STORIES OF IMPACT | Eric B.
CatRock Rallies Through Covid with Inspired Virtual Programming
What did CatRock – a New York City outdoor adventure program that fosters leadership, environmental stewardship, and education among underserved youth in communities of color – do when Covid-19 turned life upside down?
When the pandemic upended the nonprofit’s outdoor trips, trainings, and programs, the CatRock Youth Leadership Academy Virtual Program launched with online activities designed to support and inspire the students.
Instead of the annual youth leadership summit and ski trip to Vermont’s Jay Peak Resort, rafting on the Delaware Water Gap, wilderness first aid training in upstate New York, and service projects across New York City, CatRock provided thoughtful and uplifting online workshops featuring physical fitness, wellness, food, nutrition, adventures, and academics to support the students.
“Providing the students with quality, engaging programming and support was crucial as they dealt with the demands of online school and remote learning,” reports volunteer Eric B. “We ensured that students still had opportunities for personal growth and leadership development as well as a strong sense of community and fun.”
“We are a leadership and stewardship program whose students will make a difference in the communities they serve throughout their lives.”
Together, CatRock students, volunteers, and leaders had an experience like no other through creative interactive online engagement. The CatRock community enabled everyone to share, give, and support one another virtually.
A weekly Wednesday group video call provided powerful community and conversation. Exercise and yoga classes offered fitness and wellness breaks throughout the week and weekend. Volunteers had an opportunity to share their passions for everything from biking and travel, to dance, fitness, health, and activism for the land. And a virtual climb up Jay Peak used fitness drills and video footage of climbs from past years.
The CatRock leaders and volunteers were not the only teachers. The students showcased their creativity, knowledge, and insights. CatRock provided the students with $50 gift cards to shop for ingredients and prepare a cultural meal they shared through photos and videos. A gardening workshop enabled the students to share their family gardens and teach the CatRock community about growing food, flowers, and plants.
One Wednesday call provided a profoundly moving and meaningful conversation dedicated to racial and social injustice in the aftermath of the George Floyd killing. The students led the discussion and expressed their feelings about violence toward people of color by the police and the ensuing protests. When asked to share, one student’s perspective was an important lesson for the CatRock community: “It is a privilege to get to learn about social injustice and racial discrimination, rather than living it every day.”
CatRock’s virtual programming amplified the nonprofit’s commitment to building community and teamwork. “One of the biggest takeaways about our entire virtual experience was the way our leadership, volunteers, and students adapted to the circumstances and made the best of it,” recalls Eric. “We worked to lift each other up in difficult times and we were there for each other as a community.”
CatRock is more than just an outdoor adventure program notes Eric. “We are a leadership and stewardship program whose students will make a difference in the communities they serve throughout their lives.”