Today marks the end of Summer 2019, and it was our best summer yet! This was our first year we were able to bring on summer staff and boy were they a huge help. Our summer session is by far our busiest, but the hard work always pays off in the end. We had a lot of adventures this season, from our programs to our camps and everything in between!
Fun in the Sun
We had so much fun this summer and we couldn't have done it without our awesome team! The staff had an awesome time playing and learning from the youth during programs, ropes courses, and summer camps. Thanks to our dedicated team, our numbers were higher this summer than our previous summers! Not only do our staff positively impact the youth we work with but the youth teach us and stretch us as well. Our goal is always to reach as many youth as we can every single year. Through using each others strengths and experiences, we can collaborate to create the best experience for the youth.
Coming into Youth Odyssey I was excited and ready to work with at risk youth. Come to find out it was way more than just that, being able to build connections with the youth was the best part. I did not realize the impact that I would have on their lives and that was extremely rewarding. Bella, Summer Facilitator
Adventure Awaits
Our summer camps were a blast. From scuba diving and horseback riding to canoeing and backpacking. The adventures were non-stop! As much fun as we have on these camps, we also set high expectations for our youth. What separates us from other organizations is our mission, which is teaching life skills through outdoor adventure. We always aim to create new ways for youth the learn from and experience all that nature has to offer. Our youth this year did amazing, we hope to continue to surpass our numbers with each passing summer and continue to change lives. We can't wait for next year!
"Coming into the summer I was extremely excited for what the future would hold. Working for Youth Odyssey has been a great experience which gave me a foundation to make a positive impact on as many lives that I possibly could within the last two months. I have absolutely loved all my time with the youth that I have gotten and will forever try to spread peace, love, and positivity."Julie Ross, Summer Facilitator
As our summer slows down and we come to an end, we want to say thank you to our amazing staff, we couldn't have done it without you! As we approach fall, our housing programs will be starting the first week of September and school programs will start back up in October.
With all the growth we are experiencing (34% increase), we have an immediate need that you can help with. We are currently trying to raise money for a second programming van to transport the youth to these great adventures. It breaks our heart to say "I'm sorry the van is full,we don't have room for you". However, you can help us say "YES" to the youth that need our help the most. Having another van will help us create many more opportunities for our youth in the Coastal Bend. Anything helps; you can donate here!
