Jessie Levesque-Etling and Grace McDonald named recipients of inaugural Outdoor Lab Foundation High School Leader Scholarship
This year, for the first time, The Outdoor Lab Foundation awarded college-bound high school seniors who have been a High School Leader at Jefferson County Outdoor Lab at least twice, an opportunity to be granted a $2,000 scholarship. The Outdoor Lab Foundation Youth Advisory Board led the Foundation in planning and selection.
The mission of the Youth Advisory Board is to impact students before, during and after Outdoor Lab, and the release of this scholarship allows students to continue stewardship of themselves, others and the environment.
Grace McDonald of Columbine High School and Jessie Levesque-Etling of Conifer High School are the inaugural recipients of the Outdoor Lab Foundation High School Leader Scholarship. Grace will be attending Colorado Mesa University and Jessie will be attending Metropolitan State University.
Jessie says "When I received the call that I got the scholarship, I was at a loss for words. It took a lot of pressure off of my shoulders when it comes to paying for college next year. Also, it was a great feeling knowing I put my heart into the program, but that the program also gives back so much to both sixth grade and high school students."
Grace says "I am extremely honored to get this opportunity. My friends and family are so proud of me. Outdoor Lab has impacted my life greatly, and I am blessed that it will help with my college career."
The Foundation and the Youth Advisory Board are proud to give back to students who give their hearts to the Outdoor Lab Program.
Bowl To Support The Outdoor Lab Foundation!
Bowl to support The Outdoor Lab Foundation on Saturday, May 4th, 12:00p.m. or 2:00pm at Holiday Lanes, 10350 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215. This event is sponsored by West Colfax Kiwanis.
Each lane will support four bowlers. The cost is $15.05 per bowler and includes shoes and fees. Gather your friends and bring a team! Prizes will be awarded in many categories.
The Outdoor Lab Foundation has a goal of raising $1,000 at this event. So what are you waiting for? Get your team together and sign up now before all the lanes are full.
Don’t want to bowl? Come support your friends and bid on our silent auction items. Questions? Email westcolfaxki@gmail.com.
Buy your tickets by April 30th. Click here to reserve your spot now.
The Legacy Society welcomes 17 new members!
On March 16th the Outdoor Lab Foundation welcomed 19 new members into the Outdoor Lab Foundation Legacy Society.
Members of the Outdoor Lab Foundation Legacy Society have given their time, talent and treasure to the program. This year's inductees were celebrated at our second annual Because Of You Bash. This evening celebrates the giants of Outdoor Lab and the heights they have brought the program to today.
The Outdoor Lab Foundation would like to thank Safeway, Shamrock Foods and Oscar Blues Brewery for sponsoring this event.
We are proud to be surrounding by amazing champions like our Legacy Society Members. For a complete list of inductees and to learn more about our Legacy Society, please visit our website.
Community Champion Sponsor, Avid4 Adventure, has a message to share!
This summer, experience the power of authentic outdoor adventure! Avid4 Adventure summer Day and Overnight Camps teach pre-K – 12th graders of all skill levels intentional outdoor sports that they can return to for a lifetime. Through outdoor activities like biking, climbing, paddling, and hiking, kids build confidence, learn to take positive risks and are inspired to stay active.
Backed by our inclusive, time-tested curriculum and highly qualified instructors, kids of all skill levels develop outdoor skills that instill a lifelong love of outdoor adventure.
So what sets Avid4 Adventure apart?
Incredible Staff
Our instructors are educators and adventurers with impressive credentials—but what you’ll love most is how they connect with your kids, inspiring them to explore, grow and thrive outdoors. “The counselors are older and have so many skills, like safety and first aid training. The difference from other camps is significant.” – Amanda Prentiss, camper parent
Authentic Experiences
There’s no substitute for the real thing. We transport kids to nearby crags, trails and bodies of water to adventure in authentic settings and discover local recreation areas they (and you) can keep coming back to.
Positive Risks
Our camps teach kids to assess their environment and approach risks intelligently, building a foundation of confidence, sound judgment they can use in the outdoors—and throughout their lives.
Day Camps will run weekly from May – August. Overnight Camps from 4-day to 2-week programs will run from June-August. The Overnight Camp scholarship deadline has passed. The Day Camp Scholarship Application however, is still open until April 15th! Learn more and sign up at Avid4.com, call (720) 249-2412 or email info@avid4.com.
You're right, what can $5 do? We say it can move mountains!
Did you know that the Foundation has a $5 Club, which happens to be the most popular initiative for supporters of the program. BUT, what we hear all the time is, "Honestly, what can $5 do? Every student that attends Outdoor Lab is provided with a field study journal, which the Foundation underwrites to support local schools.
If you join the $5 Club, you will be supplying 10 field study journals EACH MONTH. You would be serving 120 students a year.
Are you ready to take the next step in supporting the Outdoor Lab program? Join the $5 Club today. Click here to get started.
Spirit Wear Gear Available!
Many students are “gearing” up for their upcoming Outdoor Lab adventure and we have awesome Spirit Wear options to commemorate the week-long experience at Mount Evans or Windy Peak!
We’re excited to announce NEW gear options including ball caps and sunglasses, revamped versions of our beanie and water bottles, along with the return of our favorite royal blue t-shirts and hoodies. Make a donation and proudly show your support for Outdoor Lab.\
Meet Emily, the newest Outdoor Lab Foundation team member!
Emily joins the Outdoor Lab Foundation as the new Administrative Coordinator. Emily was born in Michigan but grew up in Lakewood and graduated from Fairview High School in Boulder. Emily is also a Windy Peak alum! She received her Bachelors degree in biology and went on to become an aquarist. She has held positions with Ocean Journey, the Downtown Aquarium in Denver, as well as Arvada Animal Control and most recently, in many local businesses as a bookkeeper. In her spare time, Emily loves to spend time with her children, husband and four amazing rescue animals!
Is your organization looking for refreshed volunteer and team building opportunities?
As a new year is upon us we can't help but think of creative new ways for your organization to give back to the local community. Did you know that we offer corporate volunteer days that are not only great for giving back, but for team building!
If you are interested in learning more about a corporate volunteer day and would like to see if it may be a fit for your organization, please visit our website.
