Falling for new staff, programs, and climbing club!

We won't lie - we've been enjoying off season. Summer camps and winter ski programs are our busiest times of year, running activities for hundreds of kids of all ages. We needed a breather in between, but now we're ready for things to pick back up. We're biking through yellow aspens, craving more baked goods, remembering how to wear socks, and launching our fall programs for 24 3rd-5th graders. These programs, starting this week, are a way for us to offer positive after-school experiences, provide childcare for our families, and stay connected with our kids during off-season. Stay tuned to hear about their adventures each week!

Sahir steps up to run ACTIVATE Programs

Sahir was a Coombs counselor this summer, and we're thrilled to welcome him onto our team full-time to run our elementary programs. Sahir grew up in Jackson, but didn’t discover his love for the outdoors until after high school. He went to school at the University of Montana and spent every weekend climbing or backpacking. When he moved back to Jackson, he discovered all the trailheads and mountains he never knew he was missing. His younger sister, Bethany, has been a Coombs participant for the last eight years, an opportunity Sahir wished he’d had when he was growing up.

“Jackson is such a great place to spend time outside and I missed that when I was a kid, so it’s really rewarding to share it with the kids now,” he says of working for Coombs.

Prior to joining the Coombs team as a summer instructor, Sahir had been a consistent volunteer and mentor. “So many people have lived in this community for years and never had the chance to spend time outside. My hope is to give them the skills to teach others and have confidence to go out on their own.” As well as leading middle school backpacking trips this summer, Sahir started the first Coombs climbing club and Town Pump team.

Learn more about Sahir and our other staff members on our website.

Sahir shows kids the ropes

We strive to introduce kids to a variety of outdoor activities, and then help them continue to pursue the ones they're interested in. "Climbing in our community has numerous barriers that are both educational and financial. My goal is to help dismantle those hurdles and get more kids climbing that typically would not be able to. My favorite memory was when we took 15 kids and some parents to the Idaho falls gym! There were smiles and chalked hands everywhere. I dream that through the climbing club, we can inspire one or two kids to become Exum guides and make a life leading people up the mountains that silhouetted their youth."

Climber spotlight: Zoe's going places

If we had to bet, we'd say Zoe (11) is going to be a mountain guide one day. Living in Mexico, Zoe always wanted to climb at Monterey, Nuevo Leon, but it wasn't affordable or accessible to her family. They moved to Jackson about a year ago, and joined Coombs programs including our new climbing club this summer. She didn't miss a single day, even showing up when we didn't. On her first day of school, she proudly wore the climbing shirt she won at the Town Pump this summer. She quickly joined the middle school climbing club this fall, and at a recent practice, was determined to work on her routes while everyone else gave up and started playing tag. Zoe found a supportive community through climbing and Coombs. She wants to get on real rocks outside, and we can't wait to share that experience with her soon.

EMPOWER interns rock

Whether you ask us, our participants, or our partners, our first EMPOWER internship program was a success. Our 14 high school participants had good experiences, and it showed through stories we heard and through survey responses. After finishing their internships, more participants said they feel part of the Jackson community, have strong problem solving skills, and feel prepared to pursue both career and recreation opportunities after high school. At least 4 participants are continuing to work with their employers this fall, and plans for a winter edition of internships is underway. Summer partner organizations included:

Coombs Outdoors
Wheel Wranglers
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Stio
The Jackson Hole Land Trust
DIY Docs
Rendezvous River Sports
Hole Food Rescue
Snow King Mountain Resort

Check out the recent story from the Jackson Hole News & Guide, "First ever Coombs interns find empowerment, connection through summer positions."

And it continues this fall!

We are excited to welcome Nayeli Hernandez Lopez and Mariela Castro Luna to our fall instructor team through a fall extension of our EMPOWER internship program. Both have been longtime Coombs participants, and are excited to take on leadership roles with current elementary school kids. Nayeli was also an intern this summer, helping us run our elementary ACTIVATE camps. According to Nayeli, “being outside with the kids everyday never feels like work. I love seeing them get excited about new things and sharing their accomplishments, and it’s really cool to see them look up to us.” We look forward to watching them build their after-school community this fall!

Partner of the Month: Black Diamond

Our climbing club really got off the ground this summer, and we couldn't have made that happen alone. Black Diamond has been an essential new partner in providing the gear our participants need. Shoes, ropes, chalk bags, belay devices, and more have given Coombs kids the opportunity to hang with their peers, step up their climbing game, and unlock access to a new outdoor sport. Thank you!