CT Youth Excellence Project
Building Resilience in the Face of Life’s Challenges
CT Youth Excellence Project
Our Year-Long Immersive Wilderness Mentorship Program
The CT Youth Excellence Project of Outside Perspectives is a year-long program. It engages male teens in youth mentorship. It also provides immersive experiences in nature. YEP uses outdoor activities to build resilience in the face of life challenges. These activities also help establish healthy and sustainable relationships with adult mentors and peers. Each year, a cohort of young men participate in monthly expeditions. They have the opportunity to take part in a longer, multi-day summer expedition.
All About YEP
Having at least one supportive adult can significantly aid in dealing with life’s challenges. Research has shown that it helps promote resilience and recovery. Research has also shown that time spent in natural outdoor spaces can relieve stress and promote physical and mental health. Youth who participate in YEP receive mentorship. They are immersed in the outdoors. This experience offers them an opportunity for personal growth and positive change.
Who is yep for?
Connecticut residing male youth (13-17 y.o.) who have faced life challenges that may include family adversity, loss, trauma, stressful life experiences, or emotional difficulties. We are an inclusive and diverse group.
What does yep do?
Each year a cohort of 8-10 youths participate in monthly activities with Outside Perspectives. These activities include hiking, camping, paddling, and other outdoor expeditions. Some of these are day trips, others involve overnight stays. In the summer, a select group of youth embark on a multi-day expedition. Throughout the year, youth build connections with adult mentors. These mentors provide resources and support during and in between program activities.
How are youth selected?
We can accommodate a small group of 8-10 youth on most activities. Our longer expedition is limited to 8 youths due to trail size limits. We will consider youth on a first come/first serve basis.
Admissions are typically accepted from September – January or until full. However, we will have a waitlist. Depending on availability, we will consider admissions throughout the year. We encourage you to fill out the interest form below.
How much does it cost?
The program is estimated to cost about $5,000/per person annually. However, it is FREE to families thanks to volunteers and fundraising efforts. We do appreciate leads for donors and small grants to sustain the program. If you have a lead, please reach out to nicky@outsideperspectives.org.
How did YEP come to be?
Dr. Damion Grasso founded YEP in 2014 and voluntarily led the program through 2025. Damion is a mental health clinician and researcher who is passionate about youth mentoring and being in the outdoors. He started the program to provide an opportunity for youth who have faced difficult life challenges. These individuals might benefit from increased social support. They could also engage in outdoor activities. Emotional and behavioral challenges among youth have been steadily rising. We think we can help and are committed to doing our part to support today’s youth.
2026 YEP Program Dates
*Dates are subject to change due to funding outcomes
February 7th: YEP Orientation
March 6 – 8th: Winter Overnight
May 15 – 17th: Backpacking Overnight
April 11: Challenge Course Day
June 13th: Outdoor Rock Climbing Day
July 10 – 12th: Canoe Overnight (two nights/three days)
July 31 – Aug 8th: Bigelow Mountain Backpacking & Canoeing Expedition
Celebration
Videos
“As a 14 year old in my generation not everyone wants to go to camp or go hiking. Most people just wanna stay inside and play video games all day. When I first heard that devices weren’t allowed I was shocked but at the same time I would finally get a chance to experience nature without a filter or snap-score. As the trip went on the relationships with my peers grew.”
Tai, Youth Excellence Project
