Conquering New Challenges with Kate

Standing outside the chicken enclosure, a student froze. “I don’t want to go in—I’m afraid,” he admitted. An adult gently replied, “We’re here to build relationships with the chickens.” Slowly, the student reached out, grabbed the adult’s hand, and stepped inside.

Moments like this are what Elevate Youth is all about—helping young people take small, brave steps into the unknown and discovering that they are stronger than they think.

A Summer with Elevate Youth

When I began my internship with Elevate Youth, I didn’t expect to stay involved past the summer. But after six weeks as an Outdoor Instructor, I know I’ll be volunteering for this incredible organization for years to come.

This summer, I worked alongside Waddy, the lead Outdoor Instructor. Together, we drove middle school students around the Boston area, encouraged them to put away their phones, and led them on outdoor adventures. On the surface, Elevate Youth offers activities like sailing, kayaking, fishing, and camping. But the impact goes far deeper.

Beyond Screens

Without their phones, students didn’t fall apart—they came alive. I watched them light up when holding a salamander or reeling in their first fish. Screens quickly faded into the background, replaced by the thrill of connecting with the natural world. Those moments reminded me that if we want kids to stay curious, they need more opportunities to learn through adventure and discovery.

The Bigger Picture

As a future social worker, I think about challenges on multiple levels—individual, community, and cultural. Individually, our students are 10–13 years old and rely on adults for guidance. At the community level, many live in Dorchester, an urban neighborhood with few parks and limited transportation to green spaces. Culturally, families’ backgrounds shape their relationships to the outdoors. For me, as a second-generation Vietnamese American, hiking and camping were never part of my childhood. My parents, who immigrated from Vietnam, saw relaxation as something you did at home—not two hours north in the woods.

That’s why Elevate Youth’s mission matters: introducing young people to outdoor experiences that help them grow and connect with the planet.

Building Resilience

These trips aren’t always easy. Students are pushed out of their comfort zones—removing a fish from a hook, sleeping in a tent, or braving the outhouse. But every experience is safe, structured, and designed to build resilience. I had to resist the urge to say, “It’s okay, you don’t have to.” Instead, I trusted the process and watched students discover their own strength.

Elevate Youth partners with groups like Piers Park Sailing, Codman Community Farms, and Guinea Fowl, ensuring high-quality programming. Each activity becomes a stepping stone toward becoming capable, empathetic, and respectful adults.

What I Learned

While the students built confidence, I learned just as much. They reminded me what it feels like to be 12—experiencing emotions fully, expressing them honestly, and seeing the world with wonder. For me, kayaking and camping feel easy, but for many students, these moments were brand new. Watching them made me ask: When was the last time I tried something for the first time? How do I respond to fear when it shows up?

The students left an indelible mark on me. They reminded me to play, stay curious, and embrace life’s messy, sometimes scary, always meaningful experiences.

A Call to Action

In a world full of uncertainty, parenting and teaching can feel overwhelming. But as we tell students: the best way to face big challenges is one small step at a time. By supporting organizations like Elevate Youth, we’re investing in a proven, community-based approach that helps kids unlock their strength, resilience, and joy.

If you believe in the power of the outdoors, consider supporting Elevate Youth so more students can experience these life-changing adventures.