For Elijah Riley, the outdoors has always been more than just a place—it has been a refuge, a classroom, and a source of inspiration. Growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska, Elijah spent countless summer weekends fishing with his dad, waking before sunrise and returning home only after the sun had set. The hours spent by the water, watching ripples dance across the lake and listening to bullfrogs croak, gave him a sense of peace and stability in an otherwise uncertain world. Coming from a large family and experiencing the challenges of divorce at a young age, he found solace in nature, a space where he could be free from the pressures of daily life.

​

As he grew older, Elijah’s curiosity about the natural world only deepened. He watched wildlife shows, hunting documentaries, and adventure series, captivated by stories of people exploring remote landscapes, tracking animals, and living closely with nature. He wanted that life for himself, but he quickly realized a difficult truth—he had no roadmap to follow. His family wasn’t deeply involved in outdoor recreation, and few of his peers shared his interests. More importantly, when he looked at the outdoor industry and the media surrounding it, he rarely saw anyone who looked like him. Representation was lacking, and so were accessible resources for kids like him who wanted to learn.

 

Rather than letting these barriers stop him, Elijah took matters into his own hands. He bought a bow off Craigslist, found a small piece of public land outside of Lincoln, and taught himself how to hunt through trial, error, and an endless stream of YouTube videos. It was a difficult and often frustrating journey—one filled with mistakes, long hours of learning, and moments of doubt. But through every missed shot, every cold morning in the woods, and every hard-earned success, he realized that his struggles weren’t just his own. There were countless other kids growing up in urban environments who were just as curious, just as eager to explore, but who lacked the guidance and support to do so.

​

That realization planted the seed for Big Gumdrop Outdoors. What started as a personal storytelling platform—where Elijah documented his outdoor experiences to inspire others—quickly grew into something bigger. The real turning point came when someone asked him, "If your goal is to teach underserved youth about the outdoors, what are you actually doing to give them access?" That question changed everything. In that moment, Elijah knew BGO had to be more than just inspiration—it had to be action.

​

In the summer of 2023, BGO launched its first eight-week program with the Clyde Malone Community Center, introducing youth to conservation, wildlife education, and outdoor skills. Kids learned about ecosystems, built tents, cooked over campfires, and—most memorably—went fishing for the first time. The joy on their faces, the excitement of catching their first fish, and the way they embraced the outdoors solidified BGO’s mission. It wasn’t just about introducing kids to nature—it was about giving them ownership over their experiences, empowering them to see themselves as part of the outdoor world.

​

Today, Big Gumdrop Outdoors operates after-school clubs, summer programs, and community events designed to meet kids where they are and remove the barriers that keep them from nature. The vision extends beyond just getting kids outside—it’s about building a pipeline of opportunity, where children grow up engaged in the outdoors, high school students mentor the next generation, and young adults pursue careers in conservation, outdoor leadership, and environmental advocacy.

​

Elijah’s goal is clear: to create lasting change by fostering a generation of outdoor enthusiasts who are diverse, empowered, and deeply connected to the land. With plans to expand BGO into more urban areas where kids spend more time on concrete than dirt, he is committed to ensuring that every child—no matter where they come from—has the chance to build a lifelong relationship with nature.

​

"I believe the outdoors is for everyone, and it’s my mission to make sure no kid feels like they don’t belong. The wild is waiting—all we have to do is step outside." - Elijah Riley