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BOEC's Inspirations
Stories of the BOEC
November 15, 2023
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Dear Friend of BOEC,
As we gather with loved ones to celebrate the holidays, it's a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving back. BOEC's annual Holiday Giving Campaign brings an opportunnity for us to unite and make a meaningful impact through our inclusive outdoor programs at BOEC. These programs empower individuals facing unique challenges, fostering belonging, skill development, and cherished memories. Your generosity enables us to continue offering specialized programs that cater to our participants' unique needs throughout the year. Join us in making a difference.
How can you help?
Make a financial contribution: Your tax-deductible donation, no matter the size, will directly fund our outdoor adaptive programs, allowing us to expand our reach and enhance the experience of our participants. Donations can be made directly through our secure online portal at boec.org/give.
Volunteer: Consider donating your time and skills. Your expertise can make a difference, whether it’s assisting with our Adaptive Ski or Wilderness programs or volunteering at events. To learn more about volunteer opportunities with BOEC visit the volunteer page on our website at boec.org/volunteer.
Spread the word: Help us raise awareness by sharing our campaign with your friends, family and colleagues. The more people who know about our cause, the greater an impact we can make together.
Your support will not only bring smiles to the faces of those we serve but will also create a more inclusive and compassionate community for all.
As the campaign kicks off, we will be introducing you to Beth Newsom who has been a participant of BOEC’s ski program for over 20 years. Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) from a young age, Beth shares how she regained her athletic ability with the support of family, friends and the BOEC.
This month is also the start of our winter programs including the Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Program which enters its 42nd year of offering one on one ski or snowboard instructions for those living with physical or cognitive challenges or facing other barriers. Applications are open now at https://boec.org/adaptive-ski-snowboard-program/.
To celebrate the start of another great winter season, we are happy to introduce you to our own Assistant Ski Program Director, Sean Houston who has risen through the ranks in BOEC style, starting as an intern then moving on to work with both the summer and winter programs. Sean brings passion and commitment to his role, and we are so fortunate to have him on the team.
This November, in honor of Veteran’s Day, we are proud to share a story about First Nation Group who generously support BOEC’s Heroic Military Program. We are grateful for their support of this important program and thankful for those who have sacrificed so much to protect the nation’s freedom and democracy.
Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and commitment to making a positive impact. Your support makes a world of difference, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in our mission.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and the spirit of giving.
Warmly,
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Sonya Norris
Executive Director
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center
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Beth Newsom, pictured here with her daughter Lori, is a longtime BOEC Adaptive Ski Program participant and featured in this year's Holiday Giving Campaign. |
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Warm Hearts, Helping Hands:
Join BOEC in Our Season of Giving
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Because of your support, we have served 2,134 individuals this year while covering 70% of our program costs with donations. Together, we’ve kept BOEC accessible to people of all means and ability levels who depend on us for access to meaningful outdoor adventures.
BOEC Participant Beth Newsom shares her experience, "I discovered the BOEC over 20 years ago in the face of feeling isolated and experiencing the athlete, who I defined myself to be, slipping away. Spinal MS found me, a runner, at a young age. In my over 20 years as a participant in the BOEC’s programs, I have learned that BOEC instructors continually pivot to enable people with disabilities to be the best they can be while also working with families so that participants do not feel isolated. Your support of the BOEC makes this possible. Support from people like you has meant I learned to ski and handcycle, and that I can continue to do these things with my family. Other people deserve these same opportunities. Please know that your support helps people like me have invaluable experiences with the BOEC. Thank you very much and happiest of holidays."
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Sean Houston, Assistant Ski Program Director on a Brain Injury Alliance Ruby Horsethief trip.
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It's the People Who Make BOEC Special:
Sean Houston, Assistant Ski Program Director
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Oftentimes our first skiing experience is memorable and for Sean Houston, Assistant Ski Program Director for BOEC’s Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Program, he describes his first time on Nordic skis as “feeling like a baby giraffe”. Today, Sean has fully embraced alpine skiing, spending much of his winters in snowy Colorado working with BOEC’s Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Program where he has spent years helping others discover the magic of outdoor winter sports in the Rocky Mountains. |
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Team Semper Fi enjoying a sunny day out at Keystone Resort. |
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Generosity Spotlight:
First Nation Group
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In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to highlight our Heroic Family Military Program, express gratitude to our military program supporters, and, above all, share the impactful feedback from veterans who joined us in the past year. BOEC has been effectively organizing programs for veterans facing disabling injuries as a result of their service for over three decades. The majority of BOEC military programs have historically been offered at no cost to service members due to generous funders. |
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We'd like to express our gratitude to everyone who has shown interest in volunteering with us this winter by updating their Volunteer Interest Form. For those of you who haven't signed up yet, we invite you to consider becoming a part of our 2023-24 season! Whether you're an experienced instructor, a novice eager to learn, or someone willing to assist in various roles, we welcome your support. |
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Time to Celebrate
BOEC placed in the top three finalists for 2023 Best of Summit - Nonprofit
Thank you so much for voting for us! We're grateful to have our community's support and recognition over the last 47 years as we work hard to create inclusive outdoor experiences for all abilities.
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Shop at Limber Grove
BOEC is very grateful to local retailer, Limber Grove, who donates a percentage of their sales to BOEC equating to over $10K in Heroic Military Programming support every year. Shop now to support this local business and the BOEC.
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THANK YOU TO OUR KEY PARTNERS |
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Austin, Malia, Gardner, and Lindsay ready to get to work |
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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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