Live Astonished is a nonprofit organization providing outdoor excursions and life-skills training for teen aged youth from financially challenged families. The purpose of Live Astonished is show young people how to literally live astonished every day by opening their eyes to the wonders of nature, inspiring them to believe in their own potential and self-worth, and instilling a sense of hope in the future.
The world is full of grandeur and wonder that can inspire and lift the spirit. Children come into this world naturally amazed by the wonders that surround them; and live astonished every day. Unfortunately, as they grow older, coping with the challenges of life diminishes their natural ability to see these wonders around them. And it is more so for children who live in financially challenged circumstances where life is more challenging and outdoor trips and travelling are a luxury their families can’t afford.
Live Astonished is a program that is designed to rekindle this natural ability in youth and show them how to keep it throughout their lives; so that they can literally live astonished each day. Embracing this philosophy will empower them to see more of the good around them and inspire hope.
The Roman philosopher Seneca said: “While we teach, we learn.” Modern research supports this belief that teaching is a most effective way to learn. Each Live Astonished protégé will become a Live Astonished Ambassador and will be taught how to share the Live Astonished philosophy with others; personally and through social media. The objective is to not only help youth enjoy the benefits of living astonished, but to also assist those who have gone through the program to retain and build upon that which they experienced in the program by sharing what they learn with others.
Before, during and after the outdoor excursions the youth will be mentored by civic and business leaders, outdoor adventure enthusiasts, naturalists, nature photographers and artists. These mentors will teach practical life-skills, nature awareness and other beneficial skills such as nature photography and keeping a Live Astonished journal.
It is our hope that Live Astonished will create a movement that will include youth who are unable to attend an outdoor adventure excursion but will still be able to embrace and experience the philosophy vicariously through online and social media resources.
The world is full of grandeur and wonder that can inspire and lift the spirit. Children come into this world naturally amazed by the wonders that surround them; and live astonished every day. Unfortunately, as they grow older, coping with the challenges of life diminishes their natural ability to see these wonders around them. And it is more so for children who live in financially challenged circumstances where life is more challenging and outdoor trips and travelling are a luxury their families can’t afford.
Live Astonished is a program that is designed to rekindle this natural ability in youth and show them how to keep it throughout their lives; so that they can literally live astonished each day. Embracing this philosophy will empower them to see more of the good around them and inspire hope.
The Roman philosopher Seneca said: “While we teach, we learn.” Modern research supports this belief that teaching is a most effective way to learn. Each Live Astonished protégé will become a Live Astonished Ambassador and will be taught how to share the Live Astonished philosophy with others; personally and through social media. The objective is to not only help youth enjoy the benefits of living astonished, but to also assist those who have gone through the program to retain and build upon that which they experienced in the program by sharing what they learn with others.
Before, during and after the outdoor excursions the youth will be mentored by civic and business leaders, outdoor adventure enthusiasts, naturalists, nature photographers and artists. These mentors will teach practical life-skills, nature awareness and other beneficial skills such as nature photography and keeping a Live Astonished journal.
It is our hope that Live Astonished will create a movement that will include youth who are unable to attend an outdoor adventure excursion but will still be able to embrace and experience the philosophy vicariously through online and social media resources.