Oakland Goes Outdoors

??? Last night, we celebrated ?????? ?????? ???????????????????? ?????????????????????????????? of our OGO leaders at our End-of-Year party (things get busy fast after spring break for our amazing educators! ??). We had the chance to uplift and reflect on the powerful impact of Oakland Goes Outdoors this year — since the school year launched in August, ???????? ???????? 4,000 ???????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ???????????? 24 ???????? ?????????????? have connected with nature, challenged themselves, and built unforgettable memories. From inspiring day trips to overnight adventures, we've cultivated a vibrant community of young explorers and dedicated educators. And our journey isn't over - we still have ???????????? 100 ?????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????? planned through the end of the school year. We can't wait to see our students and teachers continue to explore, learn & grow together. We're deeply thankful for these passionate adults who step beyond the classroom to lead and inspire outdoors! Join us in giving them three cheers! ?????? Oakland Unified School District Oakland Goes Outdoors #OaklandGoesOutdoors #OutdoorEducation #ExploreMore #NatureForAll #StudentExplorers #EnvironmentalLeadership #GetOutside #AdventureAwaits #BayAreaNonprofits #CommunityImpact #YouthEmpowerment #HandsOnLearning #StewardsOfTheEarth #ConnectingWithNature

National landmarks like Point Reyes National Seashore serve as more than just scenic destinations—they are vital coastal classrooms, mental wellness retreats, and spaces that foster leadership and resilience. At Point Reyes, students engage directly with marine ecosystems, learning about coastal biodiversity, ocean conservation, and climate change impacts through hands-on experiences. These immersive educational opportunities help cultivate environmental stewardship, scientific literacy, teamwork, and a deeper, lasting connection to the natural world. However, continued funding challenges to the National Park Service threaten the future of these transformative coastal education programs. Without sustained investment in staffing and maintenance, we risk losing not just beautiful landscapes, but also the critical opportunities they offer for inspiring future leaders, scientists, and environmental advocates. Ensuring equitable access to outdoor coastal education requires advocating for policies and funding that protect these precious spaces. Now is the time to take action. Let’s champion the future of outdoor learning and conservation together. ???? Point Reyes National Seashore Association - PRNSA #ProtectOurParks #OGOAdventures #OutdoorEducation #Conservation #FutureStewards #NatureForAll #EnvironmentalJustice #PublicLandsMatter #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture #EnvironmentalLeadership #GetOutside

Nature teaches us resilience. ???? Even on rainy days, we step outside at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, knowing that the journey is just as rewarding—maybe even more so. There's something humbling about standing in the rain, breathing in the crisp air, and realizing that healing doesn’t always happen in predictable conditions. Recently, our middle school students experienced this firsthand, turning a rainy hike into an immersive geology lesson at the East Bay's only dormant volcano. As the skies cleared at the ridge, geology textbook concepts came vividly to life, demonstrating the powerful link between outdoor education and hands-on learning. Research shows that time outdoors improves mental clarity, boosts mood, and reduces stress—rain or shine. When we embrace nature in all its forms, we allow ourselves to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. At Oakland Goes Outdoors, we believe in the power of nature to heal, inspire, educate, and strengthen communities. East Bay Regional Park District Regional Parks Foundation #HealingThroughNature #MindfulLeadership #OutdoorWellness #NatureForMentalHealth #EcoWellness #TimeInNature #ResilientLiving #MindfulnessMatters #BayAreaOutdoors #WellnessThroughNature #LeadershipThroughNature #NatureIsHealing #OutdoorEducation #EastBayHikes #SustainableWellbeing

For many Oakland youth, their first experience of the great outdoors happens through beach days and camping trips at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area - from Baker Beach in the Presidio of San Francisco to Tennessee Valley in the Marin Headlands. These trips aren’t just fun—they foster resilience, teamwork, and environmental stewardship while providing a much-needed escape from daily challenges. Unfortunately, funding cuts to our national parks are making these experiences harder to access. At Oakland Goes Outdoors, we see firsthand how nature transforms lives—but without investment in our parks, opportunities for youth to learn, explore, and connect with nature will decrease tremendously. ?? Access to the outdoors should not be a privilege. Let’s work together to advocate for park funding and ensure future generations can experience the joy of camping under the stars, exploring coastal trails, and discovering the wonders of nature. Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Presidio Trust National Park Service #HealingThroughNature #OGOAdventures #ProtectOurParks #GoldenGateNRA #ConservationMatters #OutdoorLeadership #SustainableFuture #ParkPreservation #CampingForAll #NatureEquity #ClimateAction

Mental well-being starts with small moments of mindfulness—why not take them outdoors? ?? Studies show that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, improve focus, and boost creativity. Whether it’s a scenic walk in the park, having fun in the water, or simply stepping outside for a few minutes, nature offers a powerful reset. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the benefits of fresh air and movement. Prioritizing self-care, even in small ways, can lead to greater well-being and productivity. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break, breathe deep, and let nature do the rest. How do you de-stress in nature???? #OaklandGoesOutdoors #Mindfulness #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealthAwareness #OutdoorWellness #NatureHeals #EmployeeWellness #HealthyHabits #StressManagement #RechargeInNature #MindfulLeadership #ProductivityTips

Spending time outdoors isn’t just an adventure—it’s a transformative learning experience. ?? When we bring our students to Yosemite, we see in real time how nature provides them with stress relief, renewed focus, and a deeper appreciation for the environment. These trips aren’t just about hiking; they are about building resilience, curiosity, and a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, national parks are facing funding cuts, threatening outdoor education opportunities like these. If we want future generations to benefit from nature’s impact on well-being and learning, we must advocate for funding and accessibility. National Park Service #MentalHealth #OutdoorWellness #EducationMatters #ProtectOurParks #NatureForAll #FutureGenerations #Leadership #WellnessAtWork #ClimateAction #DiversityInTheOutdoors #CommunityImpact #SaveOurParks #Yosemite #NationalParks #PublicLands?#NatureLovers?

?? The Healing Powers of Nature: A Call for Equitable Access ?? Spending time in nature isn't just a luxury—it’s essential for mental and physical well-being. Research shows that quality time outdoors can reduce stress, lower heart rates, improve sleep, and enhance attention. Yet, not everyone has equal access to these benefits. At Oakland Goes Outdoors, we believe that everyone deserves opportunities to experience nature, whether in local parks, trails, or national outdoor spaces. As one educator shared, when students spend time outdoors, they become fuller, better-connected versions of themselves. Their well-being depends on it. ?? How can we, as educators, policymakers, and community leaders, work together to ensure outdoor access for all? Join us in making nature a priority! Share your thoughts, experiences, and ways we can collaborate to expand equitable access to the outdoors. ?? Let’s make an impact—because the benefits of nature should be for everyone! #OutdoorEquity #HealthAndNature #OaklandGoesOutdoors #Wellbeing #OutdoorsForAll #CommunityImpact

?? Celebrating Excellence in Outdoor Education! ?? We're thrilled to announce that Oakland Goes Outdoors' very own Zotunde Morton was honored with the inaugural Fire Tender Award at Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT)'s 25th Anniversary Gala earlier this month! ????? This award recognizes a community member who ignites a passion for the outdoors in others, nurturing and growing that spark through their unwavering dedication to getting youth, and the adults who support them, outside and engaged with nature. As Anya Diamond, BAWT's program director explained, a fire tender is someone who maintains and manages a fire, ensuring it stays lit, burns safely, and provides warmth and light. This award symbolizes the responsibility, stewardship, and knowledge-sharing essential to building community outdoors. In her moving ceremony remarks, fellow BAWT leader and OGO advisor Priscilla Parchia captured Zotunde's impact perfectly: "He has made an indelible impression on every participant who has had the honor to be trained by him. Not just because he does such an incredible job facilitating the content but also because he understands the true meaning of reciprocity and belonging. Having a conversation in nature with Zo reminds you that you are exactly where you are supposed to be, with the exact right body to carry you and the most grateful of spirits." Zotunde's dedication to empowering Oakland's youth and adult leaders through inclusive, enriching outdoor experiences exemplifies the spirit of this award. We're incredibly fortunate to have him on the OGO team! ????? Please join us in congratulating Zotunde on this well-deserved recognition! ????#FireTenderAward #OutdoorEducation #Leadership #OaklandGoesOutdoors #BAWT #OGOCommunity #OutdoorLeaders

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re celebrating an incredible year of growth and getting into nature at Oakland Goes Outdoors! ?? ?? This year alone, we ended the spring 2024 school year having served nearly 6,000 Oakland students through 221 outdoors trips, launched our first summer program serving more than 1,650 youth, and this fall, already coordinated 100 adventures across our 24 school sites. We also launched a new website, celebrated our 5th anniversary and added some new faces to the team! ?? Check out our full 2024 year-end recap here: https://lnkd.in/ggtAUvKe Together, we are fostering a love for nature that enhances health, builds community, and encourages environmental stewardship. Here's to more adventures and connections in 2025!??????? #OaklandGoesOutdoors #OutdoorAccess #YouthInNature #EquityInNature #NatureForAll #OaklandYouth #GetOutside

?? Grateful for the Journey Outdoors! ?? https://lnkd.in/gP_UJ32w ?? In this season of gratitude, we’re excited to share a special thank you to everyone who makes Oakland Goes Outdoors (OGO) possible. This impactful program connects Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) students with the transformative benefits of quality time in nature—fostering social-emotional growth, academic success, and lifelong environmental stewardship. ?? ?? Since 2018, OGO has created equitable opportunities for students, particularly from underserved communities, to explore outdoor spaces through culturally inclusive, skills-based experiences. From hiking in the redwoods to hands-on environmental science, these moments spark joy, curiosity, and connection. ??? As highlighted in this video, it takes a village. Whether it's OUSD educators, nonprofit partners like Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT), or generous donors, your contributions help break down barriers such as transportation, cost, and gear access—ensuring EVERY Oakland student can experience the outdoors. ?? Join us in advancing this mission! Together, we can inspire the next generation of leaders and environmental advocates. Visit https://lnkd.in/gmYfD8tH to learn how to get involved. #seasonofgratitude #OaklandGoesOutdoors #EquityInNature #OutdoorEducation #CommunityImpact #getoutdoors #diversifyoutdoors