Our Founder, Dan Forman

1965 - 2012

From Bob Marshall's article, “Dan Forman, Creator of Outdoor Programs for New Orleans Children, Dies at 46,” The Lens, February 9, 2012

“A Rhode Islander who fell in love with the music and culture of New Orleans, Mr. Forman believed the lessons children learned in outdoor sports could help them avoid the cycle of dysfunction and violence that plagues the city's poor. That belief was based on his own experiences as a troubled youth who found the right path during Maine outdoors camps, and the degree he earned in social work at Temple University.

In 1997, Mr. Forman transformed a nascent NORD program, building outdoors clubs across inner-city schools with an operating budget of just $5,000. Children first spent time in classrooms learning environmental education before gaining basic outdoor skills while canoeing, hiking and fishing in city parks. Students then could advance to daylong trips in nearby wetlands and weekend outings on regional creeks and rivers.

In 2004, frustrated with city administrators, Mr. Forman planned to leave the city. Landrieu, then head of state parks as lieutenant governor, recruited him to develop a similar program at the state level. The result was the Louisiana Outdoors Outreach Program, or LOOP.

Mr. Forman built LOOP into a model of outdoor education. Curriculum subjects such as math, history, science and language arts were incorporated as part of the learning experience on outings. Meanwhile, the physical activities -- including a ropes course in City Park -- were designed to teach important social skills such as teamwork, conflict resolution, problem-solving and self-esteem.

Mr. Forman called the concept "expeditionary learning," indicating the program was a long-term journey, not a single experience.

The rise of charter schools post-Katrina proved a boon to the program, with more educators receptive to the role LOOP could play. That support helped spur the creation of a nonprofit support arm, Friends of LOOP, to help with funding as state budgets declined.”

We remember Dan fondly every day, and we are continuing to work for and with the youth he cared so much about.

Since Dan died in 2012 we have maintained the same mission—to provide underserved youth with opportunities for positive social-emotional growth.  The model has also remained the same.  We primarily partner with public schools, offering age appropriate school-day programming to students. We are looking for support from individuals, corporations, foundations and advocates to keep LOOP NOLA, and Dan Forman’s vision, alive. Check out the inaugural Dan Forman Leadership Award.