Get Kids Outside believes chances for exploring our natural parks and receiving the education we provide, should be given equitably to all youth, regardless of financial status. To achieve our goals, we offer scholarships and financial aid to children in need. If you would like more information on how your child can receive a scholarship or financial aid to participate in our camps, please email us at [email protected] or click here: Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Poverty and financial hardships have significantly increased for families in the past few years, including in Frederick County, Maryland. Based on census data, residents with income below the poverty rate in Frederick County, MD, where our nonprofit is based and many of our participants are from, is 8.7%, with 5.5% of the population below 50% of the poverty rate. According to ALICE, the number of married-parent households with children in poverty has increased more than 24% in the last decade. In the last couple of years, 34% of families have been below the ALICE threshold.
The funds we receive from generous individual donors, organizations and through our Adventures for All go directly to our Youth Educational Adventures. Get Kids Outside, therefore, is able to provide our camps to kids of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, at no cost to their families so that kids can participate without adding financial stress to their family.
If you would like to help us with our costs, please click here to DONATE.
Donate
Get Kids Outside relies on your tax deductible donations to continue providing youth with impactful experiences at both regional and national parks. We believe in providing these opportunities to kids of all backgrounds, including the underprivileged, at no cost to their families. We greatly appreciate donations of any amount.
To donate, click here: DONATE
Youth Trip Gallery
Anne – Germantown MD
Dave is a great guide. Highly recommend. I went to Yellowstone with a group in May 2019 with Dave. The hikes and activities were very well planned, and I had the best experience ever. The accommodations were very nice and a great value. I would definitely sign up again for one of Dave's trips.
Doris U. – Vienna VA
This was my first Get Outside trip. Everything was very well thought out and planned by David, from each days’ excursions and activities to hotels and dining. Every day was full of adventure in Iceland's winter beauty where we experienced nature close-up, from hiking around canyons, ice caves, glaciers, waterfalls, to relaxing in geo-thermal baths.…
Jo – Middletown MD
Dry Tortugas was an amazing experience, I learned so much about the sea creatures that live there and the fort. This trip was the trip of a lifetime and I had a blast. I also enjoyed all of our cool adventures. We went on while we were on the island like kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring…
Suzy G. – Washington DC
My BFF and I went to Alaska with Get Outside. We are both very fit 50 somethings. We were out for adventure and found it with this experience. David is amazing and brilliant at accommodating all personalities and fitness levels. I look forward to my next experience with Get Outside.
Lori – Frederick MD
I enjoyed the trip to Dry Tortugas because it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The water was beautiful, the park was clean, and the snorkeling as well as the sunsets were definitely what made the trip for me. I also learned to kayak while we were there, which was super fun. I…
Shruti G. – Germantown MD
I was part of a group travel trip to Yellowstone National Park last spring, and it was an unforgettable experience. I am grateful to our guide David, whose knowledge, passion, and dedication made the trip truly exceptional. His expertise in navigating the park's vast wilderness, pointing out hidden gems, and sharing fascinating insights about the…
Amy B. – Gettysburg PA
Everyone needs a little adventure. So, whether you are looking to hike, snorkel, kayak, or just sight see, Get Outside has a little bit of Everything. I have been on 5 different trips with Get Outside and each trip has been unique and incredible. Dave is very knowledgeable and works with the locals to make…
Harley – Jefferson MD
The Dry Tortugas is well worth the journey. It really helped me get my mind off things. It was definitely something new to me that some people might not get to experience. Something I liked about the trip was being able to explore all around Fort Jefferson within the days we were there. I also…
Kim P. – Long Beach CA.
I got the bug to visit our National Parks about 5 years ago. I was looking for a group that had the same interests on Meetup and met Dave. He was putting together a trip to explore Yellowstone and I immediately signed up. His love for this park showed through every aspect of the trip.…
Chad S. – Pasadena MD
I had a wonderful time backpacking in Yellowstone. David knew so much about the park and its history. I also really enjoyed our trip to Yosemite and Sequoia. The hike in Sequoia was by far my favorite part of the trip. The giant trees were awesome also.
Dawn D. – Pittsburgh PA
Traveling with Get Outside is always an adventure! Getting to explore our National Parks with a small group and experienced leader is priceless. I would highly recommend going on one of David’s trips if you love nature, our National Parks, hiking and exploring parts unknown!
Tiffany B. – Galt CA
In May of 2022, my group of 7 took a trip to Zion and Brice Canyon National Parks. We had an amazing trip. David had everything planned out but was willing to be flexible to meet our changing needs. We did everything we could imagine and more, and within a very short time, he just…
Maya – Arlington, VA
Dave guides you through thoughtfully-curated itineraries that he manages to make personable for everyone - the entire trip felt like old friends getting together. From his pre-trip prep to airport drop off, Dave’s attention to detail, his consideration for his clients, and his knack for developing camaraderie amongst a diverse group of people are a…
Hasha C. – Las Vegas Nevada
Senior traveler here that placed all my life long desired trip to Alaska on Get Outside LLC. It was better than I ever imagined, and I felt included and valued in a diverse group of people that became friends for life! I would travel anywhere with David. He's my GUIDE ing star!
Ronda D. – Leesburg VA
My adventures with Get Outside have been nothing short of exceptional across three trips, namely to Zion National Park, Alaska, and Washington State. Each adventure was thoughtfully planned and facilitated, with a great mix of both challenging and less intense hikes and activities. I appreciate that David handles the details, so all you have to…
Beth T. – Mt Airy MD
Dave has the unique talent of delivering an adventure of a lifetime without compromising individual safety. Everything is exciting! It makes you want to never grow up.
Bev S. – Halethorpe MD
Iceland during the winter was the first tour I attended led By David Smith of Get Outside. Dave arranged the most comprehensive and exciting tour of Iceland. He researched and booked tour guides and coordinated each day’s activities and reminded the participants daily of the times of the group meeting and tout departures. He also…
