Ithaca Youth Bureau
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Outings Program

Outings is an outdoor adventure program that encourages teamwork, builds self-confidence, and fosters personal growth. Program takes place after school and during the summer months; camping trips are an integral part of the program. Outings is committed to providing outdoor adventure programming that fosters a team mentality. Our focus is on personal growth for youth involved in the program. We give participants the opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership and problem solving skills, as well as social skills. This is accomplished through a variety of outdoor activities, trips, and group challenges. We give youth an arena to develop and build skills necessary for success in life through creative and empowering activities.

We believe that everyone learns best when they can actively participate in directing their own learning process.  Participants set out on an adventure and engage in activities that are challenging, rewarding, fun, and safe but with a perceived risk.  They are asked to stretch beyond their preconceived limitations in order to succeed individually and as a team.

Our program attempts to engage the whole person in order to cultivate the qualities and skills that help individuals achieve their greatest potential, while working together to be an effective team. Outings provides programming that creates an atmosphere that challenges and excites the imagination, as well as builds positive relationships and empowers youth.

Through a variety of activities, the Outings Program has the following goals for program participants:
  • To encourage interdependence and cooperation
  • To give participants the opportunity to develop and demonstrate social, emotional, and communication skills
  • To provide a challenging, educational, noncompetitive environment that maximizes personal growth
  • To provide an experience that enhances emotional and personal growth, builds self-esteem, and develops friendships
  • To provide students an opportunity to go beyond their self-imposed limitations
  • To teach environmental awareness

Outings Activities

  • Nature and outdoor survival skills
  • Orienteering
  • Outdoor cooking
  • Problem solving activities
  • Rock climbing
  • Shelter building
  • Team building activities
  • Tree climbing
  • Winter camping
  • Biking
  • Backpacking
  • Camping skills
  • Canoeing
  • Caving
  • Environmental awareness
  • Fire building
  • Group games
  • Hiking
  • Knots
  • Leadership building programs
The Explorers Program helps build self-confidence and teaches social skills with small groups of youth.  Activities include: hiking, high &low ropes activities, team building, climbing, canoeing, trips and more.

The Pathfinders Program is designed to bring diverse groups of 4th and 5th graders together from the Ithaca City School District to enhance personal and emotional growth, build self-esteem, and enrich friendships.  Students participate in team and leadership activities, games, discussions, and have hands on walking and biking experiences.  

Ithaca Bike Rental is our seasonal bike rental business.  We rent bikes to the general public and can accommodate groups. Please check out our website: www.ithacabikerental.com.

Outdoor Adventure Programs are our fee-based and contractual programs.  Activities include but are not limited to: tree climbing, indoor rock climbing, high adventure, canoeing, and more.  Please inquire with Outings Staff for more information.  
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Outings Programs


Tree Fest

Tree Fest is a collaboration by the IYB Outings Program and Cornell Outdoor Education.  Our goal is to showcase this wonderful activity and give community members the opportunity to try out the Outings Program for an afternoon. A big thank you to all who came out to support Outings at Tree Fest 2019!

​Outings News

Outings News shares information, news, fun games, and activities with you about getting outside, being active, and going on adventures. 
​Issue 1- April 2020

Staff

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Kim Olsen
Program Coordinator

​Outings Program
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Email Me
The Ithaca Youth Bureau is a Department of the City of Ithaca.
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  • Home
  • About
    • Seasonal Employment
    • Programs
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau
    • Volunteer
    • History
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Recreation Division
    • Recreation Department
    • Recreation Support Services
    • Cass Park, Rink, Pool and Fields
  • Youth Development
    • College Discovery Program
    • Ithaca Youth Council Ambassadors
    • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ithaca and Tompkins County
    • Outings
    • Paul Schreurs Memorial Program
    • Youth Employment Service
  • News and Updates
    • Happenings News
  • Contact
  • Staff
  • Rentals
    • Ithaca Bike Rental
    • Pavilion and Field Rentals
    • Boat Rack Rental