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 experi
ences 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.
04/24/2026
We are excited to welcome Kelly to the Ambassador team! 👏 We look forward to expanding our programs to a new area with you.
Congratulations to Hil from Colorado Springs, Colorado! This April, Hil was awarded $500 through our “Live Your Big” scholarship program. She will be taking a once-in-a-lifetime women’s trip to Yosemite in California!
✍ In her words:
"I wasn’t able to fly after my brain injury for almost 11 years, but in October 2025, I was cleared to fly. It feels like my world is open again. I have made good friends from some brain injury groups, and now to have the opportunity to join an incredible women's group—but this time it isn’t defined by my injury.
I’ve been feeling like I’ve transitioned from brain injury girl to mountain woman, from a journey of recovery to a journey of discovery, and this trip just feels right. Right time. Right group. Right experience."
What sets Outdoor Mindset apart is that we are powered by incredible volunteers. 👏 Our volunteer ambassador team—everyday people who believe in the power of nature and belonging—makes our mission work happen on the ground.
This National Volunteer Month, we thank ALL of you for your dedication. Volunteering isn’t always rainbows and sunshine—it's hard work!
Thanks to you, OM magic happens. ✨ We could not do this work without you. Round of applause for these amazing people!
Outdoor Mindset’s Board of Directors is a fun, active group of passionate advocates for adults with neurological challenges. Board members engage regularly, providing their expertise and skills to advance OM’s mission.
We are specifically looking for individuals with experience in nonprofit management and fundraising in the outdoor or healthcare industry.
04/02/2026
Oh hey! 👋 Let us reintroduce ourselves and what we do.
03/23/2026
Happening NEXT Sunday in Denver! 🌸 Join Ambassador Lisa to celebrate the new season in a creative way. RSVP is required—visit www.outdoormindset.org/events/spring.
See you there?
Spring is here—let’s celebrate! Hosted by: Ambassador Lisa
03/19/2026
⏳ LAST CHANCE! Apply by the end of the day, Friday, March 20!
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”!
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!
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.
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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.