Our Impact
CAT operates at the powerful intersection of outdoor adventure, justice, and personal transformation. Through activities like paddling, climbing, biking, and camping, CAT helps young people build essential social-emotional skills including confidence, perseverance, self-regulation, and the ability to move through fear toward courage.
Equally important, our programs support youth in reclaiming their connection to the natural world and building community with their peers—experiences that foster deep belonging and serve as protective factors in the face of systemic stress and trauma.
By The Numbers
Since 2008, CAT has served over 7500 young people.
Since 2015, CAT has run over 1500 program sessions.
In FY24, CAT…
Served over 1,200 youth across Chicago, predominantly from marginalized and underserved communities.
Partnered with 39 nonprofit organizations to uphold our collective values and commitment to seeing our communities thrive.
Activated 21 neighborhoods in exploring and existing within and beyond their communities’ outdoor spaces.
Stewarded 9 meaningful adventures outside of Chicago, all serving as most participants’ first trip outside of the city limits.
Provided 4 professional trainings to advance outdoor and therapeutic skills, elevating leadership excellence and safety in Chicago’s adventure community.
Mobilized 108 volunteers towards collective action and collaboration within their city.
“Apprenticing with CAT has been a meaningful experience because it’s allowed me to help people connect with the outdoors in real and personal ways. I came in with some leadership skills, but working with CAT has helped me grow in my outdoor abilities, especially in kayaking, rock climbing, and risk assessment, while also deepening my understanding of environmental justice and the importance of access and equity in outdoor spaces.”
- Christina C.
