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BOEC's Inspirations
The Official Newsletter of the BOEC
June 9, 2022
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Dear Friend of BOEC,
It looks like this is going to be a very busy summer which is exciting for so many reasons. Staff training is done, the new intern class is here, and everyone is ready to welcome back the groups and participants we missed seeing the past two years. While we're still monitoring the COVID situation carefully to ensure the safety of our participants, staff, and volunteers, we're focusing on getting back out into the wilderness for fun and adventure! We hope that you'll keep track of us this summer through our posts on social media and the monthly newsletter, and if you're not yet following us on Facebook or Instagram, please do! You'll feel a part of the excitement seeing the smiling faces going down the river, paddling on the lake, and trying the ropes course for the first time. It's the joy and excitement of these faces that make the work we do so fulfilling and wonderful for all. Thank you for being a part of it!
This month’s edition of BOEC’s Inspirations shares the important story of SOAP, the Summit Outdoor Adventure Program, which has for the past 27 years offered youth facing a variety of challenges an opportunity to participate in a program that has literally saved lives. A partnership between BOEC and Summit County’s Youth and Family Services, SOAP, as a multi-day, life-changing program for local youth that are challenged with risk factors in their lives, is in danger of going away. Please read this amazing story to learn about the young people who have benefited and why it is so critical that it continues.
Each month for the past two years, we have featured stories about the people who make BOEC so special – and this list is LONG, including staff, volunteers, board members, and many others! This month we are happy to introduce you to our own Ben Hickman. Facilities and Capital Manager is his title, but it's hard to pin down everything he does. Ben has his hand in so many areas that are critical to BOEC operations, including managing the fleet of vehicles, the many buildings and facilities that make up the BOEC, as well as major equipment like the ropes course and climbing wall. With an organization as extensive as the BOEC, his job is never done, but his smile, enthusiasm, and commitment to the program is infectious. We are very fortunate that Ben is part of the team!
Finally, this month we share a story about a very special group who gives back to the BOEC in our Donor Spotlight – the BOEC interns. The BOEC Intern Program has existed almost as long as the BOEC, training young professionals in the various fields of adaptive outdoor recreation. Some move on to work in other programs, and in many cases, stay to work here at the BOEC. It is truly wonderful to see how many of BOEC’s past interns (which numbers over 400 strong) are now giving back to the program that helped to shape their futures.
Thank you from all of us for YOUR ongoing support of the work we do. We are collectively making lives better and we could not do this without you.
Yay for summer,
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Sonya Norris
Executive Director
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center
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A group of Boy's Summit Outdoor Adventure Program (SOAP) participants pose on the banks of the Green River in Utah. |
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Local Youth Experience the Benefits of the Great Outdoors with BOEC and SOAP |
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BOEC finds great purpose in getting people from all walks of life outside to experience all that the great outdoors has to offer. And this includes an often neglected segment of the population, youth that are challenged with risk factors in their lives. For the past 27 years, BOEC has partnered with Summit County government’s Youth and Family Services to provide life-changing experiences for these young boys and girls in the form of the Summit Outdoor Adventure Program (SOAP), created by two former BOEC staff members, one of whom is still with the program today.
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Ben Hickman, BOEC facilities & capital manager, thought his job was all about snow plowing when he first started in the historic winter of 2019-20. |
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It's the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Facilities & Capital Manager Ben Hickman |
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There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to BOEC Facilities & Capital Manager, Ben Hickman. Ben’s six-foot-four frame can be kind of intimidating when he enters a room, but as soon as he opens his mouth to offer his view on a situation and you see the customary smile on his face, the assumed stereotype is quickly forgotten. The 34-year-old from Vevay, Indiana is as gentle as a lamb and some might even metaphorically equate Ben to a pineapple, rough and tough on the outside, but sweet and tender on the inside. This dichotomy makes Ben the fascinating subject of this month’s BOEC employee spotlight. |
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Former BOEC Intern, Katie O'Neil, poses with BOEC participant, Hannah, at Breckenridge Ski Resort in 2000. |
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Donor Spotlight: Past Interns Give Back to BOEC |
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We recently caught up with a slew of former BOEC Interns about what inspires them to give back to the organization that taught them so much in their lives. Not only were we inspired by their dedication to donate, but by some of the shared memories that have given BOEC a very special place in their hearts. Check it out by clicking on the link below. |
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A view of Keystone Ranch Golf Course at last year's sold-out tournament. |
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Tee It Up Golf Scramble - August 22nd! |
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It's time to register your foursome for the 13th Annual Tee It Up Golf Scramble, benefiting BOEC's adaptive outdoor programs for those with disabilities and special needs! Held annually at the Keystone Ranch Course, this year's event is slated for Monday, August 22nd. Get your registration in today as only a limited number of foursomes remain!
This year's event features the standard 10am shotgun start and a four-person scramble format, but that's about all that remains the same. We're elevating your experience with a gift bag for all golfers that includes a signature polo shirt and golf balls, breakfast, lunch, complimentary beverages, access to an expanded virtual auction, and a bigger and better 19th Hole After Party brought to you by Cornerstone Real Estate Rocky Mountains and EpicPromise! It figures to be another fun-filled event once again this year!
Remember, just by playing some golf, you're making a difference in the lives of many. We're really looking forward to seeing you at the 13th year of Tee It Up!
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19th Hole After Party Sponsor |
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19th Hole After Party Sponsor |
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Support BOEC at Frisco's Free Concert in the Park, July 7th |
Come join in on the fun and support the BOEC at the same time as The Runaway Grooms brings its musical stylings to Frisco's free Concert in the Park on Thursday, July 7th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. All proceeds from beer and wine sales will benefit BOEC's adaptive outdoor programs, so work up a thirst and join us for this awesome benefit concert!
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BOEC's Website is Now Fully Accessible with AccessiBe! |
In order to provide the best possible experience for all potential BOEC participants, we're pleased to announce that BOEC.org is now more accessible! We've partnered with the artificial intelligence accessibility company AccessiBe to accomplish this, and now all visitors to our site can customize their individual experience by clicking the green icon on the bottom left of any page.
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Welcome to the BOEC, Summer 2022 Interns! |
We are extremely excited to welcome the 11 members of the 2022 Summer Intern class to the BOEC family! This dedicated group hails from all over the United States and includes three holdovers from the Winter Intern class. In existence for over 40 years, BOEC's Internship Program trains young professionals interested in the fields of Outdoor/Experiential Education, Therapeutic Recreation, and Recreation Management. Help us welcome this year's class!
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Spots Still Available for Wilderness Camp, July 5-9 |
Calling all young adults, ages 16-22, with developmental and learning disabilities... we've got just the experience for you! BOEC's Wilderness Camp is a 5-day overnight adventure, designed around established experiential education models, that includes canoeing, hiking, and river camping where students have the opportunity to develop social skills, teamwork, and leadership qualities.
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THANK YOU TO OUR KEY PARTNERS |
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The mission of the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) is to expand the potential of people with disabilities and special needs through meaningful, educational and inspiring outdoor experiences.
BOEC is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit
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