We all benefit from time spent outside - for clarity, connection, compassion, creativity - but that can be hard.
SUM makes it easy for everyone to find their place outside by creating restorative experiences…
… for all
… to reconnect
… to take a breath and a break
SUM does the hard work of making outside easy.
What SUM Does
SUM brings the benefits of time spent outside - focus, calm, insight, connection - to people and groups who need it. We curate and lead wellness outings, trainings, retreats and more - all outside, and close to Chicago.
We prioritize experiences in Chicago’s Southland and Northwest Indiana. We focus on procurement, hiring and partnerships that are local and supportive of communities frequently excluded from the benefits of experiences outside.
Whether yours is a workplace group, a social organization, a class or a group of friends, SUM works with you to understand your needs and aspirations, and then we customize an experience or set of experiences around you.
And while we believe everyone can benefit from time spent outside, we know that is disproportionately difficult for some. Our model ensures that welcoming, inclusive, purposeful and memorable experiences outside are available to all.
Why SUM Does It
There are many reasons people don’t spend more time outside. It’s considered unusual at work or limited to the weekend. People don’t know where to go. People don’t want to go alone. People have been excluded because of race, disability, gender, identity or income. The outdoors and nature feel like someone else’s. The list goes on and on.
SUM is working to change this. We all can benefit physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually from time spent outside - as long as it’s easy, safe and welcoming. SUM is working to ensure that our core premise - everyone + outside - means just that.
Whatever your group, and whatever your need, SUM makes it easy, welcoming, inclusive, meaningful and memorable.
Griselda Piedra, PODER
“SUM allowed me and my team to connect without office distractions and truly listen to each other. Absolutely had a wonderful time and can’t wait to do it again.”
Rae Perez, Daylight
“SUM helped our organization step back, take a breath and see ourselves in a new light. Being outside together helped us connect to ourselves, each other and our work in a different way. ”
Kyle Berry, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd.
“SUM offered me and my co-workers the opportunity to connect purposefully outside work in a setting that allowed us to reflect, laugh and learn more about each other.”
Crystal Ritger, member of South Loop Moms n Tots
“The event was extremely fun and relaxing. SUM provided an environment that allowed for reflection and comfort.”
All day staff retreat and culture setting discussion - Daylight
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"SUM got us out of the office and into the Palos Preserves for a day of reflection and reconnection — helping us get aligned, focused, and energized for our organizational development work ahead. Grateful for the safe, comfortable, and thoughtful experience SUM created for us!”
Lyndon Valicenti, Daylight
Employee wellness walks - Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd.
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"The Indiana Dunes trip was fun, informative, and refreshing! It was wonderful to spend time with coworkers and their families in such a laidback and unique setting. Thanks, SUM!”
Andie Maertens-Pizzo, CBBEL
Staff retreat and training in appreciative inquiry - PODER
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“I do firmly believe that being outside, specifically while walking in the woods, greatly contributed to my clarity of thinking and my willingness to express myself more openly. I highly recommend the experience”
Dan Loftus, PODER
SUM Examples
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Lesley Roth
Board President
Principal, Lamar Johnson Collaborative
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Jennifer Guzman
Board VP
Independent Consultant
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Ashley Eisenmenger
Board Secretary
Disability Inclusion Training Specialist, Access Living
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Andrew Geer
Board Treasurer
Principal, Blue Eddy Community Advisors, LLC
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Josh Ellis
Executive Director, SUM
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Heather Miller
Board Member
Director of Historic Preservation and Tribal Relations, Illinois State Museum
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Angela Brooks
Board Member
Director, Illinois Program at Corporation for Supportive Housing
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Juan Carlos Linares
Board Member
President and CEO, Association House of Chicago
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Shannon Madden
Board Member
Public Sector Consultant, Crowe LLP
About SUM
SUM’s our name and our philosophy. It means everyone + outside. It means restorative experiences, new amenities and unique partnerships. It means more people spending more time outside in more ways. SUM means the total positive impact of all that.
SUM is a registered 501(c)3, founded in 2022.
We know it is disproportionately difficult for some groups to get outside and benefit from it. We use resources earned from full-service clients and their experiences to provide the same kinds of experiences to mission-aligned groups supporting people and communities frequently excluded from outdoor spaces. SUM also gratefully accepts charitable giving to support our efforts.
Contact SUM
Have an idea for an experience? Want to talk about your group’s needs? Curious what might be possible? Just want to learn more? Let's talk!
Josh Ellis, Executive Director, josh@sum.fun
SUM is a registered 501(c)3 social enterprise, and all charitable donations are fully tax deductible. Make a gift today! SUM is in its infancy and your giving now will have an outsized impact on the growth of the organization.
Please send checks payable to SUM NFP, 1322 S. Wabash Ave., #402, Chicago, IL 60605 - Thank you!
Photography (for the most part) by Kathleen Hinkel