Happy New Year!

We're jumping into 2021 with a new Executive Director- learn more about him below. Plus, get to know interns, hear the latest on our High School Leader Scholarship Program, find a discount for summer camps & more. 

Help Us Welcome Bryan Martin,

OLF's New Executive Director

In January, the Outdoor Lab Foundation welcomed Bryan Martin as our new Executive Director. Bryan brings nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, conservation and recreation advocacy to OLF. Most recently, Bryan was the Executive Director of Big City Mountaineers, a position he held for the past five and a half years. Prior to that Bryan held increasingly responsible positions with The Nature Conservancy, The Continental Divide Trail Coalition, the Colorado Mountain Club and the Land Trust Alliance. His entire career has been dedicated to ensuring both Colorado and the country's magnificent natural lands are protected and that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy them.

Outdoor experiences have been fundamental to Bryan’s life and he hopes to bring his passion for the outdoors to OLF so Jeffco students, regardless of background, can have transformational experiences at Outdoor Lab and that the school sites remain protected in perpetuity for future generations of students.

Bryan is delighted to be on the team and looks forward to taking OLF and the Outdoor Lab Program to new heights. “I know how powerful time outside can be to one’s self. Camps and wilderness trips can be some of the most transformational forms of experiential education we can offer and fosters profound personal growth in our students. Beyond the lessons in outdoor skills, natural history, communication, teamwork, and leadership that are part of virtually any Outdoor Lab experience, there is an underlying process through which a visit to site is rendered meaningful in the lives of the participants. I want to make sure these experiences enhanced and sustained.”

Bryan has a BS from Penn State University in Recreation and Park Management and an MA in Nonprofit Management from Regis University. Bryan’s wife, Sally, teaches at Vanderhoof Elementary and together they are busy raising three boys.

To reach Bryan, you can call 720-403-8241 x1001 or email him at bryan.martin@outdoorlabfoundation.org.

Another Semester of AMAZING Interns

Interns are the bread and butter of Outdoor Lab. Did you know? Forty young adults serve as interns in any given school year. They serve at both sites for one semester, though some choose to extend their service to a full year.

Being an intern comes with many responsibilities, all aimed at preparing students with hands-on experiences to set them up for future success. Interns instruct classes of 6th grade students, often co-teaching with classroom teachers and high school leaders. In addition, they manage daily operations at the sites, like assisting in the equipment room and with flag ceremonies.

Get to know them!

John Gomez | Windy Peak Intern | 2020: John says Outdoor Lab has shown him what life has to offer. He feels he has helped many younger students have a better and more fun way to learn. A Golden High School student, John next plans to go into real estate and business. His inspiration? The love that goes into making kids prepared for their Outdoor Lab experience. He believes it helps people find the better moments and parts of life.

Mia Robinson | Mount Evans Intern | 2020: When the traditional learning experience at Columbine High School didn’t work well for Mia, she jumped at the chance to be an intern at Outdoor Lab. Her favorite part of teaching was getting to witness her students' "a-ha" moments, the instances when she saw something click in a student’s mind. Her biggest inspiration? Her Grandad. Not only was Mia impressed by his dedication to his students, but he also taught her to love and respect nature.

Masked & Fantastic:

Students Enjoy Outdoor Lab in 2020

The numbers are in: roughly 2,500 students have been to Outdoor Lab this year, and by the end of the year, that number will double. Many things have changed: students are now getting a 2-day experience with no overnights, masks are being worn at all times and students have to maintain distance between one another. 

However, some things haven't changed. The students are still taking a break from technology and getting to experience the magic of the mountains. They're getting to connect with one another through team-building activities. Students are experiencing what it is to hike in the snow, about physics through archery and about the animals that enjoy the alpine weather. 

So even in the midst of a pandemic, our mission continues. Thanks to all of you who continue to make that happen.

OPEN SOON: 2021 High School Leader Scholarships

For the past two years, OLF's High School Leader Scholarship Program has supported two Jeffco graduating seniors with scholarships to put toward their continued education. Last year we were impressed with the applicant pool- 42 eligible students applied! Now in its third year, this unique scholarship program is growing and we hope to provide even more opportunities in the years to come. 

In order to apply, a student must:

• Have served as a High School Leader or intern at an Outdoor Lab site for at least one week (or equivalent in 2020)
• Be a graduating Jeffco senior
• Be applying to any private or public vocational training program, college or university
• Fill out our application and form (details coming soon!)

Know a senior who has served as either an intern or High School Leader at Outdoor Lab? Encourage them to apply! Details to come by the end of January and will be on our website.

The Learning Continues:

Choose Avid4 Adventure for Camp This Summer

"Avid4 Adventure was born out of my desire to give kids a love of outdoor activity and to ensure the future caretaking of our planet." -David Secunda, Founder

Avid4 Adventure introduces kids and teens to the power of outdoor adventure. They do so by taking campers to authentic, local recreation areas they can continue to explore even after camp ends. They hire the most committed, experienced instructors around and use professional-caliber equipment for all students, so each camper can learn how these activities are really supposed to feel. 

What're your kids' plans for summer? Avid4Adventure is busy planning summer excursions for adventurous children of all ages. They're happy to announce the return of several summer favorites including Day Camps, Expeditions and Resident Camps in 2021.

Check out their list of our upcoming camps to get a jump start on your summer planning!

Registration is now open—use code EARLYBIRD to save at checkout. 

Meet Us on Social!