In a world where everything in our lives seems to revolve around a screen, a local nonprofit seeks to remind kids of a place where they can connect with themselves and others free of judgment: their backyard!
Blue Sky Fund has been holding true to its mission of providing transformative experiences for Richmond area youth, through outdoor education and adventure for over 20 years. Housing a plethora of programs for various age groups, BSF encourages all participants to find beauty and excitement in the outdoors.
David Buenrostro, Blue Sky Fund’s adventure program manager, has seen the impact of the program firsthand and is eager to welcome a new class of students for the Outdoor Leadership Institute. OLI is a year-long program for high school students with monthly community service opportunities and a five-day wilderness trip to the highest mountain in Virginia.
But getting young people off their phones and into nature is just the tip of the iceberg for the non-profit’s OLI program.
“It moves away from instructional learning that we are providing to the elementary schoolers,” Buenrostro said. “It allows the students to learn from their peers in a way that they might not normally have. Even if somebody has more outdoor experience than others, it’s still about the core of how we work together to get through this experience.”
Blue Sky Fund is especially passionate about the emotional growth that comes from the outdoors. A key mission of its outreach is for youth to feel welcomed and free in the outdoors regardless of socio-economic background, race, ethnicity, gender expression, and identity.
“The more we can advocate and provide and show that the outdoors can be an experience for everybody and break down those barriers for folks. I think it’s pretty cool.” Buenrostro said.
With applications open for the final OLI session (which starts July 30, so hurry!), the horizon is looking bright for Richmond youth seeking a different kind of experience.
“I’m looking forward to the participants feeling that they can be their authentic selves and knowing what it’s like owning who you are and being open to accepting others as they are.” Buenrostro added.
For more information about Blue Sky Fund, the OLI Program, or to apply, click here.
