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

At YAYA, our mission is to empower youth and young adults by fostering a deep connection to identity, community, and the natural world. We believe that every person deserves meaningful experiences in nature—opportunities that cultivate personal growth, resilience, and advocacy. Through immersive outdoor education, we create equitable access to transformative learning, ensuring that young people from all backgrounds can develop confidence, leadership, and a lifelong relationship with the environment.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a safe and inclusive space where youth and young adults can explore, reflect, and grow through the lens of identity and community. Rooted in our core pillars—community, advocacy, and resilience—YAYA seeks to redefine outdoor education as a pathway for self-discovery and empowerment. We envision a future where nature-based learning strengthens cultural connections, inspires environmental stewardship, and equips the next generation with the tools to lead with confidence and purpose.

Fostering Positive Sense of Self and Wellness

In a world where there’s constant pressure to fit in, succeed, or care for others, many youth lose touch with their true selves—their passions, their roots, and their sense of belonging. At YAYA, we create space for students to reconnect with who they are, fostering both wellness and a positive sense of self. Our programs encourage growth, reflection, and resilience in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Through hands-on outdoor experiences and meaningful community connections, students strengthen their confidence, discover their strengths, and leave empowered with the affirmation: “I belong. I matter.”