Camptown, Inc.的动态

The activities we do beyond our careers often have an outsized impact on our lives and shape who we are in a way that often reverberates in our work. If you know me, you know that I am a passionate birder. This hobby fuels my curiosity, attenuates my senses, gets me out into nature, and has connected me to some of the most wonderful people I've ever met. I am a better human because of it, and I recommend birding to everybody. To raise money for the fantastic Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, I (along with some other brilliant birders) compete in the annual Birding Cup! Please consider donating at the link in the comments to support our team in our effort to bring home the cup (it would be our second win, NBD). Also, if you're curious about birding, let me know, and I'll be happy to share tips and tricks and maybe even take you out into the field sometime! Here's a fun bird fact for those who are curious: The chimney swift is a common, swallow-like bird seen in the skies of eastern North America. Once you learn to spot them, you'll see them flying around nearly every day during the warm months in Pittsburgh. What you won't see is one land. They are highly specialized for flight and have very reduced feet (they are part of the clade Apodiformes, which stands for footless forms and also includes the hummingbirds). They cannot land on horizontal surfaces, walk, or really do much terrestrial stuff other than cling to vertical surfaces like the chimneys and hollow trees that they nest in. In fact, when they aren't breeding, they can go MONTHS without landing at all!

When I started using outdoor and experiential education as my primary approach to teaching high school I immediately saw the changes in my students' faces, their body language, and how they navigated and interacted with the world. I could see and sense in their interactions with the world the shift in what we now call 'mindset'. Back in the day, people would ask me how I knew that what I was doing with these teens would be effective, long-lasting, and have an impact. In short, they asked, "What is the evidence?" Back then, my stock response was to say "Ask me in 10 years, then we will know how they are doing and how we did." Here are two personal stories that demonstrate the power of outdoor education to change lives. Last week, I saw a post (linked below) about OBCA staff member Roger Lopez and the critical role he plays as a lead instructor for Outward Bound California. His life journey is inspirational and out on course he is a role model for his students. It is not a coincidence that Roger is an alum of Get Out and Learn (getoutandlearn.org), a high school experiential and outdoor education program in the SFUSD. His experiences in that program offered him the chance to go on Outward Bound, which turned the outdoors into a lifetime career and put him on the pathway toward becoming an outstanding OBCA staff member. Similarly, Belynda Ray is an alum of GOAPe, a predecessor program to GOAL. Her success in that program led her to become an OBCA Pinnacles scholar and a life-changing experience in the wilderness. Today, decades later, Roger and Belynda continue to pay it forward to the next generation. The partnership between OBCA and community organizations give youth like Belynda and Roger the opportunity to go on life-changing experiences with Outward Bound California. None of this is possible without the scholarships OBCA offers. IT IS individual donations that make what seems financially impossible, possible. Yes, it was a previous generation of generous donors like you who changed Roger and Belynda's lives. Tomorrow (May 8th), we rappel to support the next generation of Rogers and Belyndas. Please join us with your financial support. It's worth it. https://lnkd.in/gMVc-mTU Roger's Journey with OBCA https://lnkd.in/gT34Rb9V

Noble Deeds applications are NOW OPEN! This is a super exciting time as it embarks on our 11th year of doing the program. It's such an important philanthropic initiative for us. It's a way for us to give back by utilizing what we were good at. If you rewind to the very beginning, we were doing this as a cultural bonding experience, helping to extend, build and repair the Tahoe Rim Trail. Here we were, marketers up on the top of the mountain digging with pitchforks and shovels, doing good work but not utilizing our best talents and strengths. That's when we had a lightbulb moment, and the idea for Noble Deeds came about. We started working with nonprofits, using our marketing skills to help them properly communicate and share the amazing things they're doing. We look at things like their brand, principles, pillars, vision and mission and redevelop their identity - we help them tell their story. And each nonprofit has their own unique opportunity for us to apply our skills. It's an important initiative for us, entirely employee-led, and we all get so much value helping those who need it! So, applications are open, and I encourage you to apply using the link in the comments! #NobleDeeds #CommunityInvolvement #SocialResponsibility #Philanthropy

Looking to strengthen your ties within the community and boost your presence? Here's a strategy we find wins every time: Get involved! ?? Volunteer at Community Centers: Offer your expertise and support where it's needed most. ?? Join Local Events: Whether it’s bowls clubs, tennis matches, or school sports days, show up! Setting up hydration stands or medical bays can highlight your commitment to health and wellness. ?? Contribute to Raffles: Show generosity by donating hampers or items from your pharmacy to community raffles. It's a win-win! By taking these small steps, you build meaningful connections and foster loyalty from customers who appreciate your dedication. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Let’s dream big and make a difference in our communities! ??

For public, #private and #familybusiness organizations involved in philanthropy, giving back to their communities comes naturally. Building on deeply held values and a desire to be a good steward of resources for those in need, they see the powerful outcomes they can deliver and the legacy they can leave. Learn how our #philanthropic advisory services can help you build a plan to achieve your goals.

For public, private and family organizations involved in philanthropy, giving back to their communities comes naturally. Building on deeply held values and a desire to be a good steward of resources for those in need, they see the powerful outcomes they can deliver and the legacy they can leave. Learn how our philanthropic advisory services can help you build a plan to achieve your goals.

For public, private and family organizations involved in philanthropy, giving back to their communities comes naturally. Building on deeply held values and a desire to be a good steward of resources for those in need, they see the powerful outcomes they can deliver and the legacy they can leave. Learn how our philanthropic advisory services can help you build a plan to achieve your goals.

For public, private and family organizations involved in philanthropy, giving back to their communities comes naturally. Building on deeply held values and a desire to be a good steward of resources for those in need, they see the powerful outcomes they can deliver and the legacy they can leave. Learn how our philanthropic advisory services can help you build a plan to achieve your goals.

For public, private and family organizations involved in philanthropy, giving back to their communities comes naturally. Building on deeply held values and a desire to be a good steward of resources for those in need, they see the powerful outcomes they can deliver and the legacy they can leave. Learn how our philanthropic advisory services can help you build a plan to achieve your goals.

For public, private and family organizations involved in philanthropy, giving back to their communities comes naturally. Building on deeply held values and a desire to be a good steward of resources for those in need, they see the powerful outcomes they can deliver and the legacy they can leave. Learn how our philanthropic advisory services can help you build a plan to achieve your goals.