PARKER BOUNDS JOHNSON FOUNDATION

MISSION

To serve young people and their families by improving access to mental and behavioral health support through premier accredited nature-based programs, parent support, and our not-for-profit adventure-based coaching program—Wilderness4Life.

SERVICES

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Financial Assistance can be provided to attend accredited residential wilderness therapy programs - for qualifying families from Oregon & Washington, who are in crisis and have a demonstrated financial need.
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Community-centered Wilderness4Life Program - for 12-17-year-old youth and their families in the Greater Portland, Oregon area. This is an in-person, therapeutic adventure-based coaching program that promotes resiliency, recovery, and prevention, by fostering connection, belonging, an active lifestyle, and appreciation for nature in a group setting.
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​​Parent/Guardian Monthly Support Groups - offered in-person and virtually.
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Awareness and Advocacy around mental health, concussion awareness, and suicide prevention.
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“Wouldn’t it be ‘tight’ if we could send just one kid a year to Wilderness?”Parker

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The Pine Cone

The Ponderosa Pine is a tree that grows taller than all others in climates that would seem unable to support such life. In our recent history, these trees were landmarks of hope and encouragement to many pioneers coming west on the Oregon Trail.

This pine cone fell from the branch of a mighty Ponderosa growing in arid earth under the central Oregon high desert sun.

The cone's scales follow the same spiral curves as those observed in sunflowers, seashells, and the arms of our Milky Way. This beautiful recurring geometry is described mathematically by the Golden Ratio and the Fibonacci Numbers, which can be observed within our own bodies and throughout our natural world.

Its symbolism has inspired humanity through time and across civilizations. From ancient Rome to ancient Mesopotamia, it is found in art, architecture, and spiritual symbolism. Osiris--The Egyptian god of transition, resurrection, and regeneration--carried a pine cone staff, and many Hindu deities have been depicted holding a pine cone in their outstretched hand.

The pine cone has been historically associated with enlightenment, spiritual awakening, and the "third eye." The pineal gland is thought to be the physiological center of the "third eye", and resembles a tiny pine cone itself.

A single cone contains seeds that could potentially grow a whole forest of Ponderosa Pines. It opens with the warmth of the sun and closes with the saturation of rain, waiting patiently for favorable conditions.

May the pine cone's beauty and mystery inspire wonder, curiosity, strength, and the sensation of interconnectedness between you and the natural world like is has inspired me.


Breanna B Johnson
Artist

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“May the pine cone’s beauty and mystery inspire wonder, curiosity, strength and the sensation of interconnectedness between you and the natural world like it has inspired me.”

Breanna Bounds Johnson, Artist

Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation
PO Box 1989
Lake Oswego, OR 97035

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A GuideStar Gold Transparency NonProfit

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If you or someone you care about are in crisis, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
CALL 9-8-8

© 2024 Wilderness4Life.org - a Non-Profit Public Charity 501(c)3 Tax ID#81-3500151