OUR STORY
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In June of 2013, founder, Jonathan Slider went on his very first backpacking trip. Ill prepared, he had the time of his life. Through the challenge of the hike and the camaraderie of his friends, Jonathan unknowingly began a journey that would lead to a change of career. In 2018, after many outdoor adventures, Jonathan began to dream about what life would look like for him if he could do whatever he wanted. Through much thought and consideration, the only thing that made sense was to play outside. More specifically, pursue a life that embraced the outdoor world and all that it offered.
At the age of 16, Jonathan had the opportunity to lead his peers during a summer community event in Dayton, OH. It was during this time that he recognized his desire to work with young people. While serving in the US Navy, Jonathan served local youth and young adults in the Virginia Beach area. He has over 20 years experience working with adolescents and sees the benefit of providing an outdoor program aimed at young people. Starting in 2020, Trailblazing Hope Outdoors began to provide an alternative to healing and wholeness through the modality of outdoor recreation. While engaging with Trailblazing Hope Outdoors youth will experience life changing opportunities through interpersonal and intrapersonal challenges through the organization’s primary objectives of R.E.C. (Recreation, Education, and Conservation). Youth will explore these objectives through the participation in Adventure Experiences (outdoor recreation activities), the Outdoor Adventure Program (foundational education courses), and various hands on nature clean-ups (conservation opportunities). |