May 2024 Newsletter: Spring break adventures
Dear friends,
Spring is a unique time of year in Jackson Hole. As the snow gives way to mud, it makes us want to run off and explore the desert or relax on a tropical beach. The Coombs staff all took some time off to reset between our busy winter and summer seasons, but not before creating opportunities for our participants to have some awesome spring breaks of their own. We launched spring break programs last year in response to feedback from parents and participants that kids of all ages didn’t have a lot to do during spring break if their parents weren’t able to take time off. We planned camps and adventures for each of our age groups doing spring break and these programs filled up quickly. We are committed to providing this valuable offseason programming in years to come.
I had the pleasure of going on a trip to Moab with Coombs middle schoolers, where we spent the week biking, canyoneering, camping, and just spending quality time together. I didn’t know what to expect when I signed on to go camping with 20 middle schoolers, but I can honestly say it was one of my favorite desert trips to date. As I led groups of first-time mountain bikers around the trails, I was so impressed by their willingness to try hard things, get back on the bike when they messed up or fell, and, most significantly, supported and cheered on one another. In fact, if I had to use a word to sum up the trip, it would be kindness. Younger campers were included and encouraged by older campers, meals were made and dishes were washed with singing and dancing, gear was happily shared, and the smiles on everyone’s faces were wide and genuine. I hope you’ll read on for a glimpse into all of our spring break programs, from our local Activate day camp to our Empower college visit.
Now that our staff is all back together in the office, we’re diving in deep. We’re putting our winter gear back into storage, hiring summer instructors, placing kids into camp groups, finalizing plans with our partners, and getting excited to share another Teton summer with our largest group of summer participants yet.
Thanks again for everything you do to support Coombs, whether that’s joining us at an event, volunteering at our ski clubs, or donating to support our work. By helping us create access to the activities that make Jackson special, you are making a difference in our community and in the lives of over 450 kids.
Happy spring!
Jenny Wolfrom Holladay
P.S. In case you missed it, we bought a building! This step toward permanence was made possible by our generous Board of Directors and several leadership donors through the Coombs Clubhouse Campaign. If you are interested in a tour of the building or pledging your support, please reach out to me at jenny@coombsoutdoors.org.
Spring Break Adventures
Activate Day Camp
Our Activate spring break day camp was so much fun! Last month 26 elementary school kids joined us for week-long programs while they were out of school and their parents were working. Activities included epic sledding, arts and crafts with the National Museum of Wildlife Art and the Art Association with Sage Living, playing with kittens at the Animal Adoption Center, snow ice cream making, soccer and extreme tag at JH Indoor, Easter egg hunting at R Park, swimming at Astoria Hot Springs, and becoming Junior Wildland Firefighters in Grand Teton National Park.
This was our second year running spring break camps, and we can’t wait to do it again next year! Thanks to our amazing partners for welcoming our participants and making our spring break camps possible.
Engage Moab Trip
Coombs Engage participants in 6-9th grade had a magical week in Moab, Utah during their spring break! From canyoneering to mountain biking to skateboarding, everyone got to try new things and step outside of their comfort zones. We love being able to give these kids an opportunity to experience a Jackson-favorite spring desert trip. Thanks to Evo Hotel, Wheel Wranglers, and The Mountain Guides for making this adventure possible!
Empower Bozeman Visit
Our Empower program had the best time bringing 9 high schoolers on our annual college visit to check out what Bozeman and Montana State University have to offer. Highlights of the trip included visiting the MSU campus, skiing and snowboarding at Bridger Bowl, cooking awesome meals together at the AirBnB, soaking at Bozeman Hot Springs, and of course a visit to Sweet Peaks ice cream. Special shoutout to Trio MSU and Montana State University for welcoming us!
