We were lucky to catch up with Mary Grodman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mary , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I feel my work ethic is rooted in my passion for the outdoors and my commitment to fostering a love for nature in others. I believe in the transformative power of outdoor experiences and strive to provide memorable and educational adventures for all participants in my Outdoor Adventure Program. My dedication is also driven by a sense of responsibility to preserve and respect the natural world, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and learn from it just as I have.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
About Me:
I grew up in an urban environment in Union County, New Jersey, where opportunities for outdoor recreation were scarce. Fortunately, during my summers, I had the chance to escape to Western Pennsylvania, attending a sleepaway camp that opened up a world of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, canoeing, and exploring the woods; things I couldn’t do back home. It was there that I discovered a profound joy and comfort in nature, unlike anything I had experienced before, fostering a newfound appreciation for the natural world.
Each year, I eagerly awaited the chance to return to camp, and after high school, I seized the opportunity to work there, sharing my passion for the outdoors with campers and recreating the transformative experiences I had enjoyed. This growing passion propelled me to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at Stockton University in Southern New Jersey.
Upon graduating, I sought a place where I could engage in outdoor activities year-round, leading me to Southern Arizona. Here, I found that the pursuits that brought me joy: hiking, backpacking, kayaking, spelunking, and wildlife observation, were readily accessible, filling my every spare moment. The sense of accomplishment that accompanies conquering a challenging hike, completing a backpacking trip, or scaling a rock face fosters confidence, pride, and happiness, which extends into my everyday interactions.
My experiences as a child at camp ignited my passion for the outdoors, exercise and health and wellness, while my love for teaching blossomed through my work at summer camps and parks & recreation programs. These experiences laid the foundation for my development of the Outdoor Program at Community Schools, where I can draw upon my diverse background to offer enriching outdoor adventures and education to my campers.
About My Work:
As an outdoor adventure coordinator and guide, my role involves leading groups on various outdoor excursions, ranging from hiking, camping, backpacking and caving to wilderness education programs. I design and execute trip logistics, secure permits and reservations, create itineraries, ensuring that each adventure is safe, educational, and fun. My focus is on helping campers connect with nature, learn new skills, create lasting memories and visit amazing places!
What’s Exciting or Special:
What excites me the most about my work is witnessing the transformative impact that nature can have on kids. Whether it’s seeing the awe on a child’s face as they spot their first wildlife, see the Grand Canyon for the first time or the sense of accomplishment after conquering a challenging trail, these moments are incredibly rewarding. I also love the opportunity to educate campers about environmental stewardship and the importance of preserving our natural landscapes.
New and Upcoming:
Some new initiatives include our Night Sky Education Program. This year, we are launching a new focus on night sky education. Campers will have the chance to learn about astronomy, stargazing techniques, and the cultural significance of the night sky through guided night hikes and observations.
We continue to expand our trip itineraries and journal content. We have developed enhanced trip itineraries and camper journals that incorporate more history, science, wilderness education and even fun car games and mad libs! The resources we share with campers aim to enrich the overall adventure experience, offering participants a deeper understanding of the natural world.
I plan on offering Wilderness After School Workshops this year after school. I will be hosting a series of workshops on wilderness survival skills, Leave No Trace principles, and first aid. These workshops are designed to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to safely explore the outdoors on their own.
My goal is to inspire others to explore and appreciate the natural world, fostering a sense of wonder and responsibility towards our environment. I invite every kid in Tucson to join me on an adventure and experience the magic of the outdoors firsthand. Whether they are a seasoned adventurer or a curious beginner, there’s always something new to discover.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three Impactful Qualities and Skills:
1. Resilience – The ability to remain resilient has been crucial in overcoming the physical and mental challenges that come with outdoor guiding. It has allowed me to adapt to unexpected situations, whether it’s sudden weather changes or helping a camper through a difficult moment.
My advice: Build resilience by gradually pushing your limits in safe environments. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and always have a backup plan. Mental resilience can be developed through mindfulness practices and staying positive in the face of adversity.
2. Leadership and Communication – Strong leadership and communication skills have been essential in ensuring the safety and cohesion of my groups. Clear communication helps in giving directions, explaining educational content, and fostering a supportive atmosphere.
My advice: Hone your leadership skills by taking on roles that require responsibility, such as volunteering or leading small group activities. Practice clear and concise communication, and always be open to feedback. Listening is as important as speaking. Attending the International Wilderness Leadership School was a huge help to me build on these skills. Programs like Outward Bound or NOLS are great places to get started too.
3. Wilderness Knowledge and First Aid – Comprehensive knowledge of the wilderness and first aid has been foundational in providing safe and educational experiences. Understanding the environment, flora, fauna, and safety procedures ensures that I can handle emergencies and educate participants effectively.
My advice: Invest time in formal education and certifications, such as Wilderness First Aid, environmental science courses, & master naturalist programs. Stay curious and keep learning from OTHER experienced guides and naturalists. Hands-on experience is invaluable, so spend as much time outdoors as possible, practicing and applying your knowledge.
My advice for early outdoor adventurers is to embrace continuous learning: Never stop learning. The more knowledge you gain about the outdoors, the better equipped you’ll be to handle various situations and enrich the experiences of those you guide. I am constantly reading, researching and learning about the areas where we guide. Be sure to build a strong network. Connect with other outdoor enthusiasts. Join clubs, attend workshops, and participate in community events. Networking provides opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and learning from others’ experiences.
Always stay passionate and curious! Passion drives excellence. Stay curious about the natural world and let your enthusiasm inspire others. Passionate individuals are more likely to persevere through challenges and continue growing in their field. By focusing on these qualities and skills, and continuously striving to improve them, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful and fulfilling journey as an outdoor adventure guide.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I employ several strategies to regain balance and focus:
I try to take a step back and allow myself to step away from the immediate situation, even if just for a few minutes. This break helps clear my mind and gain perspective. I try to find a quiet space to breathe deeply and relax. A short walk in nature can make a significant difference.
I always stay positive and reflect. I focus on maintaining a positive outlook and reflecting on past successes. Reminding myself of previous achievements helps boost confidence and reduce anxiety about current challenges. Just like the kids keep a small journal to reflect on your accomplishments, positive experiences, on what works and doesn’t in my programs. Celebrate small victories and use them as motivation to tackle bigger challenges.
It is hard for me, but if all else fails always ask for help!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tinyurl.com/csoutdoors10
- Instagram: @cs.outdoors, @mgrodman
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CFSDCommunitySchools
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