Oregon Youth Outreach is a Portland-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to expand the possibilities and potential for youth through the transformative power of outdoor experiences. The Adventure Club program supports underserved youth in the Gresham/Rockwood area who are at risk for school dropout, substance abuse, violence and unintended pregnancy. Oregon Youth Outreach is the only agency in Portland and one of just a few in the country to utilize frequent and regular outdoor physical experiences to provide youth with the support, relationships, resources and opportunities they need to become successful adults. Trips, including rock climbing, surfing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, form the foundation of the youth development programs. All trips are organized, supervised, and directed by Oregon Youth Outreach staff and volunteers and are provided at no cost to the youth who participate. Oregon Youth Outreach Approach Oregon Youth Outreach provides youth with positive, healthy alternatives to the negative influences that surround them. Experiences such as climbing a cliff or surfing a wave present exhilarating challenges that youth can successfully meet with preparation, training and a desire to succeed. Elements of proven youth development models combined with outdoor activities improve pre-teen and teen’s ability to thrive, despite their family and community challenges. Additionally, the programs create and foster long-term mentor relationships between the youth served and the positive adult role-models on staff and who volunteer. These relationships are focused on giving each youth the support he or she needs to become a successful adult.