SUPKids Launches in L.A. to Teach Kids Environmental and Water Safety

INGLEWOOD, California – This year, 1,798 Americans will have the opportunity to get outside and enjoy ongoing outdoor experiences, thanks to prAna Explorer Grants. As part of these nationwide grants, Environmental Charter Schools received $5,000 to support its work to engage 120 students from Environmental Charter Middle School in SUPKids Camp that teaches kids water safety and environmental education outdoors with stand up paddle boarding. The grant program is funded by prAna and administered by the Outdoor Foundation.

“Outdoor recreation is often out of reach for minorities and those in underserved communities due to a lack of awareness, access and resources,” said Andre Walker, prAna’s Brand Engagement & Partnerships lead. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Outdoor Foundation to give this underrepresented audience the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and ultimately develop a lifelong passion for the outdoors.”

ECMS has partnered with SUPKids to teach water safety and environmental education with stand up paddling with the students. SUPKids is an educational program offered in SUP schools in over 21 countries globally. SUPKids was launched in 2014 in partnership with Starboard SUP, a leading innovator of Stand Up Paddling. We believe that when kids fall in love with an ocean sport, they fall in love with the ocean and ultimately, the outdoors. And, kids who love their ocean become ambassadors for taking care of it.

“We are so thrilled with the opportunity to teach our students outdoors and from the generous support from prAna and the Outdoor Foundation our students will have the chance to participate in the SUPKids Camp.” Tashanda Giles Jones from Environmental Charter Schools stated.

Photo Courtesy: SUPkids

prAna Explorer Grant funding will bring 12 nonprofit organizations’ project ideas to life and build partnerships that ensure sustainable outdoor recreation program offerings. Projects will engage underserved youth, who as a result of positive, consistent exposure to outdoor recreation, will become comfortable with and aware of local outdoor play opportunities and learn how to self-organize outdoor outings in the future.

“The Outdoor Foundation believes in supporting innovative on-the-ground projects that make lasting change,” said Ivan Levin, Deputy Director of the Outdoor Foundation. “Thanks to support from prAna, we are investing in localized projects that increase outdoor participation and ultimately create healthier, more active communities.”

The Outdoor Foundation

Founded in 2000, the Outdoor Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor leaders and enthusiasts. Through youth engagement, community grant-making, and groundbreaking research, the Foundation works with young leaders and partners to mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all Americans to the great outdoors. In just five years, the Foundation has invested $4 million into 785 not-for-profit and college programs that have connected 200,000 young people to the outdoors. Importantly, 90¢ of every dollar goes directly into this critical work. Visit us at outdoorfoundation.org and outdoornation.org for more information. To learn more, visit outdoorfoundation.org

About prAna

Founded in 1992 in a Carlsbad garage, prAna began creating stylish, highly functional clothing for yogis and climbers in a sustainable way. Since then, prAna has continued to push innovation in design and sustainability in the apparel industry, while inspiring adventures near and far. The prAna Explorer Grant Program represents one of the company’s core values: SEVA, the act of selfless service to the benefit of your community. To learn more about prAna and the Sustainable Clothing Movement, visit prana.com.

Environmental Charter Middle School Inglewood (ECMS)

ECMS Inglewood is a free, public charter school that offers students a small, caring school environment that supports students’ transition from elementary school, prepares them for success in a college preparatory high school, and empowers them to become leaders in their community and world. ECMS-Inglewood is part of Environmental Charter Schools that serves over 1,000 students from communities in South Los Angeles.

ECMS SUPKids Camp March 21-23, 2018 - Marina Del Rey, 9 am to 2 pm.

For more info on SUPkids, click HERE.