CHOIR REHEARSAL

Charles Thomas Jr. • November 29, 2022

Many years ago, as a young man and I walked through a Redwood forest. He turned to me and said “I think I found a new church.” He has been in the OBA conservation choir ever since.

Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, Justice - for those of us who have been the “choir” and in the business of getting people of color connected to nature, wilderness, and natural landscapes for as long as OBA has (60 plus years!)  - those terms are old, anachronistic lyrics like the everpresent undersong of holy praise in every song a choir sings. It's time for the Choir to come back to the Sanctuary and rehearse a new song. 


That new song should not just express what we need, instead its lyrics should construct a way forward that avoids  the “Color Pimping and Access Rhetoric” it seems nearly every environmental, conservation, outdoor adventure organization is promoting to show that they are in the choir.  These organizations know that there has always been a dearth of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) in conservation and wilderness recreation. Some have been singing a sweet little song about it for years- but without including the voices from BIPOC communities, their song lacked the soul and commitment needed to affect change.  It's a very old issue that directly reflects the racist history of America. Most of those organizations chose not to make inclusion a priority until now, when it is very “uncool'' to not have an alliance with BIPOC communities. But hey; I ain’t mad at you! Better late than never!!

   

We should not discount the great work of the multitude of organizations who closely examined themselves early on and changed their organizations to assure they would become more diverse and inclusive. However, we are still moving far too slow. We need a new song.


We must bring new folks into the choir and change the tune. Diversity, justice and equity will be natural outcomes if every voice is lifted in perfect harmony to sing an anthem of directives. From now on we will sing about how we will deliver field based, conservation education, career knowledge, and workforce development to those communities who historically have not had access to the “church.” Can I get an Amen?

From the Ashes: A Community Reclaims Its Voice

By Logan Patton • July 14, 2025
Darkness. A sudden blaze. 0 to 100—real quick. There was no time to prepare. Only seconds to react. Just enough time to grab a few essentials, before scurrying out the door. You assume you’ll be back. But what happens when there’s nothing to come back to? Last week marked six months since the Eaton Fire tore through the Altadena foothills and surrounding communities, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Over 14,000 acres scorched. More than 9,000 homes and structures turned to ash. 150,000 people displaced, many of them seeking stability to this day. Among them, 200 families from John Muir High School–both children and caregivers suddenly thrust into survival mode, juggling school and work with the emotional toll of desolation. In the wake of this unimaginable loss, something powerful began to take shape—enter the Altadena Youth Emergence (AYE) program. AYE is Outward Bound Adventures’ (OBA) commitment to nurturing resilience and recovery in the very youth who survived the flames. It’s a space of kinship, a container for collective healing, and a platform for youth to rediscover agency, identity, and belonging. Its mission is simple but profound: to help Altadena youth process and navigate trauma while building a trusted community that can hold space for both pain and possibility. Through intentional outdoor experiences and cultural education, AYE equips participants with tools of resilience, reflection, and leadership. This spring, AYE held its first healing retreat where students engaged in a journey of self-exploration, healing, and community-building in the Angeles National Forest. On Day 1, they went from OBA to Chilao School, where the group focused on getting acquainted and creating a safe, welcoming space. A playful team builder sparked conversation, followed by a deeply reflective “Self-Care Action Plan” activity using body outlines to map out personal wellness strategies. Students then wrote and shared powerful “I Am” poems, concluding with a collaborative group piece. After lunch, the afternoon turned toward grief and joy, with storytelling through nature using acorns and pinecones, and an art activity honoring personal stories of Altadena. Participants then hiked to a nearby viewpoint, and gathered around a candlelit altar for a grief meditation, concluding with a joyful campfire celebration. Day 2, the theme shifted to leadership and collective strength. The morning began with a stretching circle and team-prepared breakfast, followed by continued self-reflection through poetry and affirmations. The group transitioned to Horse Flats Campground, where they explored healing through storytelling, hiking, and leadership challenges at the boulders and Hawk Rock. After lunch and a return to Chilao, the afternoon focused on rejuvenation through a serene flower arranging ceremony led by the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation. The experience concluded with a reflective drive back to OBA, leaving participants uplifted and more connected to themselves, each other, and the land. Looking ahead, AYE plans to return to Chilao for a summer retreat, this time expanding their vision. In the fall, youth will co-lead a community summit—a day of restoration and celebration featuring student-led workshops, speakers, art galleries, music, and healing spaces. A summit designed by youth, for a community still recovering and also rising. The impact of AYE’s work has not gone unnoticed. OBA was also featured on NBC—highlighting how the program is rewriting the narrative of disaster through healing, leadership, and hope. Check out the video here . Out of the ashes, something remarkable is growing. Not just programs. Not just plans. But people. Young people. Strong people. And they are ready to lead.

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.

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

By Logan Patton • July 25, 2024
East Los Angeles Youth go for the Gold...Country!