Dear friends,

As the year draws to a close, I am reaching out with an urgent plea… If we do not meet our funding goals by December 31, it will impact how we serve the kids – for both our upcoming summer and school year.

We really don’t want to turn a single child who needs a scholarship away this year. You know how important it is for kids to get outdoors and experience nature outdoors. Missing out will have long-term bad impacts for them!

That’s why I’m hoping you can make a special donation today.

Here’s how we got into this situation: In 2023, giving did not match Wilderness Youth Project’s needs for the first time since 2007. We cannot afford to have that happen again this year. I need your help. The kids need your help.

With your support, we can work together to raise the necessary funds needed by December 31 to ensure that we can continue meeting the needs of our community and offering our vital nature-based programs. Your support is crucial, and we are counting on you to help us meet this urgent need.

The U.S. Surgeon General says that youth mental health is the defining public crisis of our time. Kids typically spend 4-7 minutes of unstructured outdoor play per day while they spend 7.5 hours in front of electronic screens.

Anxiety. Depression. Chronic absenteeism. Learning loss. It’s happening right here in Santa Barbara.  I know you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to help children in need.

Physical health decline is on the rise, too. Vision problems due to a dramatic increase in screen time is rising. Childhood obesity – which is already also a national health crisis – continues to grow. Lack of access to healthy food is apparent for students in our programs. Loss or delays of physical development from lack of movement are noticeable.

These issues will all have life-long implications for the next generation here in our community.  But you know the solution… Time in nature. Positive mentors. Connection.

The benefits of being outdoors, both for academic learning and mental- and physical-wellness are more relevant than ever now. With your support, we can provide nature-based programming for youth that offers physical movement, social interaction, and dynamic stimulation that leads to curiosity and critical thinking.

That’s why I’m writing to you today-- to ask you to step up to help the kids.

Let me share a few stories from our Bridge to Nature school day participants who need your help…

Emma's Challenge

Emma is a bright girl who loves to learn, but she struggles with severe anxiety. Her anxiety often prevents her from participating in class and making friends. When Emma joined our Bridge to Nature program, she found some relief in nature. When she spends time outside, she has shared that she feels truly alive. Last month when her class visited Skofield Park she participated in group games and even tried climbing a rock that she was initially too nervous to attempt.  But without our outdoor programs, Emma’s progress is at risk.

Leo's Struggle

Leo is a boy who faces significant challenges with hyperactivity. He finds it difficult to sit still and concentrate in a traditional classroom setting. Leo's teachers worry about his future and how he will cope without additional support. Our staff have noticed that Leo thrives on big adventures where he has the opportunity to climb rocks and splash in the big waves at the beach. Our program gives Leo a chance to channel his energy positively. Your donation can keep Leo and other kids like him engaged.

Mia's Difficulty

Mia has always had trouble connecting with her peers. She often feels isolated and misunderstood. Through WYP’s Bridge to Nature program, Mia started to build confidence and make friends. Last week, she worked with several of her classmates to build a driftwood hideout at Tajiguas Beach. We need to keep giving her these opportunities. Without your support, we may not be able to.

These three kids are here in our community. There are many others, all at a critical point in their lives. They need to get out into nature to continue growing and overcoming their challenges.

Your kind giving now, at this critical time, will make sure they get what they need, when they need it!

Families report that when witnessing their children play outside, they have noticed a relaxing, an easing of anxiety, and the most “normal” behavior they’ve seen since the pandemic began. The human need to be part of a community is critical for our mental and physical health, regardless of age.

You can make this community connection possible. You can help raise the last $288,012 needed to fully fund the 2024-2025 programs scheduled to take place.

Your support is vital to keeping these programs running for this school year and beyond. If we do not reach our goal, many children will miss out on these transformative opportunities.

Today, kids spend 95% of their time indoors. This means many children miss out on the benefits of being in nature. Going outside makes children smarter, healthier, and happier.

Every dollar you give helps kids now, and in the future. Together, we can ensure that these children get the support they need.

Please consider donating today. The deadline is December 31. Your support before year-end is crucial to ensure that we can continue offering our programs in the coming year. You will feel really good about helping in this important way.

Gratefully,

Dan Fontaine, Executive Director

PS: Your gift by December 31 is crucial to fully fund the 2024-2025 programs that help local youth be smarter, healthier, and happier.