Step Outside

Are you a nonprofit organization in the Columbus area that is providing swimming opportunities for kids this summer?

Step Outside has goggles, swim caps, swimsuits, and towels if your participants need them.

Contact us at [email protected] if you're interested in obtaining swimming items for your participants!

The Scioto Audubon Meto Park is one of our favorite Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks to "step outside" for a workout and engage our physical health!

Since I've known him, Nate Jameson has been on my tail about making things happen with Step Outside. After all of the collaborating we've done where he's been the guest, it's exciting to have the roles be reversed and Step Outside now gets to be the guest. Needless to say, we're incredibly grateful for the opportunity.

Please share with any high school boy in Columbus who in interested in investing in their future with us.

In recognition of May 15th being International Water Safety Day, we want to introduce you to Thomas.

Thomas was a very inquisitive, lovable, and active 2-year-old boy who loved the outdoors and all things country. On July 3rd, 2011, Thomas unexpectedly died due to drowning.

As you go throughout this May 15th, we ask that you take a minute to teach your family and friends about water safety and consider supporting "Because of Thomas".

Visit step-outside.org to learn more.

And yes, it's been nearly 15 years later and I still got a bit emotional preparing this post.

As a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on donations, it's easy to say that we'll accept swimsuits of any colors.

However, the color of your swimsuit could save your life.

In honor of National Water Safety Month, we're asking that you please keep the color of swimsuit in mind when making a donation to Step Outside.

Thank you to for spreading this awareness.

Did you know that...

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4?
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14?

This is why we need you to apply to teach swimming skills to 300-400 OSULifesports campers this summer!

Camp Dates: Monday, June 8th – Thursday, July 2nd
Hours: 7:30am-1:00pm Monday-Friday
Pay: $15.15
Age: 18 years or older and at least one year post high school graduation
Location: The Ohio State University

OSU student application:
https://www.myworkday.com/osu/d/inst/15$392530/9925$349553.htmld

Non OSU student/community member application:
https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Youth-Care-Worker--Staff_R145002-1

Statistics were obtained from Stop Drowning Now.

Did you know that May is National Water Safety Month?

We'll be sharing resources from well-known organizations as a reminder to stay safe in and around the water this summer.

Visit redross.org/watersafety to learn more.

Step Outside is partnering with OSULifesports to provide swimming skills to 300-400 campers this summer!

We're still accepting applications for swimming instructors.
Applicants must be one year post high school graduation and at least 18 years old.

Complete the application and learn more at:
https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Youth-Care-Worker--Staff_R145002-1

Please share with anyone in the Columbus area that may be interested!

Check out Step Outside's 2025 Annual Report to learn about what we've been up to for the past year. Thank you to everyone who has provided support and encouragement!

Visit step-outside.org to learn more.

Happy Earth Day!

Be sure to stop by the Step Outside and Kids In Nature - Ohio table at Green Columbus' Earth Day celebration at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park on Sunday, April 26th from 11am-7pm. Make a personalized ornament and enter for a chance to win a basket full of swimming items!

Thank you to Matthew Chiles for cutting all of the tree cookies!

If you're considering swim lessons for your child, look no further than Buckeye Swimming.

They have been an integral partner in keeping Step Outside stocked with swim gear for participants of Because of Thomas. We are grateful every time we pick up a new batch of donations!