For four days this summer, Y.E.T.I. got to spend time outside with our friends at The Circle: Community Navigation and the middle and high school students they serve. We hiked at Cougar Mountain, kayaked on Lake Sammamish, and spent four days getting to know each other.
For most of the students, it was their first time hiking or kayaking.
Building a Partnership
Y.E.T.I. works with local youth-serving organizations like The Circle to create outdoor experiences for young people who may not otherwise have access to them. Through our Partnership Programs, we provide the gear, transportation, instruction, food, and support needed to make getting outside possible.
But a successful partnership takes more than logistics. It takes communication, flexibility, and a shared commitment to making sure every student feels supported along the way.
Over four days, Y.E.T.I. staff and The Circle’s team worked side by side, from coordinating pickup locations and forms to supporting students on the trail and helping them get comfortable on the water.
As Mahrijemal, Education Manager at The Circle, put it:
“I feel like somewhere between hiking trails, kayaks, pickup locations, forms, and a million little details, we also managed to build a friendship!”
From The Circle
Mahrijemal shared what the experience meant for the students at The Circle.
“For many of our students, this was their very first time hiking and kayaking, and you made those ‘firsts’ feel exciting, safe, and special.”
Mahrijemal also noticed the small moments that helped students feel comfortable throughout the experience. They appreciated the way Y.E.T.I. staff welcomed each young person by name, listened when they spoke, and took the time to support students who were feeling shy.
“You never treated our kids like strangers who had just shown up for an activity. You welcomed them like they were already part of your group.”
Part of outdoor access is creating an environment where every young person feels welcome, supported, and like they belong.
Why Partnerships Matter
Y.E.T.I. can’t create these opportunities alone. Our community partners help us connect with young people through relationships that already exist and give us a better understanding of the students we’re serving.
The Circle brought strong relationships with their students and an understanding of their community. Y.E.T.I. brought gear, transportation, instruction, and food to make these adventures happen.
Together, we created four days of hiking, kayaking, new experiences, and time spent outside together.
And we’re hoping it isn’t the last.
As Mahrijemal put it:
“Y.E.T.I. has definitely become one of my favorite organizations to work with. I would absolutely love to see more adventures, more first-time experiences, and more opportunities for our kids together in the future.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Help Create More Adventures
Want to learn more about how Y.E.T.I. helps get young people outside? Read about our four programs.
Want to help make more adventures possible? Donate to support the gear, transportation, food, and instruction that make these experiences free for students and their families.
Want to get involved? Fill out our volunteer interest form to learn how you can lend a hand on future adventures.
