Step Outside
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Step Outside
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    EMPOWERING OUTDOOR aDVENTURES for all

    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.

    program initiatives

    Physical Health

    Physical Health

    Physical Health

    All activities involve movement of the body through traditional and nontraditional physical activities.

    Mental Health

    Physical Health

    Physical Health

    Mental health is addressed through coping skills, conversations, social emotional learning, and growth mindset.

    Social Health

    Spiritual Health

    Spiritual Health

    Community is essential, giving the opportunity to connect with others through the outdoors.

    Spiritual Health

    Spiritual Health

    Spiritual Health

    By enjoying the beauty of nature, participants have the opportunity to engage their spiritual health.

    Programs

    Gather Outside

    Because of Thomas

    Because of Thomas

    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.

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    Because of Thomas

    Because of Thomas

    Because of Thomas

    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.


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    Outside With You

    Because of Thomas

    Outside With You

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


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    Gather outside

    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.

    Upcoming Events

    First annual event is scheduled to be held in Spring 2026!

    Because of Thomas

    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.

    Did you know?

    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.


    Swim lessons are anticipated to begin in Spring 2026.

    Swim Lesson Interest Form

    Outside With You

    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!

    board of directors

    make a tax exempt donation to Step outside

    Mail cash or checks to:

    Step Outside

    P.O. Box 44761

    Columbus, OH 43204


    Send money via Zelle to info@step-outside.org

    give when you spend

    Kroger Community Rewards

    Kroger Community Rewards

    Kroger Community Rewards

    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.



    Raise Right

    Kroger Community Rewards

    Kroger Community Rewards

     www.RaiseRight.com 

    Enrollment Code: MDGTW6DDMDTF


    Purchase gift cards from Raise Right and Step Outside will receive a percentage of your money spent.


    amazon wish list


    Purchase items from Amazon to increase access to outdoor and swimming opportunities for Step Outside's participants. View the list at https://a.co/gY9dlUe

    Step Outside is partnering with Bottoms Up to collect swim diapers for the month of January 2026. Swim diapers will be provided to Columbus Recreation & Parks swimming facilities. Drop diapers off at the Whetstone Library, purchase items from the Amazon Wishlist, or contact info@step-outside.org.

    Our Partners

    Contact Us

    Step Outside

    info@step-outside.org

    Connect with Step Outside

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    Step Outside

    Columbus, Ohio

    EIN: 33-1316256

    Copyright © 2025 Step Outside - All Rights Reserved.

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