Building community for adults affected by neurological challenges through connection with each other and the outdoors.
Outdoor Mindset unites and empowers people affected by neurological challenges through a common passion for the outdoors.
OUR STORY
In 2009, a group came together inspired by a mutual friend’s determination to make something good come from a recent diagnosis of a brain tumor. Everyone shared a link to a neurological challenge (brain tumors, aneurysms, epilepsy, etc.). Their experiences ranged from personal diagnosis to supporting diagnosed family members and friends. The group also shared a passion for the outdoors, along with an unyielding enthusiasm for life. These commonalities inspired the idea of Outdoor Mindset. Now, the connections we make between others broaden the story. OM Community
Our community is available for anyone that shares our passion for the outdoors and has been affected by a neurological challenge. OM Meetups
Strengthens connections and empowers people in the OM community to get outside with others in their local area. OM Adventure Scholarship
Encourages people in the OM Community to live big through a funded adventure of their choice. WHY WE DO IT
● Social connections positively influence health. Information is helpful; however, according to researchers and healthcare providers, personally connecting with others has significant positive impact on patient health.
● We all know someone who has faced a neurological challenge. Each year in the United States:
○ Over 100,000 people are diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor.
○ 181,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy
○ 10,400 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS)
○ 50,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
○ 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury
● Getting outdoors and being active helps too. Exposure to the natural environment of the outdoors directly correlates to improved neuropsychological function and behavioral attitudes toward managing challenges in diagnosis. Research has shown physical activity to be a significant factor in improving quality of life indicators among diagnosed individuals.
03/06/2026
Do you (or someone you know) have a neurological challenge and love the outdoors? We want to give you $500 towards a life-changing trip or adventure!
We believe experiences outside help us grow, boost our confidence, and make memories that will last for the rest of our lives. In this journey, we want you to take a deep breath and say, “This is what life is all about”!
The spring application deadline is coming up fast. Here’s what to know:
- This award is for someone 18+ who has a neurological challenge diagnosis of any kind.
- Any type of outdoor trip or adventure is accepted. We want you to “Live Your Big”.
- Anyone across the country can apply.
- If you are not awarded this spring, you are still in the running to receive a scholarship throughout 2026!
Check out this *amazing* group of folks in the Denver area! This past weekend, they enjoyed a community stroll and snacks, led by ambassadors Ann and Lisa. The smiles say it all!
Thank you, all of you, for being a part of this community. 💚
02/20/2026
Our 2025 impact report is here!! 🤩 2025 was Outdoor Mindset’s most successful year since we started down the trail in 2010—this was possible because of you, your ongoing support, and your passionate belief in what we are working to accomplish every single day.
As an Outdoor Mindset Ambassador and best-in-class hugger, we are proud to share this article from UCHealth about Jeff's journey.
After suffering a major stroke in 2018, Jeff never gave up and never lost his positive outlook on life. Now, not only does he serve as a tireless advocate for Outdoor Mindset's work and community, but he also regularly visits stroke patients at the Medical Center of the Rockies through UCHealth's volunteer program!
His zest for life, love of the outdoors, and fearlessness in his recovery are an inspiration to us all. We are honored to work alongside you, Jeff. ❤️
Jeff’s inspiring journey of resilience and recovery shows that life after a hemorrhagic stroke can bring new passions.
02/13/2026
🎉 The Spring Live Your Big Scholarship application is NOW OPEN!
Is there a trip or adventure that you have always wanted to do? No matter the idea, we want to help make it possible with a $500 award.
We believe experiences outside help us grow, boost our confidence, and make memories that will last for the rest of our lives. In this journey, we want you to take a deep breath and say, “This is what life is all about”! Any type of outdoor trip and adventure is accepted—we want you to “Live Your Big”.
Apply by March 20th for consideration in this year's first round.
We are excited about the new year, but we are 👏 not 👏 done👏 celebrating 👏 the last! 🥳 2025 was FULL of accomplishments, laughs, community building, and time outside.
Stay tuned...our 2025 impact report is headed your way soon!
12/23/2025
Hap, hap, happy holidays! 🌲 Consider this our tree-free holiday card. We want to say—WOW, what a year, and golly, we can’t thank you enough.
Your support, donations, and high-fives continue to keep our mission in motion. As a nonprofit fueled by donor dollars, dedicated volunteers, and passionate advocates like you, words cannot express our gratitude. We couldn’t do this work without you.
Sending a big-OM-bear hug and wishing you the happiest of holidays!
12/19/2025
Grab your pals—it's silent auction time! We have the COOLEST package: a Utah ski and stay experience for 4 with Outdoor Mindset's founder. 🤩
Proceeds will go towards our $30,000 fundraising goal, which will launch us into 2026. Check it out and share...bidding closes December 31!
We are beyond proud of what we have accomplished in 2025, thanks to your support to date:
-We have seen a 148% increase in new community members since early 2024!
-Thanks to our growing Ambassador team, we have had a whopping 108% increase in meetups from 2024!
-We have had a 44% increase in the number of meetup participants!
-We have awarded four (4) Live Your Big scholarships—the most awards we have ever provided in one year!
Every dollar truly counts at OM. If you are not in a position to give or have already given this year, please share this post with your friends and family 💚
No secrets here. Donations will keep Outdoor Mindset pedaling forward, and we need $30,000 in gifts by January 1 to keep our momentum building into 2026.
With your help, we can reach more people who are facing a neurological challenge and needing connection with others in a place we all love and benefit from—nature.
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In 2009, thirteen individuals came together inspired by a mutual friend’s determination to make something great come from a recent diagnosis of a brain tumor. Everyone shared a link to a neurological challenge (brain tumors, aneurysms, epilepsy, etc.). Their experiences ranged from personal diagnosis to supporting diagnosed family members and friends. The group also shared a passion for the outdoors, along with an unyielding enthusiasm for life. These commonalities inspired the idea of Outdoor Mindset. Now, the connections we make between others broaden the story.
We BELIEVE in the positive power of the outdoors and community
We STRIVE to improve quality of life for those affected by neurological challenges
We ENVISION a global Outdoor Mindset positively impacted by the outdoors
OM Community
The OM community is available for anyone who faces a neurological challenge that shares our passion for the outdoors.
OM Meetup Groups
Strengthens connections and empowers people in the OM community to get outside with others in their local area.
OM Adventure Scholarship
Encourages people in the OM Community to live big through a funded adventure of their choice.
WHY WE DO IT
● Social connections positively influence health.
Information is helpful; however, according to researchers and healthcare providers, personally connecting with others has significant positive impact on patient health.
● We all know someone who has faced a neurological challenge. Each year in the United States:
○ Over 100,000 people are diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor.
○ 181,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy
○ 10,400 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS)
○ 50,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
○ 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury
● Getting outdoors and being active helps too. Exposure to the natural environment of the outdoors directly correlates to improved neuropsychological function and behavioral attitudes toward managing challenges in diagnosis. Research has shown physical activity to be a significant factor in improving quality of life indicators among diagnosed individuals.
