from front doors to outdoors
The mission of BOAT – the Bus for Outdoor Access & Teaching – is to get other organizations’ missions outside.
A not-for-profit wilderness program on wheels run from a custom bus, we bring a full service outdoor program to the front doors of our partners. Every program we run is a partnership with a community leader working to get their group outside. Time outdoors has powerful effects on health, wellness, and learning – BOAT helps get you there.
We strategically target major barriers to outdoor access:
Transportation & Access
Transportation is a frequently cited barrier when large groups need to go to outdoor places. As a non-profit, we can offer a more affordable way to get organizations to outdoor spaces.
Knowledge & Awareness
Many Americans simply don’t know the basics of where to go, what to do, and how to do it safely outside. Our educational programs help people learn to thrive – not just survive – on their first camping trip.
Planning & Logistics
Planning an outing is hard. Our “wilderness program on wheels” simplifies the process. If your group can show up with clothes they’d use in gym class, we can take care of everything else.
Our Partners
Fundamental to BOAT is the idea that every program is a partnership. We work with the following diverse partners across the country to provide the equipment, food, or logistics that enable trips.
BOAT is on the move!
We serve a national audience, but you can see where we are (and where we’re headed) below:
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
Need some outdoor educators at your fair or farmers market? Want outdoor education in your school yard? Free camping trip consulting for your audience?
EXPEDITION
Travel off-trail through one of our premiere backpacking destinations. We’ll teach you to navigate and work as a team. You choose where to go and how difficult the days will be each day!
BASECAMP
Ride BOAT to a wilderness base camp for a week of camping, building skills, and exploring the region. Typically tent camping with a central kitchen or lodge, or cabins in the winter. We base in one place and move around for day trips.
ADVENTURE ROAD TRIP
Play some tunes, hop on the bus, and check out a new adventure every day – a wide array of activities and campsites, switching locations on a regular basis. This lets us cover a lot of ground to see a “greatest hits” set of sites and activities.
Being outside matters.
Even a short time outside has powerful effects – and the more time you’re out, the strong those effects become. It’s critically important for Americans to be able to explore the benefits.
Good for your health!
A better way to learn!
Impacts that last!
It needs to be easier.
There are plenty of outdoor programs out there, but people still aren’t getting out. We wanted to create something different, so BOAT directly targets the challenges facing regular day to day organizations when they want to move their missions outside.
The full package!
Front door to outdoor service!
Curriculum built for you!
get on board
Sign up for updates on where we are, the bus, programs, thoughts about the access to the outdoors, and – of course – ways you can join, support us, or get involved. Welcome to BOAT!
