Nature for All is excited to announce its first Southeast LA Youth Outdoors (SELA YO) program!
If you are a youth interested in learning more about the outdoors, this program is for you! This program will cover outdoor skills, including introduction to camping, hiking and California ecosystems. Participants will also explore California’s local beaches and mountains through a series of outdoor outings.
Sessions are intended to be in person, but virtual sessions may be implemented. The program will run from May to June 2024. Most classes will take place on Tuesdays between 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm in an outdoor, urban park setting in Southeast Los Angeles. There will be two single day outdoor excursion trips to our local mountains/beaches that will take place on the weekend, and a camping trip from Friday to Sunday. Nature for All will assign a designated pickup point from where we will provide transportation to our exploration sites. You are responsible for coordinating transport to the designated pickup point.
As a part of the program, participants will be able to implement a project intended to give back to their community. Participants who complete the program will receive a $500 stipend.
Full participation is expected of participants. Requirements for graduation from Youth Outdoors and to receive the $500 personal stipend are as follows:
- Attendance of all in-person Tuesday classes.
- Attendance of both outdoor excursions.
- Completion of a community-oriented environmental stewardship project.
The program dates are listed below:
- Tuesday – May 21st, 2024 (4:30 pm – 6:00 pm)
- Tuesday – May 28th, 2024(4:30 pm – 6:00 pm)
- Saturday – June 1st, 2024 (All day)
- Tuesday – June 4th, 2024 (4:30 pm – 6:00 pm)
- Saturday – June 8th, 2024 (All day)
- Tuesday – June 11th, 2024 (4:30 pm – 6:00 pm)
- Fri – Sun: Camping June 21st – 23rd
This application is open to currently enrolled high school students and/or students in continuing education. For any questions, contact Program Manager, Steven at steven@lanatureforall.org. The application is due on May 12th OR when all participant slots are filled which may be sooner than the closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Nature for All values equitable outdoor access and development of
the next generation of diverse environmental leaders. Black,
indigenous, and people of color are highly encouraged to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Students currently enrolled in high school or an equivalent level of education are eligible.
Where do classes take place?
Classes take place during the week in urban park settings in Southeast Los Angeles. Specific locations will be shared with accepted applicants.
Where do outings/trips take place?
Most of our trips will be to either the San Gabriel Mountains or Santa Monica Mountains. Cell reception may be spotty in some areas.
Is transportation provided for outdoor excursion trips?
Transportation is provided only to and from a designated pickup point in Southeast LA on the dates of outdoor excursion trips. Participants are responsible for getting themselves to the designated pickup point on time and ready on the morning of the trips.
How do you ensure the safety of participants?
Nature for All staff all possess first aid, CPR, and AED certifications. All our staff are also certified in Wilderness First Aid, which is a training specific to outdoor professionals working in settings where resources for medical emergencies are limited. Additionally, staff at Nature for All reflect the diverse audiences we serve and possess cultural competency to ensure psychological safety of our participants in the outdoors.
What is a stipend and how does it differ from an award or scholarship?
A stipend is a paid allowance that is granted to participants who meet full completion requirements for the SELA YO program.
When is the stipend granted?
The stipend is granted following attendance of all required sessions and following successful completion of the community based environmental stewardship project.
What is stewardship?
Stewardship can be defined as “the responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving.” At Nature for All, we act as stewards to our public open spaces by advocating for protection and equitable access for all people to open spaces.
What if I don’t have equipment for hiking and camping?
Nature for All has curated these trips to be beginner friendly. The clothing/equipment you already have is good enough! Nature for All will provide equipment for the camping trips.
Will I need to purchase meals for the camping trip?
Nature for All will purchase food for the camping trip.
When is the departure and return times for the camping trip?
Departure is anticipated to be at 4:00 pm on Friday, June 21st and we will return at ~ 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 23rd, 2024. Transportation is provided.
