Big Gumdrop Outdoors

🥳🥳

Some people live their entire lives searching for some place, any place, where they feel comfortable. It didn’t take Elijah Riley that long. Late in high school, when he picked up a bow and arrow and headed to the woods, is when he knew.

“I felt like for a long time I didn’t know my place in the world,” said Riley, soon to be a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, “but getting back in nature has helped me find that.”

And a whole lot more.

Read "Elijah - Finding Your Place": https://brnw.ch/21wM0Fi

📷&📝: Eric Fowler

We are blown away with all the support we have been receiving these past few weeks! I am grateful for all the opportunities we have been given and can’t wait for what the future holds! This life is beautiful and we are just getting started! Stay tuned and enjoy the journey! ❤️🏕️

UNL student uses nonprofit to share passion for outdoors with Lincoln students Elijah Riley, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student, found his "sense of self" outside by fishing, hunting and camping. Now, he aims to share his passion with local students.

It was amazing working with you. We love your work! Hopefully to work with you again in the future!!

Last Friday we hosted our biggest event yet! Over 150 people were in attendance, which tripled the size of our last event! The atmosphere was amazing. Smiles painted the faces all over. Learning was everywhere. Community booths made lasting impressions. I cannot explain it, the scene was absolutely perfect.

I am beyond appreciative of the Lincoln community and everyone that showed up to help. Special thank you to our volunteers and community booths! We wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.

Want to know about the next time we do an event? Join our newsletter! Click the link in our bio, navigate to the get involved tab and fill out the Newsletter form!

Photo credit: (picture #)
Mikayla Vanis, Pics by Mik (3,5,8,12)
Paige Miller, PMillerCaptures (1,2,10)
Kenneth Ferriera, Lincoln Journal Star (4)
Jordan Gutierrez, Parent (9)
Kyndal Hudson, BGO team (11)
Elijah Riley, BGO team (6,7)

Amazing partner for our recent community event! Loved the activity and engagement they had!

Walking into the grocery store today, I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement—Big Gumdrop Outdoors made the front page of the Lincoln Journal Star! 🌟

Our mission has always been to strengthen and embolden our community by providing urban youth with the tools and opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Seeing our work recognized in such a prominent way is a testament to the impact we’re making together.

I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunities we’ve been given and beyond excited for what the future holds. This journey is nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s all thanks to the amazing BGO team and the supportive community that surrounds us.

We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to show you what’s to come. Stay tuned, enjoy the journey, and thank you all for being part of this incredible adventure! ❤️

Want to stay in the loop for our upcoming events? Join our newsletter! Click the link in our bio, head to the ‘Get Involved’ tab, and sign up to stay connected.

We were featured in The Lincoln Journal Star today!! I can’t believe how much love and support we have been getting! We are over the moon with gratitude and appreciation! Thank you to everyone! ❤️❤️❤️

Enjoy the journey and we will see each of you at the top! 🚀🥳

UNL student uses nonprofit to share passion for outdoors with Lincoln students Elijah Riley, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student, found his "sense of self" outside, fishing, hunting and camping. Now, he aims to share his passion with local students.

🎉🎉 Get ready, Big Gumdrop Outdoors fans! Our merch store is OPEN for ONE WEEK ONLY!

🌟 We’re thrilled to unveil TWO new retro designs for fall: the classic Big Gumdrop Outdoors Fishing Club logo and the vintage BGO. We have comfort color T-shirt’s, Long sleeves, Crewnecks, & Hoodies!

These limited editions are perfect for showing your love for the great outdoors. Don’t miss out—grab yours now! 🛒👇

https://stores.inksoft.com/big_gumdrop_outdoors/shop/home

🔗 Link in bio to shop!

We wanted to give a shoutout to all of our great organizations and partners that are supporting us to host this event. With their help, we are able to provide all of the equipment, food, and activities for our community. .ne

Please join us for Community Lake Day on August 9th from 6-8 pm at Oak Lake. Don’t forget to register at the link in our bio. Remember this event is FREE and we would love to see you there!

Connect with our sponsors! They allow us to continue living out our mission of getting youth engaged, inspired and exploring the outdoors! 🏕️🌎

Back of the BGO Shirt: Stories of Impact & Your Internship Opportunity!

This fall, Big Gumdrop Outdoors is in search of an intern to assist us facilitate afterschool programming. We are looking for someone 18+ who would be available 3-6 hours a week during the hours 2:30-5:30, Monday-Thursday. We will be working with kids aged K-8 at different LPS schools! It is not required, but a passion for working with kids or the outdoors will greatly help you in this role!

If interested fill out application in bio or navigate to Big Gumdrop Outdoors website and go to the ‘Get Involved’ tab. There you will find the application form.

This summer, we have been able to grow our team of teachers to help facilitate 100 hours of programming. This summer has been impactful not only for the populations we have been working with, but also within our leadership.

Kyndal: “This summer I have been so inspired by the work that I have been doing. BGO has created a space for me to further develop my passion for working with kids by connecting to my love for the outdoors. Engaging with these kids has been very uplifting and I have also been able to further my own learning!”

Harper: “I am so grateful to have worked for BGO this summer; not only have I been able to expand my passions for teaching, but I have also been blessed to work with some amazing children who have allowed me to build genuine relationships that I will carry for a lifetime while teaching me about the world around us.”

Hit that link in the bio to apply today! Join a team dedicated to building community here in Lincoln, Nebraska!

It’s the end of week 8! We had a ball! This week was full of insect hunting adventures 🐞. A total of 65 kids caught and observed bugs this week. We are so proud of these youth for being brave and stepping out of their comfort zones to explore our wildlife 🐛.

This week, we engaged with 98 kids and did 8 different lessons and activities 🏃🏾‍➡️

Next week is our last official week of summer programming, it has gone by fast! We will be wrapping up the Big Gumdrop Outdoors club at three different organizations, stay tuned for some awesome wrap-up activities! 📢

Hi Everyone! My name is Harper Case and I am a junior at Doane University studying Elementary and Special Education with a minor in Psychology and I am also a part of the volleyball team. I enjoy being outside, specifically when traveling with my family, fishing, or just enjoying a good book.

I joined BGO because of the mission to bring together the outdoors and education for all children. While being on this team I have been able to expand my knowledge of the education world, while also learning more about what surrounds us in the outdoors as well as broaden my horizons and carry on my passion for working with youth. BGO has provided me with chances to grow my social network in the non-profit and education world and has allowed me to easily transition from learner to teacher.

My favorite place I have been is definitely the beach. I have a vast collection of childhood memories filled with family vacations on the water; Florida is a place we have traveled to many times, but each trip has created its own memories. From parasailing to boat trips and eating by dolphins, all the way down to game nights in the living room, the beach feels like a second home because of the memories created by my family and I. The beauty of the water, the sand and the animals have helped etch the beach as a permanent beauty in my brain.

Week 7 of Summer Programming was so fun-filled! We engaged with youth at Arnold Elementary for the first time this week by learning about native Nebraska animals and going fishing 🎣

This week we also made edible s**t 🦝, explored the mammal trunk from Nebraska Game and Parks 🦌, talked about predator and prey relationships 🐟, played a game to help understand the food web, and much more!

We facilitated activities and learning with 110 kids this week! We enjoyed our field trips to Antelope Park, Mahoney State Park, and Bowling Lake! Getting kids out to natural areas in our community is a great way for them to understand and learn more about the nature surrounding them everyday🌿

Hi Everyone! My name is Kyndal Hudson and I am a senior at UNL studying Agricultural Leadership with minors in Child, Youth, and Family Studies and Education Studies. I am a nature and travel lover, and always have been! My favorite things to do outside would include camping, hiking, and exploring new places.

I joined BGO because I was able to conjoin my passions of working with children and the outdoors. Providing and extending outdoor education is something that I have grown to love. I have been interested in exploring informal educational settings within college and my future career, and BGO has been a great segway into learning outside of the classroom.

My favorite natural place would have to be the Black Hills in South Dakota. This national forest is somewhere that I have travelled to many times, and I always find the peace I am looking for. It has beautiful bodies of water, trees, and wildlife! I also have a lot of childhood memories in South Dakota, and this includes the Black Hills.

I am looking forward to my future with BGO! I have been so fulfilled working with these children and working behind the scenes to help further programming. There is much to come in the future!

We are stoked to announce our next community event! Join us on August 9th for a free and fun-filled evening at Oak Lake, all ages and families are welcome! We will be kayaking, fishing, and cooking dinner over campfires! This event is a great way to wrap up your summer with some free fun and learning activities!

Please register through this QR code or through the link in our bio!

On August 10th, we will also be hosting a community service event to clean up Oak Lake. We would love for anyone to join us to serve our community!

We hope to see you all there 🛶🎣🔥
Contact us through direct message or (402) 875-2474

I am beyond words and extremely grateful to share this news with you. In the July 2024 Nebraskaland Magazine an article was written about me in relation to the personal connection I have with the natural world.

This platform that I have been given is amazing. Everyday I work to inspire people of all walks of life to get outside, get their hands dirty and get comfortable with the uncomfortable. Life is a road full of twists and turns that we will never be prepared for. However as long as you never stop and always try to do your best, the opportunities are limitless.

Eric Fowler did an outstanding job at telling my story and highlighting what it has been like to navigate my life as an outdoorsman. Elijah in 2012 would’ve never imagined that the guy teaching me leave no trace principles or how to start a fire would be the same guy telling my story. I am extremely thankful to have had him as a mentor when I was first learning about what the outdoors was.

It’s a beautiful story and comes full circle. Who knows, in 12 years time I could be telling a story about a kid that is currently in a Big Gumdrop Outdoors program and having no idea how significant of an impact I have on them and vice versa. Truly that is what it is all about. BGO exists to make connections and introductions that will inspire people to change the world and uncover all the amazing things happening around them.

Thank you to everyone and everything that has lead me to this moment. The story is not over. The marathon continues. I have so many ideas and plans for this life and this platform. Stay tuned because the sky is not the limit, the sky is what we stand on to reach the beyond! Love you all so much!

- E

Week 4, so many outdoor adventures this week, we worked with a total of 8 different schools/centers and did 18 hours of programming. We wrapped up programming at Culler Middle School and Clinton Elementary for the summer, but we will be starting in some new schools next week!

This week we did lots of mammal trunk activities 🦝, Nebraska birds jeopardy🦉, practiced our survival skills learning by engaging in a survival scenarios activity 🏕️, searching high and low for insects🪲, fishing at Branched Oak 🎣, and more!

Here are some highlights of week three ☀️📢

-10 kids from the Malone center caught insects and explored them at Pioneers Park 🐝

-5 kids at McPhee Elementary successfully identified 15 mammal furs with their skulls 🦫

-25 kids at Clinton Elementary created emergency packing lists to keep them safe in the wilderness 🩹⛑️

-12 kids at the Malone Center helped clean up Pawnee Lake 🗑️🚮

-8 kids at Culler Middle School built there own shelters using tarps, stakes, and paracord ⛺️

-25 kids at Clinton Elementary learned about the importance of maps and created their own 🗺️

-7 kids at Children’s Crossing Childcare overcame obstacles to reach their fishing excursion 🎣

🌳✨Help Inspire Young Explorers! ✨🌳

We’re collecting empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls for a kids’ craft project to make binoculars and explore nature. Your small contribution can make a big difference! 🌍💚

Contact us for drop-off details and spread the word! 🙌

Week two of summer programming is in the books☀️!We worked with all sorts of ages this week from backyard bass fishing with 4-6 year olds🐟 to tent building⛺️with middle schoolers! Our first field trip with the Malone center was at Holmes lake for a wildlife search 🥾and nature scavenger hunt📋. We also had some big catches fishing with Trinity school-agers 🎣. Looking forward to a fun-filled next week!

BLOCK PARTY WEEK has arrived!!

Join us TONIGHT Army on N 27th 5:30PM

We have so much fun planned for everyone to kick of the Summer!

FREE Grilled Dinner 🍔🌭
FREE Kona Ice 🍧
GAMES & More

🎈Also now is your time to yet signed up for SUMMER CAMPS! We will be having…

ATHLETIC TRAINING CAMP🏋️
SOCCER CLUB⚽️

Some amazing organizations will be joining in on the fun!
City Impact Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Big Gumdrop

📢 Join Our Board of Directors! 🌟

Are you passionate about nature and youth education? 🌳🌿 Join Big Gumdrop Outdoors (BGO) and help us build a strong foundation for a brighter future! 🌞

Our Mission: Educate urban youth about nature and inspiring them to explore the great outdoors. 🌍✨

We Need You! We’re looking for dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds to join our board. Specific expertise needed:

Financial Planning (CPA) 💼📊
Legal Advice (Attorney) ⚖️📜

Your Role:
Strategic Planning for Long-term Growth 📈
Ensuring Mission Alignment ✅
Developing Partnerships 🤝
Organizational Oversight 🧐

Commitment:
5 hours/month ⏰
Fiscal contribution 💵 (any amount helps!)

Ready to make a difference? Contact us at [email protected] or visit www.BigGumdropOutdoors.com to learn more and apply.

Let’s inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental stewards together! 🌲👧🏽🧒🏻🌿

🌞 Gear up for summer with Big Gumdrop Outdoors! 🏕️ Dive into the season with our swag, perfect for lakeside lounging or hanging out with your crew. 😎 Every purchase supports our mission to connect urban youth in Lincoln, Nebraska, with the great outdoors. 🌳 Order now for yourself, your family, and friends!

Store closes May 14th at midnight. Click the link in our bio and hit “Order Shirts” to get yours! Let’s spread love and nature vibes together. 💚

🎣 Exciting News Alert! 🌟 Our Fishing Clinic was a splashing success! 🐟 We had a whopping 37 young anglers join us on Sunday, April 28th at Holmes Lake for a fin-tastic day of learning all about fishing! From bait preferences to mastering the art of casting, knot tying, and staying safe around water, our kiddos soaked up invaluable skills.

But wait, there’s more! 🌭 After a delicious hotdog feast, we proudly presented each budding fisherman with their very own fishing rod & reel, tackle box, bait, guides, and certificates of achievement during our graduation ceremony! 🏅

Huge shoutout to our amazing partners who helped make this event a reel success! 🙌 Without the generous support of Catfish Kolby, LS Lures, Nebraska Walleye Association, Raising Canes, and B&R Grocery, none of this would’ve been possible. 🎉 Thank you for investing in the future conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts!

Ready to hook your kids into the wonderful world of fishing? Or lend a hand as a volunteer? 🤝 Click the link in my bio and fill out the “Get Involved” form today! Let’s reel in some memories together! 🌊🎣

Let your body be one with the sun! Get outside and connect with nature! Once you turn these skills into regular habits, your mental & physical health will improve. You’ll even start to feel more good & positive energy.

🌞🌾🦊🦌🌸

This past Saturday, 15 amazing people along with myself went to two local parks to pick up any trash or firework remanence we found. I am very thankful for the people that came out and for those who shared the word. We removed heaps of fishing line, plastic bags, cardboard discs, broken glasses, food packages, firework debris and more.

By getting outside and cleaning this litter we made a big impact on these ecosystems and the life that exists within them. We got rid of trash that presents dangers to wildlife and could've caused mortality if it was not removed.

Not only did we help the environment but we helped ourselves. Getting outside, breathing fresh air and being in the arms of nature is a spiritual experience. It is something that calls you to be mindful of your surroundings and the effect you have on things around you. Take some time this week to get outside. Go on a walk or take a bike ride. Whatever you may do, I encourage you to be mindful of the space you occupy and if you see some trash on the ground do the right thing by throwing it in the garbage.

-

We are looking for Volunteers for Outdoor Education Field Trips!!! Interested?!? Check out the last picture in post or go to link in bio!