Phenomenal She and Game of Life after a Kayaking outing
Y.E.T.I. has focused on making sure we have the resources to provide custom outdoor programming for other youth serving organizations in South King County. While public school programs have been a huge part of our success in offering outdoor adventure opportunities for youth, we recognize it often takes a village and there are so many other amazing youth programs in the area that we can support to help increase outdoor opportunities for everyone.
Paris is one young lady who has been on Y.E.T.I. trips through participation in Phenomenal She—a mentorship program in Federal Way. Phenomenal She and Game of Life team up to promote trips with Y.E.T.I. once a month for the young men and women in their programs and Paris is almost always there to take on whatever adventure awaits. Her two older brothers also attend most trips and it is always fun to watch her compete with them on any given activity. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or mountain biking you can bet that Paris will be right in the mix setting an example for everyone on what it looks like to push yourself.
These programs are a unique way that young people can interact and bond in an outdoor setting—one that is a little different and equalizing. On a recent hike, Paris, her brothers, and her mother were all present on a sunny Saturday along the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie river. Watching Paris follow her brothers across a log high above the river, we heard her mom shout, “Careful Paris!” as Paris shot her a look that could only be interpreted as, “Mom, I’m fine.” Her mom uttered “Ok then…”and laughed with the rest of the staff. “She’s always trying to keep up with those boys” she said.
Paris has shown us that the outdoors can be a venue for taking on challenges. She never shies away from something that might be hard or scary, leading others by example in the process. Partnership programs like these not only offer young people opportunities to explore the outdoors on their own, but also alongside their families and social networks they might be a part of. We are so excited that Paris still decides to sign up for these activities every month and teach everyone about rising to an occasion.
