WHAT IS YAYA OUTDOOR ED?
The Start of New Beginnings...
There has always been a vital need to connect students with the outdoors, fostering environments where they feel empowered and engaged with nature. Whether through linking classroom lessons to natural settings or organizing week-long excursions for 4th to 6th graders, Vaiola has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of nature on students. Through various outdoor education programs and summer camps, Vaiola observed that high school students often missed out on being participants, instead taking on leadership roles such as Cabin Leaders and CITs.
When Vaiola took on the role of Assistant Summer Director for Vida Verde’s Summer Leadership Project, the need for a dedicated program for high school students became even clearer. It was evident that these students required a program tailored specifically to their needs and experiences.
Youth and Young Adult Outdoor Education (YAYA Outdoor Ed) is committed to offering a dynamic curriculum designed for older students. Our program empowers high school students with the tools for social-emotional regulation and overall wellbeing and equips them with skills to prepare and serve delicious, home-cooked meals using fresh, high-quality ingredients. At YAYA Outdoor Ed, students learn the significance of Leave No Trace (LNT) practices and engage in environmental stewardship, and above all, we strive to create a space where students can reflect on various aspects of their identity.
We offer this program at an affordable rate with the goal of eventually providing it free of charge to ensure as many students as possible can benefit from this enriching experience.
Vaiola teaching at Memorial Park, 2018
mission and vision
Prioritizing the Mission
Our mission is to provide transformative experiences that foster personal reflection, ownership of the kitchen, and an understanding of indigenous stewardship. We believe every individual deserves to connect deeply with nature and themselves. Through our programs, we create a supportive, community-driven environment where participants can explore their unique journeys, cultivate personal growth, and embrace the beauty and lessons of the natural world.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build a vibrant, inclusive community where youth and young adults can explore and grow through immersive outdoor experiences. We’re dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing space that encourages personal reflection and growth, with a special focus on exploring and affirming individual identities. By bringing people together in nature, we aim to foster a deeper sense of connection and empowerment within our community.
what does "identity restoration" mean to us?
In a world where there's immense pressure to fit in, be seen, or care for loved ones, many youth lose touch with their true selves. They forget who they are, where they come from, and what they genuinely enjoy. Our enrichment program offers a space free of judgment, where we all commit to learning and growing together.
Identity restoration involves embracing all aspects of ourselves. It means exploring and understanding the parts we often suppress to fit in, and reconnecting with our true selves. This program was created to offer life-changing experiences, a chance for new adventures, and moments of realizing, "I belong, I matter."
Serving the greater Bay Area, the YAYA Outdoor Ed program offers comparatively lower rates in the hope of making it more accessible and equitable. Our mission is to provide a rich, immersive outdoor experience for students who might not otherwise be able to afford these opportunities.