Campfire Firsts & Core Memories: Sandro’s Story

When Sandro arrived from his home country of Georgia nearly a year ago, he brought curiosity, kindness, and a quiet sense of resilience. Like many exchange students, he came to experience life in the U.S., improve his English, and embrace new adventures. What he found went far beyond the expected.

First-time tent setup, lifelong memory. Sandro and Shaun working together during our Overland Youth camping trip — proof that mentorship, adventure, and a little teamwork go a long way. 🌄🛠️

As Sandro’s host mom, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his growth firsthand — and truthfully, we’ve both grown together. We’ve taught each other so much over this past year. Hosting him has been more than just opening my home — it’s been about opening my heart, showing up as a mentor, and striving every day to be a role model he can count on.

Recently, Sandro joined us on an Overland Youth camping trip — an experience that sparked more than just a love for nature. It created core memories that will travel with him back home.

Before this trip, Sandro had only camped once — sleeping in a bag by the fire with his father. He had never pitched a tent, baited a hook, or lounged in a hammock under the stars. That all changed during our weekend together:

🛶 He put up a tent for the very first time, carefully learning how to stake it down and make it his temporary home.

🎣 He went fishing at the lake, casting a line with excitement, patience, and the hope of catching something more than just a fish.

😴 He napped in a hammock, rocked by a breeze and surrounded by quiet laughter and the smell of campfire smoke.

🔥 He told stories, listened to music, and shared space with other youth — no screens, just connection.

Sandro is heading home in about a month. And I can already know — he’s going to be deeply missed. Not just because of the memories we’ve shared, but because of who he is.

His quick humor, gentle spirit, and genuinely caring heart have made a lasting impression on everyone he’s met. He’s the kind of person who volunteers to help before you even ask — whether it’s pitching in on a project, helping clean up, or simply making someone feel seen.

He’s grown in ways that are hard to measure but easy to feel. He’s experienced new cultures, navigated life far from home, and become part of something bigger — both in our community and through the work we’re doing at Overland Youth.

Youth like Sandro remind us why this work matters. They show us the power of mentorship, belonging, and adventure. They remind us that even small moments — like learning to pitch a tent or catching your first fish — can become big milestones.

🌍 As he prepares to return to Georgia, we’re grateful to have been a small part of his journey. And we’re more committed than ever to reaching more youth who, like Sandro, just need someone to believe in them — and invite them to the fire.

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Overland Youth exists to make these kinds of moments possible — to support, mentor, and empower young people through outdoor adventures, leadership development, and meaningful connection.

Want to help us reach more youth like Sandro?

📬 Email us: info@overlandyouth.org

🌐 Learn more or donate: www.overlandyouth.org

#OverlandYouth #YouthExchange #FuelTheAdventure #MentorshipMatters #CampChangeGrow #StudentStories #OverlandingForGood

From Trails to Triumphs: Cultivating Entrepreneurial Spirit Through Overland Youth

At Overland Youth, we believe that the journey doesn't end when the engine stops. While our overlanding adventures ignite a passion for exploration, it's the lessons learned off the beaten path that truly shape our youth into future leaders and innovators.

Beyond the Horizon: The Power of Exposure

Exposure to activities like overlanding, often perceived as exclusive due to their cost, can serve as a powerful motivator.  When young individuals experience these adventures, they don't just see a hobby—they envision a lifestyle, a goal, a future they aspire to achieve. 

Research supports this notion.  A study from the Journal of Adolescence highlights that early exposure to certain activities can influence future aspirations and career trajectories.  By introducing youth to overlanding, we provide them with a tangible experience that can inspire them to pursue paths that make such lifestyles attainable. 

Entrepreneurship: The Off-Season Expedition

The off-season is not a downtime—it's an opportunity.  It's a period where we shift gears from physical exploration to internal development.  We focus on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging our youth to identify challenges, brainstorm solutions, and take initiative. 

Programs like the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) emphasize the importance of instilling business acumen and innovative thinking in young minds.  By integrating similar principles, we aim to equip our participants with the tools to turn their passions into viable ventures. 

Building Foundations: The Role of Place Attachment

Our experiences shape our preferences and decisions. The neighborhoods we grow up in often influence where we choose to live as adults. This concept, known as place attachment, underscores the importance of positive early experiences.

By providing enriching overlanding experiences, we aim to create lasting impressions that guide our youth towards building communities and lifestyles that reflect the positivity and adventure they've come to cherish.

Join the Journey

At Overland Youth, we're more than just an adventure program. We're a launchpad for dreams, a catalyst for innovation, and a community that believes in the potential of every young individual.

Join the Journey: The Heart Behind Overland Youth

A spark becomes a story — where youth gather, grow, and begin their journey under open skies.

There’s something powerful about a campfire — how it brings people together, sparks stories, and slows the world down. That’s the kind of magic we want every young person to experience.

We started Overland Youth with one big dream: To create a space where youth can unplug from their screens and reconnect with themselves, each other, and the great outdoors.

We believe in hands-on life skills, honest mentorship, and real adventure. Not every young person has access to these kinds of experiences — especially those facing tough circumstances. That’s where Overland Youth steps in.

From setting up tents to navigating trails, our programs teach more than survival. They teach confidence, teamwork, leadership, and resilience — all through nature-based adventure. Our goal is to create core memories that last a lifetime and inspire a generation that knows how to lead, problem-solve, and rise.

But starting something from the ground up isn’t easy. We’ve poured our hearts into building this nonprofit, and today, we’re officially open to the public — and ready to grow.

We’re raising $25,000 to launch our first season of youth adventures — covering gear, meals, transportation, and scholarships for the youth who need it most.

How You Can Help

If you’ve ever learned something about yourself on a trail, around a fire, or under the stars — we invite you to give back.

• Donate today and help us light the way for the next generation of adventurers.

• Have questions or want to get involved? Email us at info@overlandyouth.org

• Follow our journey and real-time updates on Facebook and Instagram @OverlandYouth

We’re building more than a nonprofit. We’re building a movement. And we’re just getting started.

🌄— The Overland Youth Team