Give to the Max 2021 – Looking Forward

Wilderness Inquiry has a 43-year history of connecting people with disabilities, people of all ages, BIPOC individuals and communities, and youth from low-income backgrounds to engaging activities in the outdoors. As we emerge from the challenges of COVID-19 and the impact of the pandemic on connection, learning, and engagement for youth and families, our inclusive outdoor programs will be as important as ever to invest in the mental, physical, and emotional health of our diverse community of participants.

According to a recent report by the Outdoor Foundation, only 18% of adults and children get outside at least once per week. Similarly, children in the U.S. spend an average of only 4-7 minutes playing outside per day. At the same time, researchers report that outdoor learning improves student performance, increases participation in science learning activities, strengthens attention, and positively impacts STEM career motivation.

One example of Wilderness Inquiry's work to change this dynamic and provide opportunities for youth to learn, explore, and thrive in the outdoors is our Canoemobile program. Wilderness Inquiry’s “floating classroom,” Canoemobile brings outdoor learning to life through place-based educational programs on waterways and public lands across Minnesota. Canoemobile visits more than two dozen communities statewide and serves more than 15,000 Minnesota youth each year.

When you donate, your support directly impacts our ability to connect youth to experiential outdoor learning opportunities, break down barriers to outdoor access for people with disabilities, and foster social connection for so many in our community, with the ultimate goal to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive outdoors — in Minnesota and beyond.

Please join us in this endeavor as we work together to ensure that the outdoors remains a place where everyone belongs.