City Kids Wilderness Project

At City Kids, we connect DC youth with mentors and the transformative power of nature—helping them build confidence, and overcome challenges like isolation, screen-driven stress, and unequal access to opportunities. 💙 In honor of Giving Tuesday, every dollar donated to City Kids will be matched 2:1, up to $50,000, through MIDNIGHT on 12.03.24. Together, we can unlock an amazing $150,000 to spark connection, strengthen community, and empower youth to create change in their lives and for those around them. 💡100% of City Kids youth graduate high school, equipped to shape their futures and make a difference in their communities. You can triple your impact by giving today! https://lnkd.in/e9emCZpp https://lnkd.in/eRZbFqR9

We can't wait for you to check out our 2023-2024 Annual Report: A Year of Connection! In a time when social and community ties are tremulous for youth, we have worked to re-center joy and genuine connection in their lives. This Annual Report shares the story of what is possible when youth are given opportunities for enrichment and challenge in an environment that embraces playfulness, fun, and community. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll find inside: ✨ Impact highlights & powerful stats 📈 Updates on our strategic plan 🌟 Alumni spotlight 📸 Our favorite photos and so much more! https://lnkd.in/eDGmcquE

✨ We're excited to celebrate our ongoing collaboration with Inward Bound Mindfulness (iBme) in offering City Kids alumni a unique chance to pause, reconnect, and step into the new year with intention! This year’s Mindfulness Retreat is 100% free for CK alums aged 18-32. 📍 Location: Floyd, VA 📅 Dates: Dec 28 - Jan 1, 2024 🎉 Who: City Kids Alumni (for free!) or any young adults aged 18-32 This retreat offers a unique opportunity to step back from everyday life and dive into an immersive mindfulness experience designed for young adults. Over five days, participants can explore guided meditation, mindful movement, small group activities, and spend time in nature. We encourage our alumni community to embrace this transformative experience or share it with someone who would benefit from this journey. 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/e8ErZHyz

Last week, the City Kids team embarked on an incredible journey during our fall staff retreat—where adventure, growth, and connection intertwined to prepare us for a rewarding season of programming! As we welcomed new team members and united our DC and Wyoming-based staff, we came together to honor the power of play and the magic created through community and outdoor experiences. Our focus? To ignite joy, foster authentic connections, and celebrate the sense of belonging that comes from being part of this extraordinary community. A few highlights from our adventure-packed week: 🏌️♀️ In true City Kids fashion, we kicked off the week with camp-style games and a fun round of mini-golf at Potomac Yards. Afterwards, we took a reflective walk along the Tidal Basin, where we set our community agreements for the year ahead. 🤝 We were fortunate to partner with Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School for team building exercises, including low ropes activities that strengthened trust, camaraderie, and resilience within our team. 🧠 Our team dove into valuable trainings focused on Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Co-Regulation, and Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces for youth. These sessions are key to deepening our understanding of how to best support the youth we serve. 🌟 We closed the retreat by grounding ourselves in our core values—particularly joy—harnessing each team member's unique strengths to create that special group fizz that powers everything we do at City Kids. Stay tuned for more insights and tips on how to bring #groupfizz to increase joy and connection in the workplace! As we gear up for an exciting fall season of programs, we carry forward the lessons and bonds built during the retreat, energized and ready to continue our mission. Here’s to another season of creating magic through outdoor experiences, community, and joy! ✨ #TeamBuilding #OutdoorAdventure #Community #TraumaInformed #SocialEmotionalLearning #StaffRetreat #FallPrograms

We’re excited to announce the release of our limited-edition City Kids t-shirts and hoodies, available now through October 11! With every purchase, you’re directly supporting our DC youth as they embark on fall adventures—biking along the Anacostia Riverwalk, paddling the Potomac, and backpacking in Shenandoah. 🛶🚲🎒 Grab your gear today and help fuel City Kids' adventures! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e8KP3nJN #GearForGood #SupportYouth #OutdoorAdventure #ShopForACause

Three City Kids take part in the iconic Grand Climb! 🏔 ✨ Despite challenges, they achieved remarkable heights, celebrated a birthday atop the summit of the #GrandTeton, and forged unbreakable bonds. Read about their journey and the resilience, joy, and teamwork at the heart of the City Kids experience.

📣  Exciting Opportunity at City Kids! Join our team as the Director of Programs, DC! City Kids builds resilience and broadens horizons for DC youth through engaging, inclusive wilderness and urban programs. We are on the lookout for a dynamic, mission-centered leader to spearhead our youth development and outdoor programming. This role is perfect for a strategic leader with a strong background in wilderness/outdoor program management. What We're Looking For: 🌳 8+ years in wilderness/outdoor program management. 🌳 Strong background in youth development, strategic program design, and risk management. 🌳 Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 🌳 Collaborative and creative leadership approach. Apply by July 22, 2024, by sending your cover letter and resume to sarah@citykidsdc.org with "Director of Programs – DC" in the subject line. #JobOpportunity #YouthDevelopment #OutdoorPrograms 

🌲 Calling City Kids Alumni & Community! 🏞️ Looking to expand your horizons and continue connecting with nature in a meaningful way? Check out this fantastic opportunity from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy!

Celebrating City Kids Alumni: Anthony Anderson's Inspiring Journey from DC Public Schools to Performing Opera at the Lincoln Memorial! 🎶 We are thrilled to share this incredible story about Anthony D. Anderson, a proud alumni of City Kids Wilderness Project who returned to his hometown to perform on the National Mall last week. Anthony's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community support. Join us in celebrating Anthony's achievements and read more about his inspiring path in this Washington Post article: https://lnkd.in/e3_sqzVx

Congratulations to all the inspiring organizations and leaders who have been recognized at the OAK Awards this year! 🏞️🌳🌟 City Kids is passionate about empowering DC youth through outdoor adventures that build resilience, leadership skills, and lifelong belonging in nature- and it is a privilege to stand alongside such impactful advocates for outdoor experiences and youth engagement. Check out the full list of 2024 honorees and their remarkable contributions here: https://lnkd.in/eu2E3djC #OAKAwards2024 #OutdoorEducation #YouthEmpowerment #NatureForAll