Participant Stories - Dayqian Baker

Egeria Thomas • Nov 02, 2022

Dayqian is a member of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

He has gone on several trips in the past couple of years. Sixteen-year-old Dayqian is from Culver City and attends Lynwood High. He came to OBA in 2021 after we recruited him through his after-school program.

In 2021, he attended an intense rock climbing course at an indoor climbing facility - he was so proud of himself for climbing the tallest and toughest wall! Click here to watch a video from the day of climbing and hear Dayqian speak about the experience! Dayqian also attended one of OBA’s nine-day backpacking courses through the Sierras. In the Sierras, Dayqian experienced gorgeous new landscapes, completed challenging hikes every day, and connected with trip leaders and fellow campers. Click here to see some of their photos and a video of Dayqian's experience from Day 1 to Day 5 to Day 9.

Here is what Dayqian said about his time at OBA so far: “I love OBA and I love everyone that’s on it because OBA helps kids and helps families. The time that I was with OBA, helped me because I will never do anything like that in the future. We go on trips - they teach us about the different things on the trip. I was involved because they always treated you like family and you’re always welcome.”

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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.

Diversity in Outdoor Leadership: A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Supporters

By Logan Patton • 09 Apr, 2024

In a heartwarming display of support, Outward Bound Adventures (OBA) extended its deepest gratitude to the Mericos Foundation and the Confidence Foundation under the Whittier Trust Company. Both of their recent visits to OBA reflect a profound commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in outdoor education. The significance of their support cannot be overstated. Through their generous funding, programs like the Diverse Outdoor Leadership Institute (DOLI) are thriving, empowering more instructors of color to take the lead in OBA's expeditions. This initiative not only enriches the educational experience but also amplifies diverse voices in outdoor leadership. Moreover, their contributions fuel the endeavors of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which plays a pivotal role in opening up outdoor experiences to more youth of color. By providing access and opportunities, OBA and its partners are breaking down barriers and creating pathways for underrepresented communities to connect with nature and develop invaluable skills. As OBA looks ahead, the partnership with Mericos, Confidence Foundation, and the Whittier Trust Company holds immense promise. Together, they are poised to make meaningful strides in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor education. With unwavering support from partners like these, OBA is not only enriching individual lives but also shaping a more inclusive and equitable outdoor community for generations to come. To the visitors with Mericos and Confidence Foundation under the Whittier Trust Company, OBA extends its heartfelt thanks. Your support fuels our mission and strengthens our resolve to create a world where everyone, regardless of background, can explore, learn, and grow through outdoor experiences. Here's to a future filled with possibility and promise.