‘Every Kid Outdoors’ program reaches out to refugee teens
Jun 28, 2025, 8:00 AM
MORGAN — About 40 refugee teens spent three days at a special camp designed to help them try Utah’s great outdoors. Their days included activities that many of them have never done before.
Some of those were as simple as camping, hiking and making s’mores. The group spent Friday on East Canyon Reservoir, kayaking, sailing, and enjoying games along the beach.
Refugee from Syria enjoying Utah’s outdoors
Anas Mohammed, a Syrian who came to Utah with his family from Iraq two years ago, said he was enjoying all of it.
“It was so perfect,” Mohammed said. “I had a lot of fun time since yesterday, with my friends and the staff.”
Anas Mohammed kicks around a soccer ball with some friends at East Canyon Reservoir Friday. (Mike Anderson, KSL TV)
The camp, hosted by the DNR’s Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR), is a part of Utah’s Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge. The DOR has held similar events since it was founded in 2022, but this was their first effort specifically aimed at refugee youth.
What’s behind ‘Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge’?
“We’re here to get every kid outdoors experiencing something new, to get them off their phones,” said Caroline Weiler, the DOR youth engagement program manager.”We know the benefits of getting outside (are) so good for our mental and physical well-being.”
Refugee youth try some kayaking at East Canyon Reservoir. (Mike Anderson, KSL TV)
The DOR partnered with several nonprofit organizations to make the event happen, including International Rescue Committee, and Summit Journeys, which has a similar mission to get kids to experience the outdoors.
Helping refugees navigate through water and life
“As we teach some sailing skills or paddling skills we’re really (saying), ‘how can they navigate their way through a new culture and get where they want to go in life,’” said Summit Journeys Executive Director Martin Frey.
Related: Generous donation helps extend services for Utah refugee families
“We’re really enabling them to build confidence and self-efficacy and belief in their own capability to achieve their goals and also increase their tolerance for uncertainty.”
A refugee youth tries some small boat sailing Friday at East Canyon Reservoir. (Mike Anderson, KSL TV)
Saige Palsson, education program supervisor with the International Rescue Committee, said many of the youth responded positively to the outdoor activities and expressed interest in getting out again soon. They add that activities like this can be important in helping them feel like a part of the community around them.
“Refugees and new Americans are coming from unquestionably difficult circumstances,” Palssen said. “They’re in kind of this survival mode when they come to the United States.”
