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

Logan Patton • Jul 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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OBA's Exciting Gold Rush Adventures: Immersive Experience for Los Angeles Youth

By Logan Patton • 25 Jul, 2024

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

Congratulations to the Environmental Restoration Team!

By Logan Patton • 07 Jun, 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.

Embracing the Wild: A Journey from Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Student to Outdoor Leader

By Crystal Nerone • 02 May, 2024

Back in 2017, Jahs'tus Maat-Hotep's life took an unexpected turn, a twist of fate orchestrated by a stranger's invitation to embark on a High Sierra backpacking escapade with his brother. Little did he know, this chance encounter would set ablaze a fiery passion for the great outdoors, sculpting his destiny in ways he could have never imagined. Little did he know, this invitation would create a passion for the outdoors that would shape his future in profound ways. As an introverted individual, Jahs'tus initially had reservations about joining the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) at Outward Bound Adventures (OBA). However, his experience in outdoor activities and fundraising with YAC proved transformative, challenging his preconceptions about who engages in outdoor adventures. “My outdoor experiences in OBA ignited a newfound passion. Discovering such diversity in my own backyard challenged my preconceptions about people like me not engaging in outdoor activities. After that trip, I was certain about how I wanted to spend the next few years of my life, grateful for the encounter with that stranger who opened my eyes to new possibilities.” After graduating from the Diverse Outdoor Leadership Institute (DOLI), Jahs'tus found himself not only equipped with the skills to navigate the wilderness but also with a newfound sense of purpose. He transitioned from being a participant to becoming an instructor, guiding students on life-changing outdoor expeditions. Jahs'tus's involvement with OBA didn't just end with leading trips; it opened doors to employment opportunities, such as at REI, where he found a community of like-minded individuals who shared his passion for the outdoors. Through his job and connections at REI, Jahs'tus expanded his outdoor pursuits, diving into activities like rock climbing with newfound zeal. Looking ahead, Jahs'tus envisions a future where he continues to lead trips and teach outdoor skills, providing diverse urban youth and families with opportunities they may never have imagined. His goal is not only to expose others to the wonders of nature but also to empower them to embrace the wild and forge their own paths. In his seven years with Outward Bound Adventures, Jahs'tus has dedicated himself to personal growth and the enrichment of others' lives. His journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of outdoor experiences and the importance of opening doors for others to explore and connect with the natural world. One pivotal aspect of Jahs'tus's journey was obtaining his Leave No Trace (LNT) certification, solidifying his commitment to responsible outdoor practices. This certification underscored his dedication to preserving the natural beauty he had grown to love. “OBA has enriched my life beyond its organization…it led to my employment at REI and introduced me to like-minded friends who share a passion for the outdoors. Building connections with individuals who share my interests has significantly enhanced my life.”