Keaton's Kids is an organization that empowers underserved kids by taking them on transformative outdoor adventures. We are proud to have chosen this locally-based nonprofit as the beneficiary of our Summer 2023 Giving Project. When you purchase yarn at The Endless Skein this summer to knit the Pando shawl by Amor Esperanza or crochet the Margarita shawl by Cecilia Losada, Keaton's Kids will receive a portion of the proceeds.

We recently caught up with Cat Guthrie, the organization's Founder and Executive Director, who shared how Keaton's Kids has been a transformative journey for herself as well as for so many young people.

Please tell us the story of how Keaton’s Kids came into being.

My son Keaton died in a surfing accident at Thanksgiving, 2018. I spent 18 months trying to figure out how I could honor his incredible spirit, his passion for social justice, his way of building community by bringing friends and even strangers together to bond and learn to love each other, and his adventurous spirit. I eventually heard the words "take underserved kids on transformative outdoor adventures", so that became our mission, and that is what we do.

What are some programs you have helped to fund?

When we first started, it was during the pandemic lockdown and many organizations were shuttered. We contacted CatRock Ventures in the Bronx, who really wanted to get a cycling academy started to get kids out of their apartments and into the fresh air and nature on bikes. Our first partnership got that academy up and running, and it is still going strong today.

We have taken a girls' empowerment group on an outdoor high ropes course, helped fund another young women's group on a three-day rock climbing adventure, and provided buses for a Newburgh group to be able to snowboard for 5 Sundays this last winter.

Last July and again this July, we will host kids in a summer camp program where they learn swimming skills and to appreciate nature through hiking.

We're always looking for new partners and ways we can get kids outdoors.

What is most rewarding about the work you do?

Hearing a young person say, "I never believed I could do this! I'm proud of myself!" after climbing a hill, after learning to ride a bike the first time, or watching the faces of the kids as they learn to go down the mountain on a snowboard. My partner Kevin Spath and I accompany as many trips as we can and help out, so whether it's teaching kids to ride bikes, or keeping them safe on the mountain, we're there, experiencing them as they wake up to a larger way to look at the world. We are able to provide underserved kids with opportunities many may only have dreamed of. One young man named Omar said at Wyndham Mountain, "In my neighborhood, going snowboarding was something we couldn't even imagine. Now I'm here. Incredible."

What has surprised you?

I am amazed by how nice all the kids we work with are. How they jump into new things wholeheartedly and commit to whatever we're doing.

We were also surprised by how hard things are logistically. How lack of transportation and resources can be such a big drawback in getting kids out of the city.

Tell us about the Great Skate Giveaway.

Last year, we gave away 75 skateboards to 75 kids in economically disadvantaged Newburgh NY. This year, on July 15th from 10-1pm at the Newburgh Skatepark, we're growing the project and giving away 100 skateboards to 100 kids. Skateboarding was a huge passion of Keaton's and he would especially love this project. It's a fun day with a DJ and snacks, and people offering skate tips to the kids.

How can people get involved?

Just let us know they'd like to be a part of upcoming programs and adventures. And of course, donate at keatonskids.org.

Anything else you would like to share?

Yes. It's about turning tragedy into treasure. Turning the tragedy of Keaton's death into the treasure of Keaton's Kids has been a life changing and rewarding experience for both Kevin and me. Connecting with the kids, volunteering, creating new programs. It has been a life saver. Thanks for reading about it!

Your yarn purchase to knit the Pando shawl or crochet the Margarita shawl will help support the important work of Keaton's Kids. Start your Summer Giving project today!