Meet the Crew: Natalie Moo Young, staff

"I've always loved being outside, running around and building forts in the woods or playing kickball and climbing trees," said Natalie Moo Young. "I never had any specific activity that I favored, but I just always loved the feeling of the earth around me and the freedom I feel. It never fails to lift my spirits!" 

As Adventure Crew's newest outdoor specialist, Natalie is excited to share those feelings with city teens.

"Adventure Crew's mission of making the outdoors enjoyable for underrepresented groups is one that definitely resonates with me," she said. "Outside belongs to everyone, even if they don't know it yet!" 

Natalie was first exposed to Adventure Crew when she attended our Summits & Horizons fundraiser last fall; then, she attended the "No Man's Land" Film Festival this past March. "I left both events feeling so inspired, and I loved hearing stories from other Black women about their reclamation of the outdoors."

As it turned out, Natalie was looking for part-time work in addition to her full-time role as marketing and communications specialist at Santa Maria Community Services in Price Hill.

"It's an amazing organization and I get to work with fantastic people who I admire so much, helping families and kiddos reach their goals," she said of her "day job."

"I've always wanted to work at places I was passionate about, and finding amazing causes to serve is what keeps me going every day!" she added.

At Adventure Crew, she'll be able to make an impact in a different way -- while sharing her love of the outdoors!

"I absolutely love swimming and kayaking," she said. "I just love being near the water or in it. Something about it is so recentering for me, like I was made to be in the water! As a kid, I was absolutely certain that I was a mermaid."

When she's not at work or in the water, you'll find Natalie traveling, cooking, trying new foods, out for a long walk or at a local community event. 

"I can't wait to bring that same love for the outdoors and community to Adventure Crew!" she said.

Welcome to the Crew, Natalie!