OBA Takes Over Catalina

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.

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.