About YOLO

Helping Youth Find Direction Outdoors

Youth Outdoor Leadership Organization (YOLO) is a Missouri nonprofit and 501(c)(3) charitable organization that expands access to meaningful outdoor experiences by supporting trusted partner organizations through grants, scholarships, volunteer giving, and charitable partnerships.

Our Story

We Strengthen Outdoor Opportunity

YOLO was created to help more young people benefit from outdoor leadership experiences that build character, citizenship, conservation values, service, and personal growth.

Rather than operating programs directly, we invest in Approved Partner Organizations already delivering quality youth experiences. This model helps charitable resources go further while reinforcing transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship.

Volunteer team celebrating together outdoors
Team planning together during an outdoor-focused nonprofit meeting
Our Values

Guided by Service and Stewardship

Everything we do is designed to support safe, meaningful, and well-led outdoor experiences for youth and the organizations that make them possible.

Leadership and character development through outdoor challenge and service.

We champion experiences that help youth grow in confidence, responsibility, and resilience.

Conservation, citizenship, and accountability in every partnership.

We value careful stewardship of donations, clear decision-making, and lasting community impact.

Leadership and Support

YOLO brings together mission-minded leaders, donors, volunteers, and partner organizations around a shared goal: helping more youth access transformative outdoor experiences.

Volunteer team huddle representing board leadership and shared mission

Provides governance, oversight, and long-term direction.

Outdoor group representing community partnership and youth support

Connect local support with trusted youth-serving organizations.

Team meeting representing corporate and organizational support

Expand impact through charitable contributions and matching gifts.

Young people connecting outdoors in a public park

Help strengthen programs through time, advocacy, and generosity.

★★★★★

“YOLO is committed to helping trusted organizations deliver outdoor experiences that shape leadership, service, and personal growth for the next generation.”

Youth outdoors representing the impact of leadership experiences

YOLO Mission Statement

Transparency, accountability, and impact

Youth Outdoor Leadership Organization

Help More Youth Get Outside

Support YOLO through charitable giving, corporate partnership, matching gifts, or volunteer involvement and help expand access to life-changing outdoor leadership experiences.

As a Missouri 501(c)(3), YOLO is committed to responsible stewardship and mission-focused support for Approved Partner Organizations.

Outdoor camping group representing youth opportunity and support