Diversity Equity and Inclusion Statement

We believe that all people deserve equitable access to nature. We value respect for our community including the diversity made up from our nationality, ethnicity, gender identity, spirituality, sexual orientation, body shape or size, economic status, or physical ability. As we take action to expand accessibility to the benefits of nature connection we recognize that at this time, our programs do not accommodate all physical, emotional or cognitive needs. We are working to become better allies in inclusivity in the outdoors. Our community and nature requires diversity to thrive. We find that people learn best in environments where they have a sense of healthy safety and belonging.

During our programs, equity and diversity topics will be addressed by mentors and directors as needed. We respect that each family may be on different stages of educating their child and will be mindful of this when addressing these topics on an as needed basis. Some possible examples:

• Program Agreements that emphasize treating people well in terms of our differences

• Using pronouns that are appropriate for someone’s gender identity

• Storytelling that may have same-gender protagonists in a relationship

• Developmentally-appropriate response to racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, etc. with individuals or groups as needed

• Normalize appropriate exploration and natural curiosity around these topics.