Stepping along the Coombs Path: Activate, Engage, Empower, and beyond!
ACTIVATE
This is where the Coombs Path begins for our participants. Our introductory program provides year-round opportunities for elementary school kids to try new things, get excited, and build comfort in the outdoors from an early age.
Activate by the Numbers
122 summer campers
50 fall afterschool program participants
35 kids in fall & spring swim lessons
185 kids in ski/snowboard lessons
35 Nordic skiers
25 kids in spring break camp
Activate Participant Spotlight
Rihanna, Age 8
Favorite thing to do outdoors: Playing with my friends
Something you’ve learned or tried because of Coombs: Not being shy and making new friends
Something you’re excited to do outdoors in the future: Have playdates with my friends!
ENGAGE
By middle school, participants are ready to navigate more difficult terrain along the Coombs Path. Engage programs offer opportunities to build skills and challenge themselves while connecting with peers and mentors. From clubs that focus on skiing, biking, and climbing to multi-day backpacking trips, these programs help participants develop the confidence to take on new adventures in the outdoors and in life.
Engage by the Numbers
100 participants in summer backpacking camp
50+ kids in climbing, bike, and kayak clubs
152 participants in ski mentorship programs
15 skiers in our new backcountry club
26 kids in afterschool programs
11 participants on our first spring break trip
Engage Participant Spotlight
Maria, Age 14
Favorite thing to do outdoors: Biking and playing sports
Something you’ve learned or tried because of Coombs: Learning to get organized, like packing my backpack and having everything I need.
Something you’re excited to do outdoors in the future: Empowering other people to do things too, even if they’re not comfortable at first.
EMPOWER
After gaining experience along the Coombs Path, our older participants are getting ready to blaze their own trail. Mentorship programs for our high schoolers provide them with the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams in life after high school.
Summer Internship Partners
Coombs Outdoors
Wheel Wranglers
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Stio
Jackson Hole Land Trust
Hole Food Rescue
Trout Unlimited
Slow Food in the Tetons
REI Co-op
Empower by the Numbers
10 summer internships
8 winter internships
4 fall and spring internships
11 spring break college trip participants
Empower Participant Spotlight
Mikey, Age 15
Favorite thing to do outdoors: I think my favorite thing to do outside, after working with Trout Unlimited for the summer, is fishing.
Something you’ve learned or tried because of Coombs: Skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, climbing, fishing, kayaking, and backpacking.
Something you’re excited to do outdoors in the future: Just try to continue to do the activities I’ve gotten to try through Coombs as much as I can. I think I’m most excited to keep backpacking as I get older because there’s just so much to explore.
The Coombs Path doesn’t have to end for our participants - they can join our staff team!
Kids grow up through our programs. They follow the Coombs Path through all its twists and turns, building all kinds of skills and experience along the way. After graduating high school and our Empower program, participants are encouraged to join our staff team for the summer and beyond.
It’s a priority for us to hire staff who represent the community we serve. Our former participants are perfect candidates to lead the next generation of Coombs kids down the Path. This year, our staff of former participants has included 6 summer instructors and one member of our full-time staff: Espi, our Activate Program Coordinator!
Former Participant Staff Spotlight
Espi, Activate Program / Program Outreach Coordinator
Started in Coombs programs: Age 11
Favorite thing to do outdoors: Paddle boarding
Something you’ve learned or tried because of Coombs: Skiing! I really was scared of skiing. Or better yet, backpacking. I never knew that even existed til last year.
Something you’re excited to do outdoors in the future: Mountain biking! When I get a helmet. I haven’t done it yet and am excited to go with my Coombs coworkers!
Favorite part of working for Coombs: I like the balance of working in the office and getting outside with the kids. I love helping them enjoy the outdoors and talking to them in Spanish.