Our History
YES was founded on the belief that positive experiences in nature are a catalyst for individual and community transformation.
YES was established by Diane Mintz in 1999 with ten students, a handful of volunteers, a rented van, and the belief that spending time together in the outdoors was joyful, healing, and a fundamental right.
With the vital support of our partners, volunteers, funders, and the essential guidance of our participant community, YES has grown from a summer camp scholarship provider to a year-round, leadership development organization, working with community members of all ages.
Our culturally relevant, evidence-backed programs increase access and break down the barriers for those historically excluded from the outdoors. We deepen people’s relationships with nature, themselves, their families, and their community.
We now engage roughly 500 participants annually with year and to date, over 13,000 youth and adults have joined our programs to reclaim their belonging in nature, connect to their personal leadership, and find comfort and strength in community.