Introducing Youth to the Outdoors

Introducing Youth to the Outdoors

By Lindsay Woods

Before I retired I use to hear retirees say “I’m busier now than when I was working”, and I would think, what are they talking about? Well now I know what they were experiencing. I have found myself getting involved in a number of things that I have a passion for. My latest involvement is I have started an Outdoor Adventure Club for high school students who attend Hesperia Christian School. Activities will include camping, backpacking, caving, climbing and kayaking. Students will learn how to plan a trip from start to finish, understand gear needed and its proper use and of course leaving no trace. Students will have the opportunity to take what they have learned and put it into practice by planning and taking trips to the outdoors.

I am reaching out to my fellow explorers to see if any of you would like to donate any of your usable gear to the program. We are in need of sleeping bags, ground mats, tents, hammocks, camp stoves, back packs, ice chests or any other outdoor gear that is taking up space in your garage. Your donated items will get new life and help to introduce the love of the outdoors to a new generation of kids. Due to safety concerns, the only items I would not be interested in is the old white gas stoves, lanterns and heaters.

If you or your friends have any gear you would like to donate you can bring it to the Rendezvous in Needles and I will pick it up there. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you at the Rendezvous. If you have any questions feel free to give me a call at (760) 559-4163. ~ Lindsay