Get Outside

We are experiencing a pervasive and growing problem stemming from a trend of adults and youth toward a media- and technology-centered lifestyle. This culture is driving a decline not only in our physical health, but more importantly our mental health. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized the serious ramifications of this lifestyle.  They have reported sharp increases in the rates of childhood obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, asthma, joint problems, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Perhaps graver are the mental health ramifications of this lifestyle. Trends indicate significant increases in the rates of anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, eating disorders, self-harm, physical aggression, poor academic performance, and sleep quality and quantity. Of utmost concern is the exponential increase in suicide, as well as suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.  

In response, we have created a non-profit organization called Get Outside to help change this culture by offering youth and families support, education/skills and opportunities in outdoor recreation as well as community connection and service. There is a Get Outside Club in each high school in Washington County and Iron County.  These clubs provide education, training and mentoring for youth by holding clinics for various outdoor recreation activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, ski/snowboarding, wakeboarding, and more. Get Outside will also aid in overcoming financial barriers for kids and families by seeking sources of outdoor equipment and connecting these sources with the Get Outside Clubs. We are also searching for sources of financial support that will allow Get Outside to help offset the financial barriers that keep a large population of low-income youth from participating in outdoor recreation.

Your donations of any amount will help tremendously and go directly toward paying for the planning and execution of activities and other efforts focused on providing education and opportunity for youth and overcoming financial barriers that currently keep youth from getting outside.