A Week of Triumphs: OBA Celebrates ERT, YAC, and Global Recognition

Logan Patton • October 11, 2024

Celebrating the diversity of OBA’s impact: From receiving the prestigious Leave No Trace Award at the Global Summit 2024 to empowering youth through environmental stewardship and hands-on wilderness experiences.

The past few weeks have been incredibly eventful for Outward Bound Adventures (OBA), with significant accomplishments in environmental restoration, youth leadership, and global recognition.

In the Tahoe National Forest, the Environmental Restoration Team (ERT) wrapped up another productive week. Although this trip was shorter than their three-week summer project, the team worked efficiently, assessing picnic tables for sanding and repainting and identifying trail sections that need retreading. They also highlighted areas where tree canopies need lifting and access trails could be cleared for improved safety. The crew will return in late October for more restoration efforts, ensuring these natural spaces remain accessible and enjoyable for visitors.

Meanwhile, OBA’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) celebrated the election of its new leadership team. Congratulations to President Gabriel Espino, Vice President Micah Craig, Secretary Grant Blizzard, Treasurer Ruby Sprague, Trips/Events Coordinator Dallas Hawkins, and Social Media Manager Chieko Sakamoto. This enthusiastic group is ready to guide their peers through a year of exciting adventures and growth, bringing fresh energy and ideas to the YAC and the broader OBA community.

OBA’s achievements extended beyond the forest and youth council this month. Staff members were selected to present at the prestigious Leave No Trace Global Summit in Boulder, Colorado, where they showcased OBA’s commitment to environmental stewardship on an international stage. With over 300 attendees from 12 countries, the summit was a valuable opportunity for OBA to highlight its work. Additionally, OBA received the Mission Excellence Award, one of only three awards presented at the 30th Anniversary Summit, celebrating our outstanding contributions to the Leave No Trace Wilderness Stewardship movement.

From impactful restoration work to empowering young leaders and gaining global recognition, OBA continues to make a lasting impact.

As OBA continues to make waves in environmental restoration, youth leadership, and global advocacy, it’s clear their impact is growing stronger with each passing week. From the diligent work of the ERT in Tahoe National Forest to the inspiring leadership of YAC's new cabinet and the international spotlight at the Leave No Trace Global Summit, OBA’s commitment to conservation and the community shine.

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By Logan Patton • July 25, 2024

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AB 2465 Passed Forward by Senate Natural Resources Committee

By Logan Patton • June 26, 2024

OBA Executive Director Charles Thomas Speaks in Support of Bill AB2465 In a significant step towards advancing equity and sustainability in agriculture and conservation, Charles Thomas, Executive Director of Outward Bound Adventures, recently spoke on the Senate floor in support of AB 2465. This bill, which successfully passed out of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, aims to broaden the scope of support for socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, and organizations. “People of color have grown tired of endorsing a system where we play a small role that keeps us powerless. AB 2465 will be an instrument of equity, a tool that will promote a presence for us and franchise us into a structure not built for or by us,” Thomas stated. Generally, the funding gap between diverse and white-led organizations is clear and systemic. For example, Black and Latino nonprofit leaders receive only about 4% of philanthropic funding in the U.S., though they make up approximately 10% of nonprofit leadership nationwide. According to a Bridgespan analysis, the unrestricted net assets of black-led organizations are 76% smaller than their white-led counterparts, and their average percentage of revenue was less than half. AB 2465 seeks to expand the definition of socially disadvantaged groups under the Farmer Equity Act of 2017 to include descendants of enslaved persons in the United States. Additionally, the bill mandates that various state entities, including the Wildlife Conservation Board and the Department of Conservation, prioritize grant funding for socially disadvantaged organizations until January 1, 2031. Charles’ address underscores the commitment of Outward Bound Adventures to fostering diversity and equity in outdoor and environmental education. His support for AB 2465 aligns with the organization's mission to provide nature-based experiences to underserved youth and communities, advocating for broader systemic changes that benefit all.

Congratulations to the Environmental Restoration Team!

By Logan Patton • June 7, 2024

On Saturday, May 18th, the Flintridge Center buzzed with excitement and pride as the Environmental Restoration Team (ERT) celebrated a momentous graduation ceremony. The event, hosted by Trail Boss Porfirio Frausto and Executive Director Charles Thomas, honored the hard work and dedication of the ERT crew. The graduates, accompanied by their families, gathered to commemorate their achievements and certifications in wilderness first aid, crosscut, chainsaw, fire fuel removal, and other specialized skills. The atmosphere was festive as graduates proudly received their certifications, marking the culmination of months of rigorous training and hands-on experience. These certifications not only validate their skills but also open doors to promising careers in environmental restoration and conservation. Among the esteemed guests were Abigail Allen from the U.S. Department of Labor, District 3 councilman Justin Jones, and Jonar Rodrigo, a former member of the ERT who now serves with the US Forest Service. Their presence underscored the significance of the program and the impact it has on both individuals and the broader community. The event featured heartfelt speeches, joyous celebrations, and a palpable sense of community. Graduates shared their journeys, reflecting on the challenges they overcame and the bonds they formed. Families beamed with pride, knowing that their loved ones were now equipped with valuable skills and a strong sense of purpose. The ERT graduation at the Flintridge Center was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of achievement, growth, and the promise of a greener future. As the graduates embark on their next chapters, they carry with them the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to make a significant impact in the field of environmental restoration. Congratulations to the ERT graduates of 2024! Your dedication and hard work have not only earned you well-deserved certifications but have also set a standard for future cohorts. May your journey be filled with continued success and meaningful contributions to our environment.