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Blog - Latest News

A Journey to Alaska Inspires Gratitude and Feelings of Self-Accomplishment

Media Updates

“…It brought about this inner feeling of peace and self-accomplishment that I had never experienced.”
It can be hard to measure the transformative impacts the outdoors has on a person. Yet, many of us have, at some point, experienced profound, life-changing moments that took place outdoors, in nature. Whether it was backpacking for the first time through Shenandoah National Park in the Fall as the leaves changed from shades of green to dark reds and oranges, or taking your first family trip to see the magnificent Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone National Park, these moments leave a lasting imprint on us and help us all learn a bit more about ourselves and what we are truly capable of.

In an effort to share just how transformative the outdoors is for City Kids youth, we sat down with Josh, a current City Kid participant and junior at Benjamin Banneker High School, to hear more about his recent adventure to Alaska, where he backpacked through Denali State Park, paddled down the Lion’s Head section of the Matanuska River, and kayaked through glaciers in Prince William Sound. This trip was made possible through an amazing partnership thanks to Wilderness Adventures!  Here’s what Josh had to say:

You recently went on a 2-week hiking, sea-kayaking and whitewater rafting trip to Alaska, what was the most challenging part of your Alaska experience?  How did you approach this?

Josh: The two most challenging portions of the trip were traveling on my own for the first time across the country to a destination I had never been to, and spending two weeks with people I had never met. The switchbacks were pretty challenging too and constantly going uphill and downhill was not easy, but I pushed through to get the most out of the experience. Instead of focusing on how hard it was, I would look up and focus on the amazing views and realize, “Oh my gosh, I’m in Alaska!” It brought about this inner feeling of peace and self-accomplishment that I had never experienced.

How do you think that your experience in Alaska will help you later on in life?

Josh: I believe that those amazing moments in Alaska will help me to appreciate situations in the moment and not take them for granted. I’ve learned to make the most out of everything I experience. 

What keeps you coming back to City Kids?

Josh: I’ve been a part of City Kids for 6 years now, and I keep coming back because I love and appreciate the environment they provide. The countless trips and activities we do in the program are things I would have never imagined seeing myself doing. Kayaking, for example, is something I would have never been exposed to, but it’s my favorite activity to do! I definitely would have never pictured myself traveling to Alaska as well. City Kids has also pushed me to take on leadership roles, which is not something I’ve always been comfortable taking on.  With City Kids supporting me, I feel comfortable being a leader. Continuing in the program has also allowed me to become more open minded and has enabled me to be able to broaden my horizons.

City Kids is incredibly grateful for the generous support that each and every one of you provide to ensure that youth like Josh can go safely out into the world and explore a new area, grow as a leader, and continue to challenge what’s possible.

January 2, 2019/by City Kids
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https://citykidsdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Alaska.jpg 400 400 City Kids https://citykidsdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/CityKids3.png City Kids2019-01-02 15:04:072020-02-19 14:31:27A Journey to Alaska Inspires Gratitude and Feelings of Self-Accomplishment

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In Their Own Words

City Kids Wilderness Project Catalog of Philanthropy Fair Chance

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Building Resiliency. Broadening Horizons. Ensuring Skills for Success.

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#DoMore24 is today! Any gift made in the next 24-hours will be matched up to $55,000! All donations will go towards our Pack Your Bags campaign which will fund the incredible outdoor experiences that CK youth will have this summer in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

#linkinbio
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To drive positive change in our community, City Kids is taking part in this year’s #DoMore24 on Wednesday, May 18th. Do More 24 is the largest annual 24-hour online fundraiser for community-focused nonprofits in the DMV.
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Pack your bags, City Kids! We’re going to Jackson. 

Please consider making a donation today to help City Kids raise the $150K needed to operate summer camp!

#linkinbio 
#packyourbags 
#ckcommitted
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Check out the wish list in our bio to purchase items from REI & Amazon! 

#ckcommitted
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Starting April 1st, we’re partnering with @soultrakoutdoors for this year’s Miles for Soul Campaign. Sign up today and help us reach 50,000 Miles by the end of the month. This movement campaign is intended to promote physical wellness all month long and help raise funding towards monthly environmental and recreation programming for communities of color. Whether you contribute 1-100 miles, every step counts. Join and team and help us reach our goal. DM if you want to join the City Kids team.
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We have so much exciting programming for you all this month including the kick-off of our BRAND NEW Rock Club! This after school activity is an exciting way to bring your bouldering skills to new heights and #TryNewThings! Rock Club will take place from 4 - 6 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Thursday, March 24th. Check your emails for more info and to RSVP!
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Happy Black History Month #CKFAM! While we all know that #everymonthisBlackhistorymonth, we also know it's important to pause and take time to CELEBRATE Black History & Black Joy! This year, we've asked some of our campers to share what celebrating Black History & Black Joy means to them! Many thanks to Marlie, Kennadi & Osaro for reflecting & sharing with our community! 

#ckfam #202to307 #blackhistory365 #celebrateblackjoy
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City Kids applications are open for new 6th grade campers!  City Kids is a program for 6th graders from DC who want to get outside, make new friends, and challenge themselves while exploring new places!  Visit our website for more information (link in bio). Spread the word!!
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Hey #ckfam! The time is here - we need chaperones for our summer 2022 flights to & from Wyoming!! Help us make 2022 the #bestsummerever by chaperoning our wonderful campers out to camp in Jackson or back home to DC! 

**important: you must be fully vaccinated to chaperone a flight with City Kids**

Please email meena@citykidsdc.org for more information!
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A huge shoutout to our partner @seatosummit. You guys rock and the gear just keeps showing up. Thanks so much! #gearup #ckcommitted

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City Kids Wilderness Project

202-525-4930
sarah@citykidsdc.org

City Kids Wilderness Project is a non-profit organization founded on the belief that providing enriching life experiences for DC children can enhance their lives, the lives of their families and the greater community.

Washington, DC

2437 15th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

13055 So. US Hwy 191
Jackson, WY 83001

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City Kids Wilderness Project Annual Report 2017 VIDEO | City Kids Offers DC Students an Environmental Education
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