About Us
At Outside the City (OTC), adventure is our approach—and transformation is our goal. Our mission is to provide training, support, and second chances for formerly gang-involved, previously incarcerated men and women through the power of the outdoors. We create access to immersive, high-impact outdoor experiences that challenge limits, build confidence, and inspire new direction.
OTC outings are more than just fresh air—they’re full-on adventures. Participants dive into thrilling, guided activities like cycling rugged terrain, paddle boarding, kayaking, overland trekking in 4x4 vehicles, hiking, backpacking, and wilderness camping. In addition to the benefits of outdoor exercise, our outings also teach:
- Mental toughness, a growth mindset
- Stress management- to fortify mental wellbeing
- Self-esteem and personal development
- Leadership skills- unlocking the leader inside
- Teamwork- kinship/fellowship- working as a team
- Outdoor skills such as map reading, navigation, endurance training and survival skills
- Capturing the experience- photography, video, using a drone
- Exposure and access to the outdoor activity
Gang involvement in the U.S.
- Gang involvement is a widespread issue in the U.S., with over 21,500 gangs and 731,000 members.
- Gangs often recruit vulnerable youth—typically ages 12 to 24—by offering a false sense of belonging and opportunity, especially where family support or positive role models are lacking.
- Many join as early as age 15, leading to cycles of trauma, incarceration, and limited future prospects.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Why recreation?
Recreation and travel aren't just about escape—they’re about healing, discovery, and reintegration. For many, especially those who have faced incarceration, these moments represent far more than just a break from the routine. They are what we call "Life Resume Experiences"—milestones that help redefine identity, build confidence, and reconnect with the world in positive, transformative ways.
For at-risk and formerly gang-involved men and women, these experiences can serve as powerful reminders that life holds so much purpose, beauty, and adventure. They foster personal growth, emotional healing, and social connection—all vital to successful reentry.
Whether it's standing at the edge of a canyon, kayaking a still bay at sunrise, or sharing stories around a fire in a desert camp, each moment builds not only a memory but a sense of self-worth and direction. These experiences become part of a new personal narrative—an expanded life resume that goes beyond what’s written on paper.
To honor and amplify these journeys, we’re capturing the adventure through photography, video, and drone footage—bringing these stories to life and sharing the beauty, resilience, and transformation that unfold in every outing. These visuals not only inspire others but also document the experience, and celebrate milestones.
We invite corporate partners to be part of this journey. By sponsoring these transformative outings, your organization becomes a catalyst for change—directly impacting lives while demonstrating a commitment to second chances, equity, and community restoration. Together, we can build a bridge between the outdoors and opportunity, between incarceration and reintegration, between despair and hope.
Join us in creating lasting impact—one Life Resume Experience at a time.
