Service
At Mountain Source, we believe in bringing responsible outdoor experiences to everyone. We like to use this space to highlight organizations and non-profits working to bring this same belief to local communities.
Project Send It
At Project Send It, their mission is to have the local Denver climbing community introduce children from low-income families to adventures of the natural world and the lessons learned through rock climbing. Project Send It provides opportunities to build confidence, problem solve, be physically active and interact with like-minded peers. All of these skills will carry over into the participant's day-to-day lives, helping serve the climber's lifer and also their world at large.
Learn more about Project Send It here.
Want to support? Check out their direct and indirect support options here.
NavajoYES
At NavajoYES the goal is to empower youth with an active life style through trail initiatives, youth programing, the Diné Bike Project (pictured above), the Navajo Parks Race Series, and through education and outreach.
NavajoYES offers outdoor adventures, school-based programs, youth service initiatives and educational resources for schools and communities across the Navajo Nation.
Their outdoor adventure activities are the core of the program and offer year-round outings, combining adventure with personal enrichment and engaging learning experiences.
The Tour de Rez program blends mountain biking, backpacking, rafting and hiking for hundreds of Navajo youth on a unique summertime journey.
Their staff visits schools across the reservation, providing presentations to promote lifelong fitness and healthy, drug-free living. They strive to instill in youth a sense of empowerment by offering opportunities for meaningful community service.
Learn more about NavajoYes here.
Want to support? Find more info here.
SheJumps
The SheJumps vision is to unearth the potential of all women and girls through outdoor play and connection to nature. As humans, growth is in our nature, but the fear of failure can limit our growth.
SheJumps serves girls ages 6 and up, women 18 & older who either have never participated in outdoor activities or are active members of the outdoor community looking to give back and share their passion.
SheJumps programs are designed to fulfill their promise to not only increase participation in outdoor activities for women, but also ensure that younger generations have the resources they need to get outside through adventure, education, and community building. Programs include Outdoor Education, Wild Skills, Get the Girls Out, Community Initiatives, and Fundraising climbs.
Learn more about SheJumps here.
Want to support? Find more info here.
Melanin Base Camp
Melanin Base Camp is a home base for diversity in outdoor adventure sports. Their goal is to increase the visibility of outdoorsy black, indigenous and people of color. They strive to do this through representation in the media, advertising and in the stories told about the outdoors.
"Whether you bike, climb, hike, or paddle, Melanin Base Camp is your own home too. Join us as we work together to increase representation and opportunities for people of color in outdoor adventure sports. Along the way we won’t shy away from sensitive topics (race and gender) but we’ll do so in a way that creates a safe space for people with marginalized identities. Join the movement and help us #diversifyoutdoors!"
Head to Melanin Base Camp's Featured Bloggers page to hear firsthand accounts. Planning a weekend hiking trip? Check out the Trip Reports page for info on how to get started, what type of gear you'll need and interviews with grassroots activists, environmentalists, and educators. They cover complex issues like race, gender and gender identity in outdoor recreation. You can even submit your own articles to the blog at Around the Bonfire.
Lastly, check out #DiversifyOutdoors to connect with other organizations promoting diversity in the Outdoors.
Learn more about Melanin Base Camp here.
Want to support? Find more info here.