Hooray for Summer!

We're pretty excited about summer here at Coombs Outdoors. As the school year wraps up (only two more days!), we're hard at work training our new seasonal summer counselors, sorting gear, scheduling activity days, and enrolling kids for camp. This summer, Activate, Engage, Empower Camps have 159 kids enrolled so far, by far our biggest summer to date!

Kids K-12 will hike in Grand Teton National Park, learn to mountain bike, climb with Exum Mountain Guides, raft with Rendezvous River Sports, paddleboard at R Park.... the list goes on! Thanks to dedicated community partners, sponsors, donors, and our tireless staff, who will make this summer one to remember. Here's a little sneak peak into our summer programs, which kick off next week.

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ACTIVATE!

Activate Camps are designed to introduce kids K-5 to a variety of activities, with the goal of igniting a love for the outdoors in our participants. Activate Camps have 85 kids K-5 enrolled so far, with up to 15 full program days per kid throughout the summer. During week-long camp sessions, kids will hike in Grand Teton National Park, climb with Exum Mountain Guides, paddleboard at R Park, raft with Rendezvous River Sports, and more. 

ENGAGE!

Engage Camps utilize positive mentorship and leadership building curriculum paired with outdoor recreation to help participants build independence and confidence in the outdoors and life. Engage Camps have 60 middle and high school participants enrolled so far, with 10 camp days and 8 clinic days per camper. Throughout the summer, kids will build up to a multi-day overnight backpacking trip, as well as attending mountain biking, kayaking, and rock climbing clinics. 

EMPOWER!

The brand new Empower High School Internship Program will develop professional and leadership skills through paid internships, providing participants opportunities to engage with the local Jackson community as well as gaining exposure and feeling included in the outdoor industry. The Empower Program has 14 high students enrolled so far, with positions through eight community partnerships including: Stio, Jackson Hole Fly Fishing, JH Land Trust, DIY Docs, Wheel Wranglers, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Hole Food Rescue, Rendezvous River Sports, and the Coombs Outdoors Program Team. 

A Coombs participant's first summer on bike trails

Mikey (13) loves being outside. He started skiing with Coombs Outdoors five years ago, and has since spent summers hiking, backpacking, and kayaking along the trails and rivers in the Tetons. 

Last summer, he started mountain biking with Jackson Hole Youth Mountain Biking, and immediately took to the challenge and fast pace of the sport. “I love the adrenaline rush from racing downhill on skis, or going down the rapids in a kayak,” he says. Mountain biking added another level of excitement to spending time outside. 

“There’s all this talk about what it means to be a local. Some say you have to live here your whole life, but I see it as all the things you do here. Coombs has turned me on to all these outdoor sports, and now when I talk to people about what I like to do it makes me feel like a real local. That’s what Jackson is all about”

Mikey rode with the mountain bike team twice a week through the summer, meeting new friends and learning different skills and techniques. “I’d tried it a couple times before and thought it was really cool, but last summer I improved a lot,” he says. “It’s so much fun, but challenging at the same time.” While some aspects of biking were hard or scary, over the summer he went back to the same trails over and over again and eventually felt confident riding harder turns or technical parts of the trail. “Going through those tough parts, like a hard turn on the bike trail, shows me that when I keep trying I can eventually get through challenges.” 

Whether it’s mountain biking, skiing or kayaking, being outside is what Mikey loves the most about growing up in Jackson. “There’s all this talk about what it means to be a local. Some say you have to live here your whole life, but I see it as all the things you do here. Coombs has turned me on to all these outdoor sports, and now when I talk to people about what I like to do it makes me feel like a real local. That’s what Jackson is all about.”

We are over half way towards our goal of raising $10,000, which we have applied for matching grant funds through the Specialized Outride Fund, for a total of $20,000 to fund this program.

Click below to help us meet our goal!

Activate, Engage, Empower on Bikes!

This summer, Coombs Outdoors will provide access to mountain biking in a variety of ways in each of our Activate, Engage, Empower programs. From learn to ride clinics for kids of all ages, to scholarships for the local NICA team (Jackson Hole Youth Mountain Bike League), and internships with Wheel Wranglers, our goal is to have as many kids as possible experience the joy and freedom that bikes provide.  

Mountain biking in the summer is just as essential to the Jackson culture and community as skiing is in the winter, and it poses similarly challenging barriers to entry. On bikes, participants can learn to overcome personal challenges, explore Jackson’s plentiful trail systems and recreation opportunities, and experience the social-emotional growth that all of our programs strive to facilitate. 
 

“Being outside definitely contributes to my everyday life. Going through those tough parts, like a hard turn on the bike trail, shows me that when I keep trying I can eventually get through challenges.” - Mikey (13), Coombs participant

Coombs Bike Program Details:

A fleet of 10+ mountain bikes for Coombs participants to use during programs 

Scholarships for 10 Coombs participants to ride and race with the Jackson Hole Youth Mountain Bike Team

Mountain bike intro clinics for the Activate elementary school program

High school internship stipends for kids working at local bike shops

We are currently working to raise $10,000, which we have applied for matching grant funds through the Specialized Outride Fund, for a total of $20,000 to fund this program.

Click below to help us meet our goal!

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Partner of the Month: Wheel Wranglers

Wheel Wranglers has been instrumental in helping introduce Coombs participants to cycling. Wheel Wranglers has led Learn-to-Ride clinics for Coombs participants (more to come this summer!), as well as supporting Coombs through the Empower High School Internship Program, where two Coombs High Schoolers will work as interns this summer, learning the ins and outs of bike mechanics, customer service, and gaining professional experience in the outdoor industry.

"We believe in collectively working towards a biking community that is inclusive and accessible for everyone. Through co-creating opportunities for youth to participate in the outdoor industry workforce and connecting kids to fun mountain bike rides, we are thrilled to partner with Coombs Outdoors."

- Katie McNamara, Owner, Wheel Wranglers

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What do you Outride?

Jenny learned to ride a bike when she was three years old. Growing up in rural Maine, her bike was a tool for freedom and independence, allowing her to ride to friends’ houses before she learned to drive. In college, she spent time honing her skills through lift-served downhill mountain biking, enthralled with the speed and technical aspect of racing down hill as fast as possible. A few years later, she got the endurance bug, shifting her goals from speed to distance and pushing herself to train, compete, and podium at 100K and 100+ mile races like the Leadville 100, Gunnison Growler, Breck100, and Pierre’s Hole.

“I’m the type of person that has pretty much every minute of every day planned out, and my mind is always racing to what I have to do next,” Jenny says. “When I get on my bike, there is only one thing I need to do: pedal. Bike riding forces me to live in the moment, which is really therapeutic and provides a healthy break from the chaos that I create for myself."

“I put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect. When I’m on my bike, I’m outriding those unrealistically high expectations I set for myself”

Biking has shown Jenny what she's capable of. “Mountain biking has taught me some very important lessons, like the fact that success takes a lot of work and doesn’t happen overnight,” Jenny says of building up from 10 miles to 100. 

“I put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect,” she adds. “When I’m on my bike, I’m outriding those unrealistically high expectations I set for myself.”

After a stressful day, Jenny turns to her bike, and with every mile, she finds her stress slowly melting away. “I feel myself smiling on the climbs, hooting and hollering on the downs, and I’m a completely different person when I finish the ride. The world can be a hard and stressful place, and bikes fix that for me.”

Introducing the EMPOWER High School Internship Program

Many of our older participants have grown up skiing, hiking, biking, and climbing with Coombs Outdoors. Over the last few years we’ve grown into year-round outdoor programming for kids K-12, but the question we often ask ourselves is: what happens next? We're excited to share the answer!

The Empower High School Internship Program is built off of our mission to provide kids with the tools and confidence to pursue their goals in life. The summer program will help our older participants develop professional and leadership skills through paid internships with local outdoor recreation industry businesses and organizations as they prepare for life after high school. It’s an opportunity for Coombs participants to further engage with the Jackson community as well as continue their personal growth through access to experiences within the outdoor industry.

High school students who are eligible for Coombs Outdoors programs were invited to apply to the Empower internship this spring. Participants will be set up for success for their summer internships through Coombs professional development training, cover letter and resume writing workshops, financial literacy education, and ongoing mentorship throughout the summer. Empower interns will find themselves gaining professional experience at local employers including Wheel Wranglers, Stio, Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School, Hole Food Rescue, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, JH Land Trust, DIY Docs, and Rendezvous River Sports.

Coombs has partnered with the Young Steward and Leadership Program (YSLP), a Teton Science School internship program running in tandem with the Empower curriculum, to provide additional training to our Coombs Outdoors Summer Program Interns. This training program is specifically designed to support high school students who are interested in becoming educators and leaders in their community. After completing the training program students in the YSLP will be accepted to work at either Coombs Outdoors, Parks and Recreation, Teton Science Schools, or The Children’s Museum.

Partner of the Month: Black Tie Ski Rentals

As a dedicated program sponsor, Black Tie Jackson Hole outfitted over 60 of our skiers with discounted Nordica skis and boots for the season, which is huge for our rapidly growing winter programs.

While we are often able to provide gear for our participants, having support from a company like Black Tie to help kids with fit and sizing and on-hill assistance has been instrumental in getting these programs to run so smoothly!

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Volunteer Highlight: 2021 Powder Pals Volunteers!

Thank you to our 45 amazing Powder Pals volunteers who made this season our best year yet! Stash park games, Headwall hikes, Tram rides, and laps in the the Wiggle made this year one to remember. 

Because of your dedication, enthusiasm, and excitement for skiing, we had over 70 middle and high school kids ski with volunteer mentors in the Powder Pals program this season. 

Adele Priestley, Alan Wood, Annalise Zabrinskie, Brian Bales, Cassidy Creel, Elizabeth Lopeman, Emily and Mike Paasche, Emma Beecher, Hugo Torres, Joey Sackett, John Modlish, Kaycee Maas, Kika Macfarlane, Matt Mikkelsen, Megan Odom, Natt Harkins, Stirling Cobb, Nate Berenson, Briana Olivares, Robert Mann, Eddie Smith, Mark Baudendistel, Morgan Graham, Juan Calderon, Molly Belk, Jake Schell, Emily Smith, Ed Smith, Liam Black, Courtney Cedarholm, Elizabeth Gerrits, Ellen Brunker, Halina Mader, Nick Braun, Noah McCorkel, Patrick Moo, Samuel Schwartz, Sandra Martinez, Tim Smith, Sophia Schwartz, Lora Enriquez, Becca Williams, Zach Montes, Sahir Enriquez

Thanks to Faction Skis for sponsoring the Powder Pals program through a donation of 10 pairs of skis for our volunteers!

Special thanks to the Mangy Moose and Roadhouse Brewing Co. for keeping our volunteers fed and hydrated at our volunteer appreciation party. 

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Letter from the Executive Director

I was fortunate to spend a sunny day skiing with and getting to know our Powder Pals and Coombs Club volunteers this spring. While our volunteers range widely in age, profession, and backgrounds, the common passion they share for being mentors to Coombs Kids is truly inspiring. Coombs volunteers give their time and energy on Saturdays and Sundays all winter long to make sure kids have access to skiing and snowboarding. They guide their groups safely around the mountain, have those deep chairlift conversations we all need once in awhile, and encourage them to believe in themselves and try new things. We were grateful to be able to thank our volunteers in person with corn skiing, pizza, cold beer, and an incredible raffle.

As we transition to spring here in Jackson Hole, our program focus has shifted from the ski mountain to the trails, rivers, and forests that play host to our warm-weather adventures. Our summer schedule is packed full of experiences for our Activate day camps, Engage overnight backpacking trips, and Empower high school internship opportunities.

As Coombs Outdoors continues to grow as an organization, our programs are progressing to reflect the interests and needs of the community we serve. Thanks to support from local partners and supporters like you, this summer we can offer programs for kids of every age from Kindergarten to 12th grade. We will be getting over 200 kids outside this summer- biking, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, and enjoying this beautiful place we get to call home. I can’t wait to join them! 

Happy Spring!
 

Jenny Wolfrom Holladay
Executive Director, Coombs Outdoors

Thanks to our amazing skiers, stars, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and staff, we exceeded our goal of raising $90,000 at the 4th annual Skiing with the Stars fundraiser!

Check out some of the highlights from an unforgettable day in the sun at Jackson Hole.

If you missed the virtual program, you can watch a recap (including some heartwarming kid interviews featuring Jimmy Chin, Hadley Hammer, and Hannah Kearnery) on our website. 

A huge thank you to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Caldera House, Stio, JH Stillworks, Bear Roots Bitters, Naughty Fruit, Bovine & Swine, Tram Jam, Orvis, YETI, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Four Seasons Jackson Hole, K2 Skis, Keelys Camp, Ski Utah, Share Winter Foundation, and more for making this event possible.

Mentorship on the Mountain

What’s the best part of skiing at Jackson Hole? For Aldric (15), it’s getting to spend a carefree day outside with his friends. 

“The kids run the show, as they should,” Matt (26), a local filmmaker, says of their days at JHMR. He says the boys usually make a game plan for the day, choose a few warm up runs and then go right into finding little jumps and powder stashes in the trees. “Some days it’s challenging themselves on Tower 3, some days it’s groomers on Apres Vous. Every other day of the week they have school, stuff to do. Saturday is their day.”

While they’re outside, Matt says side conversations about life come naturally. “We’ll talk about troubles at school or getting a job for the first time. Those early teen years are a confusing time. The beautiful thing about Coombs is that it’s an informal way to work through that stuff when you’re outside and have an activity like skiing at JHMR to focus on.” Whether it’s asking Matt about his photography work or having a bad week at school, Aldric says they talk through it on the lift between runs. 

“We’ll talk about troubles at school or getting a job for the first time. Those early teen years are a confusing time. The beautiful thing about Coombs is that it’s an informal way to work through that stuff when you’re outside and have an activity like skiing at JHMR to focus on”

— Matt

Looking back on those days where the Tram felt daunting, Aldric now feels comfortable skiing anywhere on the mountain—and being at the top of the Tram after some fresh snow is one of his favorite parts of winter. “I love going up the Tram on powdery days with my friends. It’s so special to be up there when there aren’t as many people.”

For Matt, Powder Pals is the highlight of his week. “Their enthusiasm is really infectious, and I learn so much from them witnessing their energy on the mountain. It’s given me a new lens to view skiing and made me appreciate just being out there.”

For Aldric, he can’t believe how fast the days go by at Jackson Hole. “Every time we’re done skiing it feels like only 30 minutes has passed. I think it’s because we’re just having so much fun and just feel so happy to be outside.”

Originally published: JHMR Blog

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Partner of the Month: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Our partnership with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort plays a huge role in our year-round programming. In the winter, JHMR hosts the Powder Pals ski program on Saturdays and Sundays, providing discounted ski passes for staff and participants, as well as hosting our winter fundraiser, Skiing with the Stars. For our summer program days, JHMR provides Gondola passes for hiking groups so they can explore the beautiful trails on the upper mountain.

“Coombs Outdoors encompasses the spirit of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort by inspiring local children and teenagers of all backgrounds to enjoy the unparalleled outdoor recreation JHMR has to offer. Whether it be skiing or snowboarding in the winter, hiking, biking and climbing in the summer, JHMR is the perfect outdoor learning environment for this important community program.”

— Mary Kate Buckley, President, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Donor Highlight: Community Foundation of Jackson Hole

Support from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole has helped fund our study hall programs for middle and high school participants. Study hours in the Coombs Room provide participants with a quiet place to work on schoolwork with help and supervision from Coombs staff, and many kids have told us they've never been so productive and on top of their homework. 

Study hall began as a fall program, but thanks to the CFJH (and the request from Coombs kids), we are now able to continue it throughout the school year!

“Our nonprofit organizations were tested in 2020, a year with multiple crises. Coombs Outdoors responded to community needs during a pandemic, stepping in to offer a new model of out-of-school programming and safe socialization for middle and high school students. When our youth asked for safe, supportive, structured places to study and engage with their peers, Coombs Outdoors answered, strengthening students’ mental and physical health.”

— Laurie Andrews, President, Community Foundation of Jackson Hole

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Letter from the Executive Director

In true fashion, March came roaring in like a lion here at Coombs Outdoors.

With programs running every day through the winter, and more than 300 participants alpine skiing, snowboarding, and learning to Nordic, Coombs Staff has been busy planning and running programs and making sure our kids are staying safe, learning new skills, and having fun. March also brought our annual Skiing with the Stars event at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort during which we hosted 55 skiers who joined 14 Stars and 12 Mountain Sports School instructors to celebrate and support Coombs Outdoors. As March winds down, so do our winter programs. Look out for the Coombs Kids skiing around in costumes this weekend at JHMR as they spend one more day building camaraderie, confidence, and independence through their experiences with the winter sport we all love.

Although the winter season at Coombs is coming to an end, we are looking forward to providing inclusive outdoor access and mentorship opportunities all summer long through our Activate, Engage, and Empower Programs.  

Jenny Wolfrom Holladay
Executive Director, Coombs Outdoors

Thanks to our amazing partners, sponsors, stars, staff, and volunteers, we raised over $90,000 at the 4th Annual Skiing with the Stars fundraiser at Jackson Hole!

In case you missed the Virtual Aprés Celebration, check out our program video and kid interviews to learn more about the programs this money will go towards.

Xochi Interviews Pro Skier Hadley Hammer

Mikey interviews Olympic Gold Medalist Hannah Kearney

Angel Interviews Adventurer Jimmy Chin

EVENT DETAILS

Support Coombs Outdoors and join us for a day of skiing with US Ski Team members, World Tour competitors, Olympic Champions, winter film stars, and local legends at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for our Annual Skiing with the Stars event.

2022 Stars Include New and Returning Faces:

• Matt Annetts: Snowboard Freeride World Tour Competitor, star in NDG Cinema productions Don't Crack Under Pressure, Addicted to Life, Pushing the Limits, and Imagine

• Cory Carlson: World Cup ski racer, member of the United States Ski Team

• AJ Cargill: International Free Skier's Association winner, JHMR Ski Patroller, featured in Pretty Faces

• Amie Engerbretson: Professional Skier, Warren Miller Athlete, Producer of the "Long Underwear" podcast

• Kent Kreitler: Dubbed "One of the Most Influential Skiers of the past 35 Years" by Powder Magazine, X Games medalist, World Tour of Freeskiing title holder

And more stars coming!

Details for the Aprés Ski Party forthcoming.

If 2020 showed us anything, it’s the power that outdoor recreation can have on a child’s life. 

For many kids, Coombs Summer Camp was the only opportunity they had to get outside, see their friends, try new activities, and escape the stress of daily life. Whether it was taking inflatable kayaks down the Snake River, rafting with Solitude in Grand Teton National Park, completing the Snow King rope course, hikes with a Wilderness Ranger, paddle boarding at R Park, or learning to rock climb with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, we saw firsthand how impactful time outdoors can be in a time of crisis. 

Despite the challenges we faced due to COVID-19, 2020 was a record-breaking year at Coombs Outdoors. Our restructured programs, additional staff, and incredible partnerships allowed us to serve more kids than ever before, as well as catalyzed an extension of activities into the spring and fall to truly provide a full year of thoughtful and supportive outdoor programs for kids who need it most.

Looking Ahead to 2021

Despite the obstacles 2020 presented, Coombs Outdoors is heading into 2021 in a position to provide year-round outdoor programming to more kids than ever before. 

Winter
With 300 kids enrolled in winter programs at Snow King and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Winter 2021 is off to a great start. There truly is something for everyone during the winter at Coombs. Between our Learn to Ski programs at Snow King, Powder Pals at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Coombs Club at Snow King which both provide mentoring and ski days to middle and high schoolers, a new Nordic ski program for elementary students in partnership with JH Ski Club and 22Nordic, snowboarding lessons with Carving the Future, and 50 parents skiing in our Padres program, Coombs is providing access to outdoor winter recreation in as many ways as possible.  

Summer
This summer, we’re looking forward to expanding our summer programs to provide multiple weeks of camp for kids K-12, with opportunities for middle and high school students to dive deeper into activities like climbing, mountain biking, and backpacking. 

Study Hall
Study hall sessions will become available to Coombs families throughout the year, at the request of kids, parents, and teachers, all of whom have reported an increase in preparedness for class and completion of homework. The new Coombs Room provides a safe and productive workspace for students to participate in study halls, with tutoring and mentor services from Coombs program staff.

High School Internships
We’re also excited to dive deeper into the EMPOWER component of our program model, working with our older kids to harness the confidence they have built through Coombs Activate and Engage programming. Coombs is developing a plan to launch an internship program which will rely on partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide our high school participants with career opportunities in the outdoor recreation industry. In addition to expanded professional experience, a goal of the EMPOWER program is to provide participants with access to professional skill development workshops and college preparation activities. 

With nearly 300 kids enrolled in winter programs so far, 2021 is shaping up to be the biggest winter Coombs Outdoors has ever had. Coombs participants will be out on the ski hill either at Snow King or Jackson Hole Mountain Resort every day of the week this winter! 

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Powder Pals at Teton Village
The Powder Pals program is our middle and high school mentoring program, where Coombs Outdoors participants ski in small groups with volunteer mentors at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. We have a record number of 73 kids signed up so far, skiing every weekend through the end of the season!

Each week, groups practice mountain safety skills to help them become confident and independent skiers. The end goal is to empower our older kids to become comfortable navigating the mountain on their own as they get older, and build friendships that will turn into ski partners along the road.

“Getting back on snow this winter was refreshing and exciting. I can’t wait to continue skiing and getting to know the exciting people in my group!” - Alexis, 10th grade

Coombs Club at Snow King 

The Coombs Club is a new addition to winter programs this year, designed for middle school kids who have graduated from lessons at Snow King, and want to continue to ski at the town hill with friends and mentors. We have 17 kids in Coombs Club this year, skiing with volunteer mentors at Snow King every Saturday morning.

“I’m really glad that even with everything going on in the world we have the opportunity to ski safely this season.” - Nayeli, 11th grade

Snow King Lessons 
Snow King is where Coombs programs began, and Snow King ski lessons continue to be our most popular program to date. We have over 200 kids in weekly group lessons at Snow King this winter, ranging from true first-timers to those who’ve been on skis for a few seasons now. Some groups meet on weekends, while other kids ski after school on weeknights where their parents can pick them up after work. 

Padres Program

The Padres Program grows steadily each year, with more and more parents getting excited to learn to ski once they see their kids experience the joy of sliding on snow. This year, we have over 50 Padres signed up, with weekly lessons on the weekends. The Padres Program helps engage families as a unit, broadening parents' exposure to the outdoor opportunities their children enjoy and building the foundation for more outdoor family-friendly outdoor adventures. 

Donate to Coombs Outdoors

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Partner of the Month: Stio

In 2020, we began a new year-round partnership with Stio. Stio is the Official Outerwear Sponsor of Coombs Outdoors, providing winter jackets for all of our participants. With 300 participants on snow this year, that’s no small feat!

In addition to providing gear for programs, Stio employees have volunteered time over the weekends to ski with our middle school mentoring group at Teton Village. We are honored to have such extensive support from such an amazing local brand. This partnership embodies our hope for a stronger and more integrated community, working together to create better access to the outdoors for local kids who otherwise wouldn't have the chance. 

Look for our kids in their new Stio jackets this winter at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain!

Donate to Coombs Outdoors

Letter from the Executive Director
It seems unbelievable that just a month ago I was writing my first letter to you, introducing myself as the new Executive Director of Coombs Outdoors and expressing my excitement to be working for such an incredible organization. In the past month I have learned more than I could have ever imagined - from the very tactical details that go into running winter programs for almost 300 participants to the high-level strategy behind program development and maximizing impact for each child and family that we serve. While I've loved every challenge and experience thus far, it isn't surprising to me that my favorite part of this new gig is meeting the people in the Coombs Outdoors community.

Within my first four weeks, I have had the chance to ski and chat with our Founder Emily Coombs, spent hours learning from the staff, helped Coombs kids and families find their skis and try on their new Stio jackets, been guided by an incredibly engaged Board of Directors, met with our key community partners, and spoken to supporters like you who are committed to the mission of Coombs Outdoors. The common denominator connecting all of these very different groups of people is a passion for the outdoors and a shared understanding that everyone in this community deserves the opportunity to slide down a mountain on two boards (or one!) with a frozen smile plastered to our faces.

Coombs winter programs started in December and have already inspired confidence, created new friendships, and generated dozens of frozen smiles. With COVID-19 continuing to make connecting with each other a challenge in 2021, outdoor winter recreation is providing a safe way for our participants to maintain mental and physical health and establish important relationships with mentors and peers. We hope you enjoyed a little snapshot of the next few months of winter programs and Coombs and hope you'll join us for Skiing with the Stars on March 4, 2021 at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort!

Jenny Wolfrom Holladay
Executive Director, Coombs Outdoors

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January Donor Highlight: Teton Pines

Over the holidays, members of Teton Pines raised money to provide Christmas gifts for 56 Coombs kids. Kids submitted wishlists in early December, all of which were granted within the first hours of fundraising. 

From skateboards to dinosaur backpacks, the generosity of Teton Pines was a huge highlight for Coombs this holiday season!

Dear Friends and Supporters,

While 2020 brought many challenges, it also created many opportunities. Here at Coombs, our 2020 motto has been, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” and invent we did. With COVID creating additional economic stresses on many of our participants and their families, and screen time increasing with virtual school and the cancellation of extracurricular activities, Coombs knew that continuing and creating access to outdoor recreation opportunities would be more crucial than ever. 

Thanks to generous contributions from donors like you, we had the resources necessary to not only adjust, but grow our programs in 2020. This year has been the first that we were able to offer programming not just in the summer and winter, but in the fall and spring as well. Our summer programs were reimagined and redesigned to account for COVID safety precautions. Through invaluable partnerships with organizations like Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, Rendezvous River Sports, and Rendezvous Park, we were able to serve 100 local youth throughout the summer. A total of 50 middle school and 50 elementary school students each participated in two full weeks of summer camp programming through Coombs Outdoors. 

With the addition of new program staff and the creation of the Coombs Room, an expansion of the Coombs office, Coombs Outdoors launched a new program in the fall which offered 27 elementary, 22 middle school, and 5 high school students with educational after-school programs, supervised study halls, and outdoor activities twice per week. This program helped Coombs kids show up to class prepared and with their schoolwork done, as well as provided them with empowering outdoor experiences such as mountain biking, fly fishing, and hiking. 

Coombs Outdoors started in 2012 with 28 participants enrolled in ski programs. This winter, we are able to support the largest group of local youth skiers and snowboarders ever enrolled in winter programming. A total of 272 Coombs Outdoors youth will be skiing at Snow King and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for the 2020/2021 season. 

Coombs Outdoors programs provide local youth with opportunities that are focused on breaking down cultural barriers, increasing confidence and independence, developing creative thinking and problem solving skills, encouraging and teaching collaboration, and building resilience. The experiences that Coombs Outdoors provides build skills and traits that last a lifetime. 

We hope that you will consider joining us in empowering youth through outdoor recreation with a gift to Coombs Outdoors. Thank you for your past support and best wishes for 2021.

Sincerely, 
 

Jenny Wolfrom Holladay

Executive Director, Coombs Outdoors

"Backpacking was one of the most rewarding things we did all summer, I think both for the kids as much as the instructors. Backpacking is a heavy lift, literally. The hike in was type 2 fun and challenging at times, but the kids learned how satisfying it is to take a heavy pack off after a 2 mile hike.

Their tired legs were very quickly forgotten and they were soon running around a beautiful field to find the best place to pitch a tent, cook dinner and set up a bear hang. I think they all appreciated the magic of being out in nature for a full day and night- an experience they will not soon forget. I know I won't."

- Laura Gaylord, Program Manager

"Anyone who is an avid skier will tell you it is not so much the turns, the snow or the runs they remember the most, but who they share those memories with. I think the magic of Coombs programs is providing a space for our kids to have fun and build lasting memories together. Overcoming challenges on the ski hill translates to overcoming challenges life presents."

-Laura Gaylord, Program Manager

December 9, 2020 (Jackson, WY) – The Board of Directors of Coombs Outdoors is pleased to welcome Jenny Wolfrom-Holladay as the new Executive Director for the organization. Wolfrom-Holladay will succeed Mary Erickson, who announced her resignation earlier this fall after three years leading the organization. 

Wolfrom-Holladay joins Coombs Outdoors with more than a decade of experience in non-profit fundraising, communications, and management. Most recently, Wolfrom-Holladay held the position of Interim Co-Director at the Jackson Hole Land Trust, where she was employed as the Director of Advancement and Engagement for the past nine years. During her tenure at the Jackson Hole Land Trust, Wolfrom-Holladay managed several successful fundraising campaigns, including the recent Save the Block community campaign, managed the branding and messaging of the organization, and focused on prioritizing community conservation efforts through people-focused programs, projects, and partnerships. 

“I am honored to have been selected as the next leader of Coombs Outdoors,” said Wolfrom-Holladay. “I have long admired the work of the organization and am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring my passion for the community, love for the outdoors, and strategic nonprofit experience to the role. It truly feels like a perfect fit and I am looking forward to expanding the inspiring work of the organization to empower our community’s youth through outdoor recreation.”

The Board of Directors of Coombs Outdoors launched a search for a new Executive Director in September 2020 which received more than 40 applicants from across the country. The Search Committee, led by Board Co-Chairs Bill Maloney and Philip Winder, conducted a diligent interview process resulting in the selection of Wolfrom-Holladay as the organization’s next Executive Director. 

“Coombs Outdoors has grown considerably over the past several years and our goal for this search was to find a nonprofit leader with proven experience in fundraising and capacity building, along with a passion for and commitment to the work we do,” Maloney and Winder shared. “Jenny Wolfrom-Holladay brings all of that to Coombs Outdoors as well as a strong understanding of our community and a vision for guiding the organization to the next level. We are delighted to welcome her to the team.”

Wolfrom-Holladay will officially start her new role at the organization later this month. Resigning Executive Director Mary Erickson remarked, “The organization is ready for new leadership and I believe that Jenny is an ideal choice for the role. I am honored to have led Coombs Outdoors through significant growth and am looking forward to seeing the successes that the future inevitably brings under her leadership.”

What Does it Mean to Support Your Community?

It’s been an unpredictable year to say the least. But while 2020 has been full of chaos, it’s also allowed us to grow the Coombs team to include some amazing new staff, allowing us to serve more kids than ever in a far more meaningful way. 

This time of year, as we reflect on what we’re thankful for, these incredible new Program Coordinators are top of mind. Hear from three of our Program Coordinators, Molly, Caroline, and Hannah, on what has been so meaningful about working for Coombs and giving back to their community this year. 

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Molly Watters
This year has been especially tough, reminding us that everyone needs a safe environment and safe community. It's clear to me that's what Coombs provides for the kids in its programs. These kids need a mentor to talk to, friends to hang out with, and adventures to excite them and channel their energy. And it works! Through our activities this summer and fall, I watched quiet kids make friends, technology addicts forget their phones, tough-guys drop their acts, rebels lend a helping hand, and tiny kids think through big societal issues. I saw nervous girls conquer the bouldering wall, and then jump at the chance to help the next person figure out how it's done. No matter what's thrown at these kids, they've reminded me what resilience and enthusiasm look like. I'm so happy to be a part of their lives through Coombs, and to help them continue growing and having fun in this community.

Carolyne Drayton
For me giving back to my community helps me to cope with global issues that we face right here in Jackson. Affordable housing, a growing wealth gap, exclusivity in the outdoors, to name a few. I think it can be overwhelming to tackle large-scale crises that can feel daunting and insurmountable. Working and interacting with the local community reminds me of all the work still to be done in this place to make Jackson a more inclusive environment to live and recreate in. Why not start by creating change that you can see right here at home? I enjoy working with Coombs because it is a nested community inside of the greater Jackson community. I feel connected to the families that I have worked with whether through skiing, helping with homework, or just talking about our lives. This has made me feel more anchored to this place as a whole. I came to work at Coombs to help local kids connect to their home through outdoor recreation. As it turns out they have done exactly that for me and I am incredibly grateful to them for it.

Hannah Martinelli
It’s important for me to give back to the community that raised me. Jackson has given me a safe, beautiful place to grow my confidence and sense of self through the outdoors. I love working with the kids at Coombs because seeing their true personalities—joys, fears, resentments, confidences—come through while being outside is a really powerful feeling of closeness and community. 

One of my favorite memories from the summer is when we were backpacking and we spent hours playing card games together. My co-staff and I had spent all day encouraging the kids along a 2-mile trail with packs which they did not want to be on and the joy of getting to camp and the kids teaching us card games was a wonderful role reversal of leadership.

Happy Giving Tuesday and thank you so much to everyone who has supported us this year!

You have made a monumental difference in the lives of kids in Teton County during this difficult year.

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Today Stio, our Program Partner, is donating 1% of sales to Coombs Outdoors!

Recreating close to home will continue to be more important than ever this winter, and luckily, most of our programs take place at the town hill, just a few blocks from our office.

This winter at Snow King will look similar to years past, with ski and snowboard programs on the weekends as well as after school in the evenings. This year, Coombs kids will be on the mountain at Snow King every day of the week. Kids will be sporting their new Stio jackets, so keep an eye out for us on the hill this year!

One of our favorite parts of Snow King programs is how accessible they are for families, especially since transportation has become more of a challenge due to social distancing regulations. Many kids can even walk to Snow King and it’s easy for their parents to pick them up on the hill after work.

Because resorts are running at limited operations this year, our program days won’t look the same each week. We’re excited to diversify programs for all ages, to include a variety of different activities including Nordic clinics, days at Grand Targhee, avalanche workshops, and days at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. 

Skiing and snowboarding aside, with the new addition of the Coombs Room adjacent to our office in town, we are able to continue midweek study hall days for the middle and high school kids. Continuing study hall came as a request specifically from the students, who have all shared that it’s the most productive they’ve ever been with their homework!

This winter will look a little different in many ways but one thing’s for sure: we’ll be skiing!

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Coming up...

December 1st - Giving Tuesday!
December 7th - First ski day at Snow King Mountain!
March 4th - Skiing with the Stars at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

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Fall Afterschool Highlights!

Thank you to the Community Foundation for making fall programs possible! 
A generous grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole helped Coombs Outdoors cover the cost of a new van, the new Coombs Room, and fall program staff.

An additional thank you to our program partners for donating equipment and activities for all fall outdoor programs:
Mountain Bike the Tetons, Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School, Rendezvous River Sports, Hoback Sports, Wheel Wranglers, Teton County School District, Teton Conservation District, Hole Bowl, Teton Science Schools, Slow Food in the Tetons, Teton Raptor Center, Wildlife Art Museum

While Coombs programs traditionally take a break between summer and winter, this fall we’ve launched our first season of after school programs to continue to support our kids and families during an unconventional school year with limited classroom time. 

Thanks to a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, the new Coombs Fall Program extends outdoor opportunities for kids K-12 as well as providing a quiet space for students to work on homework and participate in online school, away from the distractions of home.

Elementary and middle school groups meet twice a week after school, while high school students meet once a week (all day on Fridays) when they’re off school completely. Middle and high schoolers use the first half of programs as study hall, followed by an outdoor activity in town or along the trails nearby.

"We heard from Middle School teachers that kids are struggling to turn in work online this year,” said Laura Gaylord, Program Manager. “Now, since the start of programs, participants have started turning in assignments on time and arriving to class prepared. In addition to providing a quiet and productive space without cellphones we are also able to help students reach out to their teachers via email to improve communication and make sure they are doing all they can to maintain their grades" 

“I actually do my homework because otherwise I get distracted at home” 

“It’s a great way for me to get out of my house, otherwise I am stuck there all day and bored”

-Coombs Middle School Participants

To make this all happen, we rented the other half of our office building—the new Coombs Room—to create a spacious and welcoming environment for kids to visit and spend time doing homework. 

After study hall, outdoor activities are different each day, including kick ball, scavenger hunts, trail work, fly fishing lessons, TCSAR workshops, and more. Here are a few of the highlights!

 "Students told me they were excited about having a place to study and some of them had their homework turned in on time for the first time"

- Brianna Olivares, Jackson Hole Middle School Spanish Teacher and Coombs Volunteer

Fly fishing on the Snake River with Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School.

Trail work in the Bridger-Teton National Forest with Mountain Bike the Tetons.

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Thank you to the Community Foundation for making fall programs possible! 

A generous grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole helped Coombs Outdoors cover the cost of a new van, the new Coombs Room, and fall program staff.
 

An additional thank you to our program partners for donating equipment and activities for all fall outdoor programs!

Mountain Bike the Tetons, Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School, Rendezvous River Sports, Hoback Sports, Wheel Wranglers, Teton County School District, Teton Conservation District, Hole Bowl, Teton Science Schools, Slow Food in the Tetons, Teton Raptor Center, Wildlife Art Museum

Board of Directors Begins Search for New Executive Director

Mary Erickson will step down as Executive Director of Coombs Outdoors by the end of this year. The Board of Directors has begun a search for the next Executive Director. Erickson, who has served as Executive Director since July 2017, will return to her work as a Priest at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Jackson.

Under Erickson’s leadership, Coombs Outdoors, formerly the Doug Coombs Foundation, underwent a rebranding, achieved financial sustainability, and doubled its annual budget to be able to expand its programming to serve more than 250 kids in Teton County from kindergarten through high school graduation. Erickson also oversaw the development of a strong Board of Directors and a top-notch staff, all composed of people passionate about kids, the outdoors, and Jackson.

“Leading Coombs Outdoors over the past three years has been a wonderful challenge and an honor,” Erickson said. “I came on board to stabilize the organization by increasing the budget, diversifying our funding sources, putting key infrastructure in place, and professionalizing our programming, so Coombs could continue serving the children and youth in our community for years to come. The organization is in a great place, so it is time for me to step down and for us to welcome the next leader of the organization.”

“Coombs Outdoors is in an ideal position to be able to attract a strong, professional leader who shares a passion for our mission,” said Bill Maloney, Coombs Outdoors Board Co-Chair. “We are grateful to Mary for her hard work and leadership getting Coombs where it is today. We are excited about the future and look forward to welcoming our next Executive Director.”

A full job description and information about how to apply for this position can be found here.

Executive Director Job Opening

Coombs Outdoor programs have come a long way in the last three years, thanks largely to our amazing program leadership. 

Maggie Shipley, Program Director and Laura Gaylord, Program Manager, have taken our programs from solely winter to year-round opportunities for youth empowerment. Over 250 participants from age 5-18 now ski, hike, raft, bike, and climb in the mountains around Jackson throughout the year. 

While Coombs has offered scholarship-type support for kids to join local camps and lessons in the past, Maggie and Laura have developed our own Coombs-grown programs designed to meet the specific needs of our participants and their families. 

From the Powder Pals mentoring program at Teton Village to our first-ever afterschool program launching this fall, Maggie and Laura have created a framework for consistent and engaging outdoor opportunities for kids from low-income families in Teton County. 

Get to know Maggie and Laura and how working with Coombs Outdoors inspires them.

Maggie Shipley, Program Director

Maggie grew up on the Cumberland Plateau in southeastern Tennessee and migrated to Jackson in 2015. She has been with Coombs Outdoors since 2016 and learned to ski alongside many of the kids in the program. When she’s not in the office or out with kids, Maggie can be found chasing her old dog, Molly, down a local trail or trying to get to the top of a Teton peak before dark. She loves sharing her passions for trails and mountains with the kids and families in the program. 

"Working with Coombs Outdoors has not only given me the opportunity to be more connected to the community as a whole, but it also allows me to inspire people through activities that I love to do. One of the most rewarding experiences is that moment when a parent realizes how much fun their child is having skiing or hiking or whatever the activity may be and decides they would like to try it. That’s when I know we are truly making a difference in the lives of our participants." 

Laura Gaylord, Program Manager

Laura grew up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO where she spent her time ski racing and growing her love for the mountains. At the University of Colorado she studied Sociology and Spanish Literature but was eager to leave the front range for some larger peaks. Laura moved to the Tetons in 2017 to chase powder and was humbly welcomed by the incredible community of Jackson. Working at Coombs has allowed her to combine her degrees (something her parents can’t believe is a reality in a ski town) and her love of playing in the mountains with the community she cares so much about. While most of the summer is spent waiting for snow to fall, Laura can be caught enjoying the sunshine and dipping in high alpine lakes. 

"Working with Coombs has given me a connection to a community I didn't know I was missing when moving to a ski town. I came here because skiing was all I really cared about, but working at Coombs quickly taught me it isn't just skiing I have a passion for but sharing that love of the outdoors with others. Participating in the outdoors has made me who I am today and I wholeheartedly believe the outdoors is the ultimate teacher of how to be a genuine, empathetic and caring person. Yet it is not just the wilderness that we learn from, but from the relationships we build in those settings. When people ask me what I do I say I run a mentorship program for middle and high schoolers, but really they are mentoring me just as much as the other way around."

It’s an exciting time for Coombs Outdoors and we appreciate you following along with our progress and growth throughout the years.

This is the last week to make a 2020 Old Bill’s Gift. Thank you to our incredible community for the unwavering support!
 

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Most kids will always remember the first time they carried their own overnight equipment on a backpacking trip. Overcoming new challenges and learning new skills is a key component of the Coombs Outdoors Be REAL Mentoring Program, and this summer, 50 kids went on their first backpacking trip with Coombs Outdoors. 

Each week, groups hiked 2-3 miles into the national forest for a night outside with their friends and counselors. Some participants had been car camping before, but carrying everything into the backcountry on their own was unfamiliar territory. 

Adjusting to a heavy backpack was difficult on the way in, but excitement replaced exhaustion as soon as everyone arrived at camp and got to work choosing their tent sites and setting up shelters. Afterwards, the group cooled off in the creek and learned to filter water for dinner. 

“I love talking and hanging out with other kids at camp, but spending a night outside together is just that much better for getting to know each other”

Cooking at camp was a highlight of the trip - groups prepared mac 'n cheese, ramen, and brats for each other - and everyone got to practice trying to throw the bear hang. The whole group gathered around to cheer on whoever was trying to throw it high enough until the food was finally safe and sound up in the tree.

Diego (12) had never been camping and loved every minute of it. “You can get to know each other so much in a week of camp," he says. "I love talking and hanging out with other kids at camp, but spending a night outside together is just that much better for getting to know each other.”  

After one night the campsite really felt like home, and a few kids even asked if they could stay another night. Hiking into camp with all their overnight gear was hard, but after returning to the car each and every kid agreed it was "100% worth it!"

A huge thanks to Teton Science Schools for lending us backpacking gear for these trips!

An Old Bill's gift to Coombs Outdoors will give local kids access to the opportunities for empowerment the outdoors have to offer. 

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This summer, 50 middle school kids learned to rock climb at Coombs Summer Camp thanks to the team at The Mountain Guides. Groups hiked into a crag in Curtis Canyon to learn basic rope skills and get comfortable on top rope. Many of the kids were nervous, so Valentina (11) - who had been to the climbing gym in Driggs - stepped up to be the first to try and show the other kids that they could do it. After topping out, she took on a leadership role while encouraging some of the more apprehensive kids to try. 

“I was really nervous at first because I’d never tried it and thought I wasn’t going to be able to do it," said Daniel (11). "But as soon as I was climbing my nerves and fear went away and I felt so confident. Afterwards I couldn’t believe what I had done!”

“I was really nervous at first because I’d never tried it and thought I wasn’t going to be able to do it. But as soon as I was climbing my nerves and fear went away and I felt so confident. Afterwards I couldn’t believe what I had done!”

The guides set up three top ropes and kids practiced climbing the routes a few more times to see how high they could get. Valentina jumped at the chance to learn more and was the first kid to belay another climber, as well as learning to coil the rope on her own.

Climbing this summer was a great way for kids to push themselves in a comfortable setting and learn that they can accomplish far more than they realize!

An Old Bill's gift to Coombs Outdoors gives local kids the opportunity to participate in year-round outdoor activities that help them realize what they are truly capable of. 

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“What do you guys want to do next week?” Sophia Schwartz asks Kelly (15) and Randy (13), siblings and Coombs participants, after their morning bike ride. Sophia has been a Coombs Mentor in the Powder Pals Program for the past two winters, skiing once a week at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with groups of middle schoolers. Each week this summer, Sophia meets up with 2-4 Coombs kids to spend a few hours outside hiking, biking, or chatting about life. 

“This summer, the challenges around the pandemic highlighted to me how important access to the outdoors is in creating space to safely spend time together,” Sophia says. This spring, she decided to reach out to some of the kids she’d skied with to set up some small group activities they could safely participate in while social distancing. The group has hiked around Snow King and Josie’s Ridge, biked out to the Elk Refuge, and spent time swimming at R Park. 

“Hiking gave our group a balance between escaping our hardships to have fun, and also working through challenges together to build resilience”

“It’s fun because we get to try new things every week,” says Kelly (15) who has been enthusiastic about the opportunities to get outside and bring her family along. Kelly and her brother Randy have been skiing with Coombs for the past five years, and weren't sure what they were going to do this summer. Sophia says their activities are pretty informal - just like friends hanging out - which allows them to do whatever the kids are interested in. 

“Hiking gave our group a balance between escaping our hardships to have fun, and also working through challenges together to build resilience,” Sophia says.  

An Old Bill's gift to Coombs Outdoors will support the Be REAL Mentoring Program which helps create and foster strong mentoring relationships within our community. 

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This summer, we hired 9 new counselors to staff Coombs Summer Camp, a series of week-long camps for kids K-9. This new model enabled us to run programs in compliance with CDC guidelines and appropriate safety measures, as well as serving more kids than we ever have in the summer. Thanks to our amazing program staff, over 100 kids will spend over 8000 collective hours hiking, paddling, rock climbing, camping, and rafting in the Tetons.

Hannah Branch

As a native Spanish speaker, Hannah was inspired to move to Jackson this summer to work with Coombs participants and make the outdoors more accessible for the local community in Jackson.

“I can’t imagine what kind of stresses these kids are going through these days, and having an opportunity to interact with new people, especially outside, is really valuable right now,” she says. 

Hannah has been amazed at how much more independent the elementary schoolers become throughout a week of summer programs. “On the first day, Maite (6) was too nervous to play on the bouldering wall or get in the water without holding someone’s hand. By the end of the week she was climbing all the way to the top of the wall and running around all by herself!”

“I can’t imagine what kind of stresses these kids are going through these days, and having an opportunity to interact with new people, especially outside, is really valuable right now”

Charlotte Cadow

“I’ve had a fantastic experience working with the kids from our local community,” says Charlotte, who has been living and working in Jackson for the past year. She has been constantly amazed at the group’s active interest in exploration, while paddling around R Park or hiking on trails around Snow King. 

Charlotte remembers one day where the group discovered leeches while swimming at R Park. She was a little perturbed by the creatures, but she recalls “one participant admirably and nonchalantly pulled one of these wriggly freshwater worms off of their leg!” Their intrinsic curiosity and admiration for nature has been inspiring for her throughout the summer as she watches them become more comfortable outside and excited to explore.

An Old Bill's gift to Coombs Outdoors gives local kids the opportunity to participate in year-round outdoor activities they would otherwise not have access to.

Donate to Coombs through Old Bill's