State‑funded outdoor education program has brought dozens of Cudahy youth to San Gabriel Mountains, presenters say

Cudahy — Nathan “Greatrunner” Nunez, CEO of Nunez and Nunez Consulting Services, updated the council Oct. 7 on a two‑year outdoor education program that brings youth and families from Southeast Los Angeles to the San Gabriel Mountains for camping and cultural programming.

Nunez said the program, called Community Connection of Well Lands, is funded by a state legislative allocation targeted at Southeast Los Angeles and covers the camp costs for participating families. He told council the organization has served more than 54 youth from the city of Cudahy and about 265 youth and families across Southeast LA since the program began.

Program elements and outcomes: Presenters described two‑day, one‑night trips to Camp Eaton and Crystal Lake, combining outdoor skills (tent setup, hydration at altitude, archery) with cultural and reflective practices. Nunez called the trips “transformative moments” that create connections to land, culture and peers; participants cited star‑gazing, sunsets, archery and the experience of silence as highlights.

Council response: Council members thanked Nunez and his staff, offered to write letters of support to help secure future funding, and suggested additional recruitment tactics, family outreach and opportunities for youth to present their experiences at city events. Staff said they are coordinating follow‑up meetings with the organization to improve parent outreach and increase participation.

No formal council action was taken; council directed staff to continue coordination and explore ways the city can support outreach and recruitment.