OUT There Adventures is a new Bainbridge Island-based nonprofit on a mission to provide multi-day sea kayaking and backpacking trips to young people who identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer/questioning).

These trips aim “to create community, develop leadership skills, and increase self-esteem for some of our community’s most vulnerable young people,” said founder and executive director Elyse Rylander.

Few camps for LGBTQ young people exist in the United States, and OTA is the first expedition-based organization specifically created for this demographic.

“It’s my dream job,” said Kira McGieson, the program director and a Bainbridge Island native. “To be able to provide this opportunity to young, LGBTQ people is so amazing. I wish OTA would have been around when I was young.”

OTA also began as a dream for its founder while she was in college at the University of Wisconsin. Understanding the power of experiences in nature, Rylander wanted to combine her passion for the outdoors and LGBTQ social justice. Met with the unfortunate reality that no such programs existed, she relocated to Seattle in 2013 to follow her dream and in two short years, OTA gained momentum.

OTA’s mission is to offer opportunities for positive growth in order to help offset the barriers and challenges LGBTQ young people face.

The organization is offering its inaugural trip for high school-aged youth this June. The group will spend eight days sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands.

OTA is also hosting its first fundraising event from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, May 1 at Grace Church.

To find out more about OTA, visit www.outthereadventures.org.