Tell your story
Getting outside connects us to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us. Rethink Outside with these inspiring stories, collected from organizations across the field.
Have you activated the shared narrative to tell your story? Use this message map as a guide, and share and explore story examples here.
Recent stories
Culturally-Inclusive Nature Programs that Honor Culture, Explore Justice, and Unearth Joy
Written by Unearthing Joy founder, Ashley Brailsford, Ph.D., this story highlights a unique way to build community in the outdoors through exploration and joy.
Forging connections in the LGBTQIA+ community through the outdoors
Hear from Ailish Breen, founder of Queer Out Here, a UK-based space for queer folx to connect with nature in a joyful and healing way.
Their Ancestors’ Wildest Dream: A Weekend with Camping to Connect
Camping to Connect brings young Black and Brown teens outside to the “Wood Hood” for mentorship and community.
Scaling Climate Change Education: A Case Study in New Jersey
A case study explores a model for climate change education in New Jersey.
The Healing, Transformative, and Rehabilitative Effects of Nature via Gardening
Written by a formerly incarcerated man, this story highlights the healing, transformation, and freedom ignited by nature.
Tale of Two Community Schoolyard Projects: From Chiloquin to Tacoma
This story highlights a successful private-public partnership, working at the intersections of outdoor access, education, health, and equity.
On the Rio Verde
This lyrical essay is based on Rethink Outside™ Storyteller Leeanna Torres’ experience on the Green River in 2021, through the generosity of FreeFlow Institute and American Rivers.
The Places That Shape Us
In this story, Kasandra shares about the everyday places that have been a source of solace for her and how those have shifted through life circumstances.
Abolitionist Environmental and Place-Based Education
Researchers Scott and Dani share how all educators — especially classroom teachers — can Rethink Outside in ways that dismantle harmful practices and offer healing and restoration.
Connecting Military Families and the Outdoors
Nicole Rawlinson, 2021 Rethink Outside™ Fellow, works to connect military families with the outdoors and their communities.
Kansas Students Learn, Cope and, Heal Through Environmental Education
An alternative high school in Kansas partnered with environmental educators to Rethink Outside for students often left behind.
Proudly Representing You
Environmental Education of New Mexico (EENM) understands the power of outdoor opportunities to create a thriving future for all.
The Power of Knowledge-Sharing
The origin story of Kuaʻāina Ulu ‘Auamo (KUA), and how it connects communities as they protect, restore and care for their place in the world.
Youth-Led Network Bridges Gaps
By improving connections between Maine’s students and the natural world, the Nature Based Education Consortium (NBEC) builds a healthier future.
Breaking Down Barriers
Through Rippleffect, students experience the power of the outdoors.
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Rethink Outside photos courtesy of Big City Mountaineers, Children & Nature Network, Education Outside, Life Lab, Lincoln Park Zoo, NatureBridge, National Park Service, National Park Trust, Ocean Discovery Institute, Pie Ranch, Tiny Trees, and YES. Website by Weirdesign.com.
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