Safety & Fun in the Outdoors

An Entry-Level Outdoor Safety Program for Kids & Families

Building confidence, awareness, and life skills through hands-on outdoor education.

Program Overview

Safety & Fun in the Outdoors is an entry-level outdoor education program designed to introduce kids and families to the outdoors in a safe, engaging, and supportive environment. The program focuses on foundational safety awareness, confidence building, and basic outdoor readiness—especially for individuals and families who may not have prior outdoor experience.

This program was created to remove barriers to outdoor participation by meeting people where they are and providing practical knowledge in an approachable, hands-on way. Activities take place in accessible outdoor spaces such as local parks and open community areas, with instruction designed to be clear, inclusive, and age-appropriate.

Safety & Fun in the Outdoors is operated by J. Scott Group Outdoors in partnership with A Shower On Us, aligning outdoor education with broader goals of youth development, family stability, and community well-being.

The program serves as both a standalone educational experience and the first step in a longer pathway of outdoor learning and skill development.

Who the Program Serves 

Safety & Fun in the Outdoors is designed to serve a broad and diverse group of participants, with a focus on accessibility, inclusion, and meeting families where they are.

The program primarily serves:

• Children and youth, including those with little or no prior outdoor experience
  
  

• Families looking for safe, structured outdoor activities they can experience together
  
  

• Homeschool groups, schools, and educational organizations seeking hands-on learning opportunities
  
  

• Community and youth organizations, including faith-based and non-faith-based groups
  
  

• Underserved communities, where access to outdoor education and enrichment opportunities may be limited
  
  

Instruction is delivered in a way that is age-appropriate, beginner-friendly, and adaptable to varying abilities and comfort levels. Program activities are held in accessible outdoor spaces such as local parks and community areas, with an emphasis on safety, encouragement, and participation rather than performance.

Safety & Fun in the Outdoors is intentionally structured to remove common barriers to participation and to provide a welcoming entry point into outdoor education for individuals and families from all backgrounds.

What Participants Learn 

Participants in Safety & Fun in the Outdoors learn foundational outdoor safety and awareness skills designed to build confidence and preparedness in a beginner-friendly environment.

Core learning areas include:

• Basic outdoor safety principles and awareness
  
  

• Planning and preparation using simple decision-making tools
  
  

• Understanding what to carry for short outdoor activities
  
  

• How to signal for help and seek assistance if needed
  
  

• What to do if separated or temporarily lost
  
  

• Trail awareness and responsible outdoor behavior
  
  

• The importance of traveling with a buddy
  
  

• Building confidence and comfort in outdoor spaces
  
  

All instruction is hands-on, age-appropriate, and focused on practical skills participants can immediately apply during family outings, community events, or everyday outdoor activities.

Why This Program Matters 

Access to safe and supportive outdoor learning opportunities is not equal for all families. Many children and caregivers lack exposure to outdoor environments, safety education, or the confidence needed to participate comfortably in outdoor activities.

Safety & Fun in the Outdoors addresses this gap by providing an entry-level program that removes barriers to participation and introduces outdoor safety skills in a welcoming, structured setting. By focusing on preparation, awareness, and confidence-building, the program helps participants feel more secure and capable while spending time outdoors.

Time spent outdoors is also associated with important physical and mental wellness benefits. Being outside encourages movement, reduces stress, and provides a positive environment for focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. For children and families who may experience daily stressors, outdoor learning can offer a calming and restorative experience.

The program supports broader goals related to youth development, family engagement, and community well-being. Learning how to plan, make safe decisions, and work together in outdoor settings reinforces responsibility, communication, and trust—skills that extend beyond the outdoors and into everyday life.

By introducing families to the outdoors in a positive and accessible way, Safety & Fun in the Outdoors serves as both a preventive and educational experience that promotes healthy activity, confidence, and long-term engagement with nature.

How to Bring This Program to Your Community 

Safety & Fun in the Outdoors can be hosted by schools, community organizations, and other local groups that serve children and families. The program is designed to meet participants where they are, using familiar outdoor spaces to create a comfortable and supportive learning environment.

Organizations interested in hosting the program can work with the J. Scott Group Outdoors team to schedule a session tailored to their group size, location, and participant needs. Programs are typically conducted in accessible outdoor spaces such as local parks or open community areas and do not require prior outdoor experience from participants.

Community partners may include:

• Schools and homeschool co-ops
  
  

• Community and youth organizations
  
  

• Faith-based organizations
  
  

• Parks and recreation departments
  
  

• Local nonprofits and service groups
  
  

To learn more about hosting Safety & Fun in the Outdoors or to discuss partnership opportunities, organizations are encouraged to reach out for additional information and scheduling details.