May 2023 Newsletter: New spring programs
Dear Friends,
With the end of our Fiscal Year approaching in June, we find ourselves winding down our 10th anniversary celebrations. This year was certainly one for the books with over 400 local youth enrolled in programs throughout the year, an incredible staff of 9 creating and running inclusive outdoor programs, and unprecedented support from this community. We are inspired by and proud of what this organization has accomplished over the past 10 years and we couldn’t have done it without you.
While spring is typically a time to reset and rejuvenate, Coombs has been busy this offseason launching new spring programs that benefit kids and families and preparing for our largest summer yet with more than 200 local youth enrolled in programs. The Coombs summer staff is stronger than ever and ready to safely lead our participants in the outdoors. This year we have invested deeply in professional and leadership development opportunities for our summer instructor staff - 6 of whom are former Coombs participants - by providing a Wilderness First Responder certification course, Lifeguard certification opportunities, behavioral and emotional responder training, and a multi-week risk management field training prior to the start of camp.
In an effort to keep our participants as safe as possible, we are also in the process of raising funds to upgrade our vehicle fleet to be in line with the highest safety recommendations from insurance carriers.
Thank you for helping us celebrate an incredible 10 years of growth and success! Looking to the next 10 years, we can’t wait to see what Coombs can do. We are especially excited to continue watching Coombs participants fall in love with the outdoors and create feelings of connection, community, and confidence through their experiences and opportunities provided by Coombs Outdoors.
See you on the trails!
Jenny Wolfrom Holladay
Executive Director
Watch our new short film celebrating Coombs 10th anniversary!
This year Coombs Outdoors marked 10 years of programming for our local youth. To celebrate, we made a film! Growing from 28 to 400 participants, we've come a long way since our first year. We hope you'll enjoy this glimpse into the impactful organization Coombs has become and why we're so deeply proud of the work we do. View our 6.5 minute video.
Launched: Coombs Spring Break 2023
Spring break in Jackson is traditionally a time for families to get out of town, explore new places, and try new things. However, for many local families who may not have time off work or resources to travel, spring break can create challenges with childcare and keeping kids active, engaged, and safe while school isn’t in session. Coombs heard a need from parents and participants, and we listened and responded with spring break program options for each of our age groups that provided access to fun outdoor activities as well as opportunities to travel to new and memorable places.
ACTIVATE spring break: Local day camp for elementary kids
Our Activate spring break camp is proof that you don't need to get away to have an adventure. Coombs staff ran a day camp right here in Jackson for our elementary school participants, and everyone had a blast!
The week was led by staff members Espi and Hannah as well as Coombs interns Shirley and Aldric. The group went snowshoeing in Grand Teton National Park, played soccer at JH Indoor, did activities with the JH Children's Museum, went swimming at the Rec Center, visited the Teton County Search & Rescue Hangar, swam at Astoria Hot Springs, and more. Activate kids had a blast spending spring break being active with their peers.
ENGAGE spring break: Coombs ladies take on Moab
We're still feeling the sparkle from our very first Engage spring break trip! Coombs middle schoolers, along with staff members Laura and Ellie, spent a week together in the red rocks of Moab laughing, exploring, and wearing glitter. They hiked in Arches National Park, practiced their camping skills, tried canyoneering for the first time with Jackson Hole Mountain guides, and went bouldering and skateboarding at Evo Hotel in Salt Lake City.
From a nerve-racking rappel to freezing nights at camp, the girls had many opportunities to build confidence and resilience throughout the week. We were proud to see each member of the group cheering on their friends, being silly, helping with chores, demonstrating courage, and embracing their authentic selves.
On the last night of the trip, the girls worked as a team to make Mexican sopes from scratch. Sharing knowledge and stories from their families, they used a tortilla press and camp stove to create the delicious meal all on their own!
"We were excited to see the girls embrace family recipes while showing off their camping skills and taking care of one another. As we enjoyed this special meal together, we were reminded of what makes Coombs so magical and impactful on participants. We look forward to many more trips like this in the future!" - Ellie, Engage Program Manager
EMPOWER spring break: High school participants visit Salt Lake City
Coombs high school students spent their spring break in Salt Lake City with Coombs staff Caroline and Jenny! These soon-to-be seniors visited the University of Utah campus to explore options for college and learn about resources for Wyoming residents and first generation students.
They also had a blast staying at the SLC hotel, run by our sponsors Evo, where they hit the skateboard park and bouldering wall. Of course, they also got outside and skied some powder at Snowbird Resort. We wish every week was spring break! We can't wait to find out what this crew gets up to next in high school and beyond.
One year of Coombs swimming
We're proud to wish our Coombs swimming lessons a happy one-year anniversary! Our goal is to meet our families' needs through our programs, so we delivered when our parent council asked for swimming lessons which are limited yet essential for kids growing up in Jackson. Sure enough, we have a long waitlist for these lessons and are hoping to continue growing the program. This after-school program is now in its third season at Astoria Hot Springs, supported with funding from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. Students from Munger Elementary make up this spring's group, who have lessons two days a week for a 4-week session. Our experienced instructors are helping them practice and build important skills, getting them ready to hit the water as summer approaches.
Welcoming new staff: Megan, Molly, & Molly
This month we welcomed three new staff to our year-round team!
Megan Tattersall (left) spent last summer as an instructor with us and is now our Engage Program Coordinator, keeping programs running smoothly for our middle school participants.
Favorite activities: trail running, mountain biking, arts & crafts, snuggling her dog Iggy
Favorite trail snack: gushers
Molly Bussen (middle) joins us from Teton Youth & Family services as our Empower Program Manager, working to connect high schoolers with outdoor industry partners for meaningful internships.
Favorite activities: running, climbing, canoeing, skiing
Favorite trail snack: goldfish
Molly Watters (right) returns to the Coombs team as Communications & Development Manager, and is excited to use storytelling and fundraising to help Coombs keep growing its impact.
Favorite activities: singing, trail running, mountain biking, hiking with her dog Arty
Favorite trail snack: string cheese
Partner Spotlight: Black Tie Skis
Our winter was a huge success, and we couldn't have done it without Black Tie Skis. They've been incredible partners and sponsors for 3 years, supporting Coombs winter programs with generous financial donations, rental discounts, and gear fit expertise. This past winter season, 111 participants rented high quality gear from Black Tie and were able to attend weekly Coombs Club programs, ski independently and with their friends, and increase their ability and comfort in Jackson's ski community. Thank you, Black Tie, for helping our participants get outfitted and out on the slopes!
Save the date for your favorite golf tournament of the summer!
We are excited to invite you to continue the tradition of friendly competition and supporting the work of Coombs Outdoors at the 2023 Coombs Cup golf tournament.
Date: Thursday, August 17th, 2023
Time: 10:30 Shotgun Start Time, including lunch & followed by reception
Host Club: The Snake River Sporting Club
Register here: 2023 Coombs Cup Registration