Step Outside, a 501(c)(3) organization, is committed to enhancing access to outdoor activities for high-priority youth and families. We believe that spending time outside is essential for holistic health, and we help people connect with the outdoor world.
All activities involve movement of the body through traditional and nontraditional physical activities.
Mental health is addressed through coping skills, conversations, social emotional learning, and growth mindset.
Community is essential, giving the opportunity to connect with others through the outdoors.
By enjoying the beauty of nature, participants have the opportunity to engage their spiritual health.

At Step Outside, we strive to provide outdoor opportunities to high priority communities. Through this program, outdoor activities will be brought to them in their community, learning about and participating in the wide variety of opportunities.

A priority of Step Outside is to provide access to swim lessons for those in need. Participants of this program receive scholarship for swim lessons, along with the necessary gear to help them become a successful swimmer.

Through this program, Step Outside partners with youth-serving organizations to connect their participants with outdoor opportunities. Barriers and individual organizational needs are prioritized.

Community events provide the opportunity to participate in activities such as kayaking, biking, archery, rock climbing, fishing, and more. Exposing community members to these activities will encourage increased participation in alternative activities.
Step Outside is partnering with the North YMCA to host National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026. Contact us at info@step-outside.org having your organization attend.
If you're interested in volunteering, please complete the application at https://ymcaohio.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog/135. Follow the calendar to August 4th and select "National Night Out- Special Event Volunteer".
Thomas was a very inquisitive, lovable, and active 2-year-old boy who loved the outdoors and all things country. On July 3rd, 2011, Thomas unexpectedly died due to drowning.
Because of Thomas, Step Outside is committed to providing access to swim lessons for youth in need. Additionally, Step Outside will reduce barriers to swimming, including equipment, transportation, and opportunities.
There are over 4,000 drowning deaths in the U.S. every year.
Black people under age 30 are 1.5 times more likely to die of drowning than white people.

At Step Outside, we're committed to helping people discover and enjoy the great outdoors. Our intention is to enhance the services that are already being offered by youth serving organizations by connecting their participants to outdoor and alternative activities. Experiences include, but are not limited to, hiking, fishing, kayaking, ziplining, rock climbing, biking, skiing, archery, and more. Contact us if you are interested in collaborating!
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Mail cash or checks to:
Step Outside
P.O. Box 44761
Columbus, OH 43204

Purchase items from Amazon or Walmart to increase access to outdoor and swimming opportunities for Step Outside's participants. View the lists at: https://a.co/gY9dlUe https://www.walmart.com/lists/shared/WL/dcd6f212-734c-4da6-b096-ca10d74a94fa
https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards
Connect your Kroger Plus Card to "STEP OUTSIDE" or KL651.
Every time you use your Kroger Plus Card, Step Outside will receive a percentage of your purchase.
Enrollment Code: MDGTW6DDMDTF
Purchase gift cards from Raise Right and Step Outside will receive a percentage of your money spent.







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