Overview
Inland Empire Kids Outdoors (IEKO) is a nonprofit organization based in Riverside, California, established in 2008. It is dedicated to connecting children and their families to nature through various educational programs, outings, and camps. Operating as a 501(c)(3) since February 2020, IEKO's mission revolves around providing barrier-free access to natural spaces in the Inland Empire, promoting the well-being of children through interaction with the environment.
Mission and Vision
The mission of IEKO is to foster a strong connection between children, their families, and the outdoors, while enhancing community livability and promoting environmental stewardship. This is achieved through structured educational programs led by experienced naturalists, who advocate for educational accessibility to nature.
Key Personnel
- Megan Rae Brousseau, President: As a founding member, Megan has over two decades of experience in youth program development, having launched the first nature preschool and a prominent summer camp in the region. Her efforts focus on building partnerships that fortify community life in the Inland Empire.
- Toni Kinsman, Secretary: An advocate for community-driven activities, Toni leverages her background in early childhood education to organize community support initiatives aligning with IEKO's mission.
- Lisa Lennox, Treasurer: With a background in special education, Lisa ensures that IEKO’s educational programs meet community service goals, contributing through her extensive volunteer efforts in Riverside.
- Melissa Marquez, Board Member: Melissa advocates for early environmental connections, assisting families in integrating environmental awareness into everyday life.
Financials
In 2023, Inland Empire Kids Outdoors reported a revenue of $75.6k against expenses of $84.4k, indicating a financial gap that calls for revenue diversification strategies. The organization maintains total assets of $3.41k and operates without liabilities, reflecting a lean operational model.
Activities and Community Engagement
IEKO offers transformative programs including educational outings, environmental advocacy, and community clean-up initiatives like the Santa Ana River clean-up. Its flagship River Camp program, celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024, strengthens the community's connection to nature.
Contact Information
- Phone: 951-536-9204
- Website: [Inland Empire Kids Outdoors](https://www.iekidsoutdoors.org/)
- Social Media:
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/iekidsoutdoors/)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/inlandempirekids/)
Competitive Landscape
Happy Trails for Kids
Located in Southern California, Happy Trails for Kids focuses on providing outdoor activities and camping experiences for children in the foster care system. They offer year-round camp programs that aim to build connections and self-confidence among foster care youth.
Children's Nature Retreat Foundation
Operating from Alpine, California, this foundation merges animal sanctuary experiences with educational programs. It offers interactive experiences with over 200 animals to cultivate a love for nature and promote education among children and families.
Wilderness Youth Project
Based in Santa Barbara, California, the Wilderness Youth Project is dedicated to providing skills-based, small-group outdoor adventures for school-aged children, promoting continuous learning and environmental appreciation through mentor-led programs.
TreePeople
An urban-based organization in Southern California, TreePeople emphasizes tree planting, environmental education, and community-driven ecological interventions. Their extensive programs aim to enhance urban environmental resilience through public workshops and volunteer opportunities.
Web of Life Field (WOLF) School
WOLF School provides immersive outdoor education through state standards-based residential science camps. Operating throughout California, they focus on teaching stewardship and respect for nature, offering hands-on learning experiences for students across various backgrounds and ages.
Inland Empire Kids Outdoors differentiates itself with a family-centric approach within the regional community, setting itself apart from competitors that cater to broader geographies and varied environmental themes. Its strengths include fostering personalized educational experiences and enhancing community environmental stewardship.
