OBA's Exciting Gold Rush Adventures: Immersive Experience for Los Angeles Youth

Logan Patton • July 25, 2024

East Los Angeles Youth go for the Gold...Country!

Outward Bound Adventures (OBA) has been rolling out back-to-back trips during this scorching hot summer season. One of the highlights is kickstarting one of our first thematic trips to Gold Country. For five days, instructors took a group of high school students on a journey through Northern California's Gold Country to experience "The True Story of the California Gold Rush." exploring the impact that the event had on communities of color during that time.

The adventure kicked off in East Los Angeles at Alliance Morgan McKinzie High School with team-building activities such as the Name Game and a Map Activity. After a long, 10-hour drive with several rest stops, the team finally arrived at Sly Park Campground. They set up camp, acknowledged the Indigenous Peoples of the area, and shared their first "rose, bud, and thorn" moments around the campfire.

The rest of the trip combined educational historical elements with thrilling adventures, featuring a visit to renowned historical museums and two days of whitewater rafting to beat the heat. The students visited the State Indian Museum, utilized their discovery journals, and discussed the significance of Sutter’s Fort. They also visited the Marshall Gold Discovery Center, participated in a gold panning demonstration, and enjoyed a scavenger hunt. The first day on the water consisted of rafting on the Middle Fork 'Tunnel Chute.' Students, initially nervous, embraced the challenge and created unforgettable memories. On day two, they conquered the South Fork American River, culminating in a campfire circle where students shared their thoughts and lessons from the day.

The final day was bittersweet as the group packed up where they incorporated Leave No Trace principles, and made the long journey back to Los Angeles. Back at Alliance Morgan McKinzie High School, students shared final reflections before heading home, tired but full of incredible memories and new friendships.

This Gold Country trip was just the beginning of OBA’s exciting new thematic series. Participants are eagerly looking forward to more adventures, including multiple-day trips like 17 day Seawood and the renowned High Sierra trip. OBA remains committed to providing enriching, educational, and fun outdoor experiences for youth from all walks of life. We can't wait to embark on more thrilling journeys and inspire even more young explorers.

Stay tuned for more adventures and join us as we explore the great outdoors with OBA!

This trip was made possible through the support of the Youth Community Access grant through the California Natural Resources Agency.

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

By 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.

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.