also stared at the top of a rapid or the base of a mountain and felt the urge to explore . It ’ s ingrained in the human experience to explore and I ’ m very lucky to have had the opportunity to not only do so , but help younger kids explore and discover the love of exploration that has guided mankind to all sorts of progress throughout our entire existence on the planet . There ’ s a lot of stuff that feels like exploration in our modern lives , but nothing that is quite as genuine or real as being in nature and experiencing the earth as it is in front of you .
Jason D ( Bretton Woods staff ) “ I ’ ve been working in outdoor recreation and specifically with youth summer programs for almost 30 years , and without exception I can say that helping kids find what makes them happy is the high point of my life . Working with kids ’ programs constantly reminds me that my words and actions matter and that I have made a difference in this lifetime .”
Ameen L ( Bretton Woods staff ): Working at camps in the outdoors , has made a big difference in my
life . I ’ ve always enjoyed nature it and was able to develop a bigger appreciation for it . It allowed for me to strengthen my leadership , critical thinking and communication skills . I believe my experience has influenced my decision towards working within the social services field . As I am constantly using the skills I ’ ve nourished since working at an outdoor camp .
Leigh K : One of the best parenting decisions my mom ever made was to send me to outdoor adventure camp when I was ten . School was challenging — I am dyslexic and was navigating family trauma . Camp on the other hand was a place where none of that mattered : where I was defined by my work ethic and achievements rather than my struggles ; where I developed selfworth and confidence in my ability to lead others ; where I was able to connect with the environment and build a community of my own mentees . At camp inspirational outdoor professionals helped me find my path and develop my skills . I quickly worked my way through becoming a counselor in training , counselor , and activity director . My
mentors introduced me to many skills I rely on today including , teamwork , leadership , expedition behavior , risk management , emergency medicine , the incident command structure , conflict resolution , outreach , and education .
My time at an outdoor adventure camp helped me find my purpose and navigate my career path . I continued to work at camp while I became an Emergency Medical Technician , earned degrees in Biology and Recreation , Parks , & Tourism , lived outside for nine months restoring endangered species habitat in the Mojave Desert , taught environmental education in Appalachia , and earned my master ’ s in Environmental Sustainability and Conflict Resolution .
Today as the Partnership Lead for the Bureau of Land Management - California , I support the management of twelve National Monuments and Conservation areas , four National Scenic and Historic Trails , ten Wild and Scenic Rivers , 94 wilderness areas , and 62 wilderness study areas , and other general public lands . The most rewarding part of my job is still mentoring youth who are interested in stewardship careers .
I am grateful for my mentors and mentees . They have given my life a meaningful community to support and grow while we work to build a more sustainable future .
If you have a teen / young adult or you are a teen / young adult who is interested in the outdoor industry or camp life , please do not hesitate to contact me at dritter @ bwrc . org I would be happy to talk with you about possibilities here at Bretton Woods or other avenues to work in nature and the outdoor industry .
plenty I spring sowing 2023 49