Since its 2020 launch, the nonprofit Get Outside Utah has been working to provide high school students with access to expensive outdoor activities. By offering subsidized excursions in the Southern Utah wilderness, the group aims to foster community and physical health.
Replacing digital screens with the Ghost Rider Canyon
As modern adolescence becomes increasingly defined by smartphone usage, Get Outside Utah is attempting to pivot the focus of local teenagers toward the physical world. The organization, founded by Matt Mizukawa and his wife, seeks to use the rugged landscapes of Southern Utah as a classroom for emotional and physical growth. According to the report, the mission involves placing students in intense settings like mountain biking, kayaking, and rock climbing to build resilience.
This initiative addresses a growing social trend where digital engagement often replaces outdoor exploration. Mizukawa, who grew up in Maryland with limited access to such environments,founded the nonprofit to ensure that local youth do not face the same barriers he did.. By leading groups through locations like Ghost Rider Canyon every two weeks, the organization provides a structured way for teens to disconnect from devices and reconnect with their surroundings, aiming to boost both fitness and mental health .
The 4,000-student milestone and the Mizukawa vision
The scale of the organization's impact is evidenced by the more than 4,000 high school students who have participated in its programs since its inception. These students, including participants like Cedar City's Ollie Bryan, have reported that the shared passion for adventure creates lasting friendships. The program is designed to show youth that high-level adventure is available right in their own backyards, rather than being a luxury reserved for those with significant means.
Individual stories, such as that of fourteen-year-old Zoey Mecham, highlight the personal transformation possible through these excursions. As reported by the source, Mecham faced significant nerves while navigating a narrow canyon in the Virgin River Gorge, but the experience ultimately provided a sense of accomplishment that extended beyond the canyon walls. This sense of pride is a central goal for board member and guide Kristin Draper, who observes teenagers conquering fears through these activities.
Scaling through the Utah Youth Sports Giving Day
To maintain its reach, Get Outside Utah has entered into a strategic partnership with Utah Youth Sports Giving Day.. This collaboration is intended to lower financial hurdles for underserved areas, ensuring that the cost of participation does not exclude interested students. This funding model is essential for a nonprofit that manages a wide variety of activities , ranging from skiing to wakeboarding.
Looking toward future expansion, the organization is planning a 100-mile "UGV off-road" event. this upcoming challenge will allow participants to test their skills on natural terrain, further cementing the idea that the outdoors serves as the ultimate teacher for the next generation of explorers.
Can scholarship funding cover the rising cost of safety gear?
While the program has seen significant success, the financial logistics of providing professional-grade equipment remain a complex hurdle. Each participant requires essential safety gear, including helmets, harnesses, and ropes, which can be prohibitively expensive. Volunteer Hannah Leeflang noted that without consistent funding, the organization's ability to serve the community would be severely limited.
One question that remains for the organization is how it will maintain this level of equipment quality and quantity as the number of participants continues to climb. Additionally, while the source highlights the positive transformations of participants, it does not specify how the nonprofit plans to manage the logistical demands of much larger-scale events like the upcoming 100-mile off-road trek. There is also the question of whether the current reliance on charitable funding and specific giving days will be sufficient to support long-term growth in more remote parts of the state.
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