Walk beside someone.
Become part of their story.
To take people beyond city limits, beyond fear, and into the wild — where healing doesn't just happen, it unfolds.
We need people.
Not perfect ones.
Adventure with purpose. Volunteer with Outside the City.
In the quiet of the mountains, along sunlit trails, and on the open water, people begin to breathe again. Through immersive outdoor experiences, we help participants reconnect with nature, with one another, and with the parts of themselves they may have lost along the way. Every outing, rugged or peaceful, is an invitation to rediscover hope, resilience, and purpose.
We're calling on individuals and groups — ages 18 and up, including active seniors — to step into something bigger than a typical volunteer role. When you walk beside someone on a trail, share a conversation at a campsite, or paddle together across open water, you become part of their healing story. It changes you too.
We're searching for compassionate, outdoors-minded volunteers across Orange, San Diego, and Los Angeles Counties, and beyond. If you believe nature can restore a tired heart, that community can lift someone out of isolation, and that every person deserves a second chance, you already belong here.
Eight ways to
get outside.
Cycling
Gravel, fat, and mountain bikes.
Water Sports
Paddleboarding, kite surfing, surfing, and jet ski trips.
Sailing
Quiet harbor journeys, coastal day sails, and hands-on seamanship that reconnects people to wind, rhythm, and open horizons.
Kayaking
Ocean and lake explorations where calm waters and shared paddling create space for reflection and trust.
Outrigging & Canoeing
Team-oriented experiences that foster unity, communication, and the simple joy of moving forward together.
Running & Trail Running
Road runs and trail miles for volunteers who move at a pace.
Hiking & Backpacking
Day hikes and multi-day backcountry routes.
Camping & Overland
Camping and overland trekking in 4x4 vehicles.
Eight ways to
show up.
Wilderness Guides
Lead hikes, backpacking trips, and overnight camps. Wilderness First Aid a plus.
Water Mentors
Surf instructors, paddle leaders, lifeguards, and ocean-comfortable adults.
Bike Leaders
Mountain bikers and cyclists who teach skills and lead group rides.
Team Builders
Facilitate group activities, debrief sessions, and trust exercises.
Endurance Athletes
Runners, climbers, long-distance riders who model resilience.
Active Seniors
Wisdom on the trail. Some of our most beloved mentors are in their 60s and 70s.
Drivers & Logistics
Get participants and gear to and from trailheads. License required.
Photographers
Capture moments that become recruiting tools and impact reports.
The short list.
- Age18 and up, including active seniors
- BackgroundClean background check required for direct participant interaction
- MindsetCompassionate, outdoors-minded, and reliable
- LocationOrange, San Diego, Los Angeles Counties — or willing to travel
- CommitmentFrom one trip per quarter to a weekly cadence
Two minutes.
One trail you'll never forget.
Tell us who you are, where you'd like to help, and when you're free. We'll be in touch within a few days.