There is mounting evidence that time spent in nature improves mental well-being. Adults who live near green spaces, for example, have been shown to have improved memory and attention control. Children who have greater access to natural environments have reduced risk of mood disorders, depression, substance use disorder, and eating disorders later in life.
It’s no wonder why more nonprofits and groups are leveraging time spent outside to serve various populations in need. As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we wanted to share six organizations that our team and ambassadors support, all of which are leveraging the outdoors to encourage better mental health for all. We hope that you’ll consider supporting these organizations year-round.
And we also want to remind you that sometimes the best way to improve mental health within our community is to remember to show up for yourself too.
Take a walk outside on your lunch break. Breath in some fresh mountain air over the weekend. Make a picnic to share with a friend. Put your feet in the ocean. Find a local sober hiking group for support and friendship. Do what you need to do to keep being the badass outdoorsy awesome pants we already know you are!
1. Hiking My Feelings
Hiking My Feelings is an organization on a mission to improve community health by creating opportunities for people to experience the healing power of nature. It uses guided self-discovery exercises, in-the-field education, physical movement, and storytelling to heal and transform our relationship to self so we can show up more powerfully for our communities.
You can learn more about Sydney Williams, founder of Hiking My Feelings, in our past interview with her on the Light Feet blog. Check out the organization’s website to donate and find other ways to get involved with its work.
2. Outdoor Outreach
Outdoor Outreach connects youth to the transformative power of the outdoors. Since 1999, the organization has served more than 17,000 San Diego youth through a variety of hands-on programs. Some initiatives prepare youth for nature-based careers while others get them involved in outdoor advocacy or teach them about responsible recreation.
Learn more about the organization’s work or make a donation on its website.
3. Camp Brave Trails
Camp Brave Trails is a nonprofit dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership. It offers summer camps, backpacking trips, family camps, mental health services, meet-up groups, and year-round leadership programming. All activities focus on helping LGBTQ+ youth find what they need most to thrive: their people, their place, and their passion.
Learn more about the organization’s work or make a donation on its website.
4. Warrior Expeditions
Warrior Expeditions is a nonprofit outdoor therapy program that helps veterans transition from their wartime experiences through long distance outdoor experiences. The organization started in 2012 with a veteran named Sean Gobin, who served for 12 years as an Infantry Rifleman and Armor Officer for the United States Marine Corps. After completing the Appalachian Trail, Gobin strongly believed in the powerful, therapeutic nature of wilderness and wanted to share that with other veterans. In 2013, he created the Warrior Hike, Warrior Bike, and Warrior Paddle programs, each designed to help veterans transition back into civilian life.
You can learn more about the nonprofit and its Director of Development and United States Air Force veteran, Michelle Revoir, in our past Light Feet blog. Check out the organization’s website to donate and find other ways to get involved with its work.
5. SOS Outreach
SOS Outreach believes that no matter what social, societal, or economic barriers exist, every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. It uses powerful outdoor experiences to help kids unearth the courage to step outside of their comfort zones, discover new strengths within themselves, and develop lifelong skills. The organization has a particular focus on creating space for youth to disconnect from media and other stressors to be able to focus on their mental health and well-being.
Learn more about the organization’s work or make a donation on its website.
6. Hike the Good Hike
Hike the Good Hike is an ongoing project with a mission to lend a helping hand and improve the lives of those experiencing mental health challenges. Our own brand ambassador Lauren “Sparkle” Veloz recommended the organization to us, which is run by a man named Jesse Cody who has walked more than 10,000 miles to raise support for young people suffering from depression and other mental health issues.
Learn more about the organization’s work or make a donation on its website.
Let’s Support Each Other in the Great Outdoors and Beyond
Know another organization that should be on this list? Share with us your favorite groups leveraging the outdoors to support better mental health for all by tagging Gossamer Gear on social media (@gossamergear) and using the hashtag #takelessdomore.
Looking for additional mental health inspiration from the outdoor community? Check out some of our other articles on the Light Feet blog:
https://www.gossamergear.com/blogs/our-blog/outdoor-mental-health-organizations
