GGO Newsletter | August 2022 | gatewayoutdoors.org
GGO Remembers A Very Special Friend, Clarence “Bear" Robinson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a dear friend, Clarence "Bear” Robinson. Bear loved the outdoors, especially camping, and being able to share those experiences with younger generations. Bear was a close friend and supporter of GGO and his energy and passion for outdoor education will be deeply missed. Bear helped develop and implement programming during the early stages of GGO and we wouldn't be where we are today as an organization and as individuals without his dedication and love. Bear will always be a part of the GGO family and his legacy lives on in our outdoor adventures. Our hearts are with Bear's family and friends and we will miss him very much. 
Revamping the GGO Curriculum for 22/23
This summer, GGO’s Education Director, Simone, led a team of 10 summer VISTAs to enhance the GGO’s curriculum. The new curriculum prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, and most importantly, fun! We are excited to share the 5 new GGO units:

  1. Outdoor Adventure
  2. Ecology and Biology
  3. Sustainable and Healthy Lifestyles
  4. Systems, Climate Change
  5. Environmental Justice Projects.

GGO is excited to bring this innovative and updated curriculum into classrooms across Chicago and St. Louis during the upcoming 2022-2023 school year.
GGO is excited to share
3 ways to support the organization.
1) Dining out with GGO August 29!
Supporting your community never tasted so good! On August 29, mention Gateway to the Great Outdoors (GGO) and show a copy of the printed or digital flier at your favorite participating restaurants and a portion of the proceeds will be donated back to 100% support GGO programming! For a complete list of participating restaurants in both Chicago and St. Louis visit the GGO website for all details, including participating restaurants and flyers.
2) Sponsor GGO's
In-Tents” Science Fair 2022
September 29 in partnership with SLPS GGO is hosting the "In-Tents” Science Fair in St. Louis - an exciting kickoff for the programming year 22/23. This will be an action-packed day full of science fun, hands-on activities and exciting experiments.
GGO is currently seeking financial partners for the “In-Tents” Science Fair. To find out more information on becoming a partner and to view partnership opportunities ,click here!
3) Donate to GGO’s Full STEAM Ahead!
GGO Needs Re-Leaf
A Back to School Fundraiser


We Need Your Camping Recipes!

GGO is working on creating a camping cookbook! Bringing together a variety of recipes of which can be easily cooked at a campsite and also be adjusted for different dietary needs. We would love to have the book filled with recipes from our amazing supporters. If you would like to contribute, please send your favorite camping recipe to Hannah - Hannah@gatewayoutdoors.org! You are also encouraged to send along a special story about the recipe if you have one!
GGO Is Hiring!
Gateway to the Great Outdoors is currently hiring for the following positions: 

St. Louis:

This is an amazing opportunity to spend a year exploring the nonprofit world, especially for recent college grads! 

“So much of what I learned in class was theoretical, so working with GGO is an amazing way to explore nonprofit work while exploring a new city and making new friends. This year is also an opportunity for me to hone my interests and apply to grad school. I couldn’t recommend a service year with GGO enough!”

-Sam, STL Grant Coordinator VISTA and graduate of the University of Michigan Class of 2022
You can apply and find out more by visiting the GGO website. 
GGO’s VISTAS are the heart of the organization!
After volunteering as a GGO classroom mentor for three years, Jackson chose to become even more involved in GGO this summer by serving as a summer curriculum VISTA. Jackson is a rising senior at Washington University in St. Louis where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting! Jackson is passionate about education and the natural world and is able to combine these passions as a GGO summer VISTA! In his free time, Jackson enjoys hiking, collecting antique typewriters, and restoring classic cars. 
Thank You!
Thank you for supporting GGO's mission to provide low-income students across the US equitable access to comprehensive environmental education! 

We ended the 2021-2022 school year feeling inspired by our students and ready to think bigger when we return to classrooms this fall. However, after two pandemic years, our budget doesn’t match our aspirations.

GGO depends on generous donors like you to continue to bring programming to public schools for the ‘22-’23 school year. Many large companies have matching programs as well, check with your employer to see if they can match your contribution to GGO! As always, we accept donations through the GGO Facebook Page as well as on our website. 
GGO Newsletter | August 2022 | gatewayoutdoors.org