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BOEC's Inspirations
Stories of the BOEC
April 12, 2023
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Dear Friend of BOEC,
Welcome to April’s edition of BOEC’s Inspirations newsletter! In this issue, we are excited to share our 2021-22 Annual Report, which can be found on the BOEC website and below.
As you read the report you will see the continued commitment of BOEC to provide exceptional outdoor programs to individuals coming to learn to ski or snowboard, challenge themselves on the high ropes course, try adaptive cycling, or enjoy the thrill of a day on the rivers of Colorado and Utah. Our entire BOEC team has worked diligently to regain our level of programming in both our winter and summer programs serving 2,056 individuals across 5,034 program days across the 2021-22 fiscal year. As you read through the report, I hope that you will reach out to me with any questions, thoughts, or ideas you may have as I would love to hear from you!
We are also excited to share three inspiring stories with you. Last month we introduced you to The Not Forgotten, an extraordinary veteran service organization from the UK. This month we introduce you to one of their own participants who came to BOEC in the winter of 2022 and returned this year to become part of BOEC’s winter internship program. Jack embodies strength, resilience, and courage and he has added a great deal to this year’s program.
Our Donor Spotlight shines on the Gammenthaler family from Texas, who have been visiting Breckenridge regularily with their family since 2000. Seeing BOEC’s instructors with participants enjoying great days on the mountain inspired them to learn more about BOEC and to find out what they could do to support us. The Gammenthalers have given generously since 2009 and in 2021, they became monthly donors. We are so grateful to them for their ongoing support and for sharing their reasons for becoming monthly donors to BOEC.
Summer programming is finally here! We kicked off the season with Jefferson Medical School’s BreckWild program, which comes annually to BOEC for wilderness medicine training. A full slate of programming begins in June with longtime returning groups, programs for veterans and their families through BOEC’s Heroic Military Program, and our own open enrollment programs for youth and teens including Wilderness Camp and Camp Big Tree.
As the 2022-23 ski season comes to a close, we want to thank everyone who helped to make this a great year. We are so grateful to the many volunteers who give so generously of their time and talent and the BOEC instructors and interns whose hard work and passion shine through every single day. I want to give a special thanks to the Adaptive Ski Program staff including Jeff, Sean, Lydia, Katie, Gardner, Lindsay, Malia, and Austin for making every person’s experience with BOEC their best day ever!
Thank you to all of you who joined us for a day on the mountain and supported us so generously. We are eagerly looking forward to next season, but until then, we are excited about the amazing summer adventures ahead with BOEC’s Wilderness Program!
Warmly,
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Sonya Norris
Executive Director
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center
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BOEC 2021-22 Annual Report
We are excited to share BOEC's 2021-22 Annual Report. As you read through the highlights of the past year you will see a snapshot of an organization committed to excellence in program delivery, sound financial management, team member support and training and stewardship of our constituents, donors and partners. Thank you to all who contributed to another great year.
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Paddle boarding with BOEC |
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As the snow begins to melt and temperatures warm we start dreaming of summertime adventures to come. At BOEC we take advantage of the natural outdoor playground and bring adventurers of all ages to enjoy outside experiences with us.
BOEC offers a number of wilderness camps in the summer for many ages, needs, and ability levels with a focus on enriching adventures. Courses incorporate our challenge by choice methodology that allow participants to choose their own level of adventure. Our accrediting body, the Association of Experiential Education deems BOEC as “a model program in the industry” because of this methodology and the extreme care and passion we have for every participant. Camps are custom-designed to ensure that participants have an environment of learning and enjoying activities to meet their abilities.
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Jack with his fellow 2022-23 winter interns |
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It's the People Who Make BOEC Special:
Winter Intern - Jack Finn-Kelcey
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For a man who served as a paratrooper in the British army, worked in a number of private security roles, bodyguarding the rich and famous, taught anti-poaching to rangers in Malawi, protected boats from piracy, and worked in disaster response and animal rescue for the Humane Society in locations around the world, his most rewarding experience he says, is the BOEC winter internship! This incredible individual, and part of the BOEC family, is Jack Finn-Kelcey from Kent in the United Kingdom. |
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The Gammenthaler Family celebrating Christmas together ⎼ you are never too young to be a chef! |
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Donor Spotlight
Monthly Donors - The Gammenthalers
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We often say that we could not do what we do without the generous support of so many loyal and generous donors who have supported us throughout our 47-year history. Our 2021-22 Annual Report highlights the contributions of over 600 individual donors and we are immensely grateful for all those who choose to support our mission and enable us to provide inclusive outdoor programs for our many participants, which are led by dedicated volunteers, interns, and staff.
At BOEC, we offer a number of ways to give in support of our adaptive programs and this month’s Donor Spotlight shines a light on Brian and Donna Gammenthaler, a couple who have been supporting BOEC since 2009 and have recently become monthly donors.
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Volunteer with BOEC
this Summer!
Our summer volunteer opportunities consist largely of helping out with our cycling and paddling days. All summer volunteers are required to be 18 years of age.
If you are interested, please click apply now or to reach out to our volunteer coordinator with any questions, please email Gardner at volunteer@boec.org
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Support BOEC While You Shop!
BOEC is very grateful to Limber Grove, a local, purpose-driven retailer that sells products from the great state of Colorado on Main Street in Breckenridge. They are ongoing Circle of Support members dedicating $10K+ to BOEC's year-round Heroic Military Program, as well as supporting the community in several other ways.
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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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