Adventure & Growth: Building Skills for Life

In Cleveland, too many young people grow up without access to experiences that spark their potential. That’s changing with Swantastic.

Picture 8-year-old Marcus, who’s never left his neighborhood, standing speechless in front of a T. rex skeleton at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. A mentor kneels beside him, explaining how curiosity today can lead to careers in science, art, or leadership tomorrow. Later, Marcus tells his mom he wants to be a paleontologist.

That’s Swantastic: simple, decisive, and powerful moments that open doors to new possibilities.

I know the power of these moments because I lived them. As a teenager, I was shaped by community mentors who created opportunities I never could have imagined on my own. Those experiences gave me the same spark Marcus felt standing under that T. rex. That spark is why I’m here today, creating Swantastic.

Founded by Aswan Harris — a former Marine, athlete, and lifelong mentor — Swantastic was built from lived experience. I know firsthand how one caring adult and one safe space can change the direction of a young person’s life.

We serve youth and young adults ages 5–25. For younger participants, it’s discovery through adventure and skill-building. For individuals aged 18 and above, mentorship plays a crucial role in helping them navigate life after high school with resilience and clarity.

Our programs include:

Outdoor Activities – hikes, sports outings, and nature-based exploration
Sports Programs – building confidence, health, and teamwork
Arts & Creativity – workshops that encourage self-expression
Travel Experiences – exposure to new places and communities
Mental Health Support – mindfulness and emotional well-being resources
Life Skills Mentorship – cooking, finances, and career readiness

📍 Why Cleveland?
Because it’s home. And because we know this community’s strength. Already, 15 local families are eager for their kids to join.

💙 Your $5,000 gets us started. This covers transportation, supplies, and resources for our first 25 participants over a period of 3 months. Just $200 makes it possible for 10 kids to experience a museum visit many have never had before. After just one experience, kids consistently tell us they had fun and can't wait to try something new.

Being Swantastic isn't about perfection. It's about showing up with grace, choosing growth, and building skills for life.

Please help us reach $5,000 by December 31st to make this vision a reality in Cleveland, North Carolina, and Los Angeles. Your support launches programs, creates lasting memories, and opens doors for kids to dream big.

Where curiosity sparks exploration

Adventure & Growth: Building Skills for Life

By Swantastic

Adventure & Growth: Building Skills for Life

Outdoor exploration, sports, arts, and life skills programs that empower youth to explore, discover, and grow.

Team Members