of the van were intense, with the most prominent voice probably coming from Kam, who happened to be right behind me. They all made it a fun ride, though.   It was exciting to pass from Massachusetts into Maine. The scenery changed, with mountains popping up on the horizon. Ben was keen on seeing a moose. At one point, Ben ho...