Participant Stories - David Miller

Egeria Thomas • Nov 01, 2022

One of our adult Environmental Restoration Team (ERT) alumni is David Miller.

David was connected to OBA through a family member who also worked for us. He called the office, scheduled an interview, and began work the next day. Here is what he had to say about his work with OBA so far:

Before OBA I was working in a warehouse in Kansas City, counting dozens and dozens of t-shirts every day- standing up and counting all day. It was very, very boring and it wasn’t for me but I was doing it so I could eat.

Since I’ve been with OBA I’ve been doing trail work, hiking, planting, irrigation systems, and mulching. I like the work that I do. It’s been good for me every day. It keeps me busy because if I’m not doing that I’m doing nothing. I know not to run the streets, In 2019 I was shot and I could not find any work until OBA hired me. Now I’ve been working since January 16th, 2020. It’s been really good for me.

I’ve been working every day, on time, and working hard. OBA staff moved me up to a higher position- within 90 days (87 to be exact) and now I’m a leader. There are eight or nine of us. When the crew comes I open up and talk to them about how to work and what has to be done. They follow instructions and everybody listens and it goes really well.

I like OBA because they’ve been good to me and I like working for them. I don’t want to work anywhere else because of how good they’ve been to me. Chuck has been good to me. He took me to his house. That made me feel good. He made me feel trusted. I’m good right here. I’m not gonna go anywhere.

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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.” he body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Outward Bound Adventures (OBA) Honored with Leave No Trace Inclusivity Award

By Logan Patton • 16 Apr, 2024

In recognition of Outward Bound Adventures (OBA) six decades of dedication in promoting inclusivity in outdoor spaces within Racially Marginalized Communities (RMCs) OBA has proudly been honored with the prestigious Outdoor Stewardship Inclusivity Award from Leave No Trace (LNT). Founded in 1962, OBA holds the distinction of being the nation's longest-running non-profit organization committed to its mission to create a more inclusive and sustainable outdoor community. Fostering youth and adults of low-income/urban RMCs through environmental education, leadership development, and conservation workforce programs to form a deep connection with the outdoors, OBA has touched the lives of more than 95,000 participants, empowering them to explore, learn, and lead in the great outdoors. Being an officially designated Leave No Trace Training Center, reaffirms OBA’s unwavering commitment to providing access and opportunities to marginalized communities, dismantling barriers, and cultivating a new generation of environmentally-conscious stewards.

OBA's Environmental Restoration Team Masters Crucial Trainings

By Crystal Nerone • 09 Apr, 2024

OBA's Environmental Restoration Team (ERT), whose dedication to preserving and restoring natural ecosystems recently achieved a monumental milestone by completing rigorous training in crosscutting, fire fuel removal, and chainsaw operation, earning certifications in all three disciplines. Crosscutting, a traditional method of felling trees using manual saws, demands precision, skill, and utmost caution. ERT members immersed themselves in intensive crosscut training, honing their techniques under the guidance of seasoned experts. Through countless hours of practice, they mastered the art of felling trees with surgical precision, minimizing environmental impact and preserving habitat integrity. ERT also undertook specialized training in fire fuel removal. Effective fire fuel removal techniques are indispensable for safeguarding ecosystems and communities alike. Equipped with knowledge of strategic fuel reduction methods, they provide assistance in mitigating wildfire risks and protecting vulnerable ecosystems. Chainsaws are indispensable tools in the arsenal of environmental restoration, enabling efficient tree removal and habitat management. ERT members underwent rigorous chainsaw training, mastering the intricacies of operation while prioritizing safety above all else. Wielding these powerful instruments requires not only skill but also a deep understanding of safety protocols. Armed with newfound skills and certifications, ERTs are poised to make an indelible impact on the landscape of environmental conservation. Whether it be restoring degraded ecosystems, mitigating wildfire risks, or preserving biodiversity hotspots.