Every quarter, we choose a different organization that is near and dear to our hearts as our Pledge 1% recipient. The Pledge 1% Movement challenges companies to donate 1% of their revenue, product, or employee time (or all three) to support local nonprofit organizations. This Spring quarter, we are excited to announce OutGrown as our Pledge 1% recipient.
“It's important to us that we give back to the world that supports us. Pledge 1% makes it easy to honor that commitment by making sure that we are always donating to charitable causes, whether a little or a lot, in good times and bad.” – Tavis Malcolm, Founder of Morrison Outdoors
OutGrown is a wonderful 501(c)(3) non-profit organization centered on supporting young families in feeling comfortable, capable, and ready to reap the benefits of time in nature with their little ones. We sat with the Executive Director to discuss how OutGrown empowers families with young children to embrace the outdoors.
What is the Mission of OutGrown?
OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to close the baby nature gap by supporting families with babies and young children in building strong, early connections with the natural world. We envision a future where every family has access to nature and values it as essential to well-being, community, and childhood. Together, we are raising a generation with a deep love for the outdoors and a lifelong sense of belonging to and responsibility for the environment.
Most outdoor and nature-based programming begins in pre-K or later. But from birth to age three, a child’s brain forms over one million new neural connections every second. At the same time, caregivers’ brains undergo profound changes, making them more open to new ideas, habits, and community connections.
This transformation window offers a powerful opportunity to reach multiple generations at once—families with young children. By creating positive, welcoming natural experiences from the beginning, we help families build a lasting connection to the outdoors. And when families grow up loving nature, they are more likely to protect it for life.
Photo Credit: Jessica Human
What Programs, Events, or Resources Do You Provide for the Community?
OutGrown offers programs that meet families where they are, providing welcoming, inclusive, and rooted-in-community access to nature. Our work centers on early childhood and caregiver connection, removing barriers and building lifelong habits of outdoor engagement.
Our three core programs include:
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Hike it Baby is a free, national program that supports families in getting outside with their little ones. What began as a single parent-led walk has grown into a community that has touched over 350,000 families over the last decade. Families can join community-led outings, explore our searchable Family Trail Guide with more than 2,000 parks and trails, and connect with others for support and inspiration. Last year alone, over 1,200 hikes were hosted nationwide.
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Bring it Outside builds trusted partnerships with local organizations to co-create how-to workshops and community outings that reflect the culture, language, and lived experience of the families they serve. Through multilingual resources, free gear, and participation in neighborhood events, Bring it Outside helps ensure that families historically excluded from outdoor access feel welcomed, supported, and seen in nature.
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Turn the Blues Green supports new parents in the critical postpartum period by encouraging simple, safe time outside with a newborn. The program offers nature-based strategies for coping with the baby blues and postpartum depression, helping families find both connection and healing outdoors. Backed by current research and supported by the REI Co-op Community Impact Fund, Turn the Blues Green is currently in a study phase. Following the completion of the research, new community cohorts are anticipated in 2026.
Raising a Generation to Love the Outdoors and Each Other
Becoming a parent is a profound life shift, both incredible and overwhelming. Nature offers a simple and powerful way for families to connect, slow down, and build healthy habits together. Yet many families do not feel comfortable or confident getting outside, especially with a baby.
OutGrown creates a welcoming space where families can explore nature at their own pace, with the support, knowledge, and community they need to build confidence outdoors. We believe these early steps, no matter how small, can lead to a lifelong impact. As children grow, so does their understanding of the natural world and their role in caring for it. Together, we are raising a generation that values connection, community, and the shared responsibility of protecting our planet for the future.
Photo Credit: Laura Castro
In support of this awesome organization, we are directing a portion of every sale made in April, May, and June to help OutGrown reach their goal of creating more opportunities for families to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of spending time in nature.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, and we are proud to support organizations that share this mindset! Check out the OutGrown website for more information and to find events happening near you!
Cover Photo Credit: Laura Castro
