In Chicago, refugee youth find their place through adventure and nature
In Chicago, refugee youth find their place through adventure and nature
United States. Participants of REACH, Refugee Education and Adventure Challenge, take part in a Chicago River Day cleanup in the West Ridge community.
“It just helped my soul heal; it made me feel at home even though I’m not necessarily at home… It gave me a place to belong,” said Muntadher, an 18-year-old resettled refugee from Iraq.
He was referring to REACH, a non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, that helps refugee youth navigate their new lives by offering a unique combination of STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) and outdoor activities like whitewater rafting and mountain biking.
Muntadher fled Iraq at a young age, but his memories remain vivid. "It was a time of war, a lot of destruction and chaos where I lived," he recalled. "The only hope we had was to leave."
The transition to a new culture and unfamiliar surroundings in the United States was difficult, but REACH provided the support he needed, underscoring the profound impact that integration programs like REACH have on newly resettled refugees. Such initiatives facilitate essential connections and leadership development, empowering newcomers to find community and a sense of belonging in their new environments.
United States. Peer mentorship program graduate Nur Aga poses for a photo during a hike on a REACH expedition in South Dakota.
For many refugee youth, overcoming isolation is a critical step toward feeling at home in a new country. “Joining REACH was my first chance at meeting others with the same story,” said 19-year-old Iranian refugee, Sami. “It helped me come to terms that I wasn’t alone.”
Many activities offered by REACH focus on leadership development to empower young refugees, helping them build confidence and a sense of agency in their new environments. Peer mentors, former participants in REACH adventure camps, are essential in fostering a safe and supportive environment where newcomers can forge meaningful connections. Through leadership training, young refugees are empowered to become advocates for themselves and their peers, equipping them with the skills to navigate their new lives with confidence.
Increasingly, REACH has recognized family involvement as essential to the success of its programs and integration efforts. For example, Samar, a single mother whose children participated in REACH activities, found transformative support for her children and gained valuable tools to adapt to life in the U.S. After fleeing Syria, her family spent five years in Jordan before being resettled in the U.S. in 2017. Initially, Samar felt lost trying to adapt to a new country and culture. She discovered REACH through the help of RefugeeOne, a resettlement agency in Chicago, which marked a pivotal turning point for her and her family – in particular, her son. “I signed up for them. It was really helpful. They made a lot of friends, had a lot of activities, and learned so much, especially Abdul,” she shared. “He taught me how to build a tent, make food, start a fire… and being out in the woods was amazing.”
With this newfound support, Samar now envisions a brighter future for her family. “I’m looking forward to my kids finishing school and finding good jobs in a safe country. For me, I hope to go back to school, get my GED, which I’ve already started, and eventually go to college.” She has since become a valued member of the REACH board.
United States. Esa, Sami, and Muntadher, refugees and participants of REACH —Refugee Education and Adventure Challenge — were able to find friendship and community through the programs. REACH introduces refugee youth and their families to contextual outdoor learning activities that transform participants through direct experience with nature and physical challenges.
United States. Samar, a refugee from Syria, enrolled her two younger children in REACH's adventure camps before herself joining a few overnight camping trips. REACH introduces refugee youth and their families to STEAM education and adventure sports.
Organizations like REACH are instrumental in helping refugees build meaningful connections, navigate challenges, and establish a sense of belonging in their new communities. As board member Jason Brashares affirms, REACH is “making sure that these kids get to express their full selves in their new homes and doing that in a way that no other organization in this country is doing it.” This mission is at the heart of REACH’s efforts. “It's not just, ‘Okay, I have a place to live,’ which is great, but it's, ‘Okay, I have a place I belong.’ That’s the switch we hope to try and offer.”
Interviews conducted in June 2023.