Blogging at the BOEC
Thank You BOEC Community!
As we near the end of this season’s holiday giving season, we would like to take a moment to express our sincerest gratitude to all of you that contributed to the BOEC this year. Every hour volunteered, every dollar donated, every drop of sweat perspired and every ounce of [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Board Member Jennifer Schappert
The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) truly is a place that encourages the continuation of professional development and the giving back to those we serve. Not long ago, we shared the stories of Jillian Palacio and Steve Rubin who both went from interns to full-time staff members as they [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Interns Turned Staff Members, Emma Gilroy & Katie O’Donnell
As a new ski season descends upon us, some new faces will be greeting you on the phone or in person at the Breckenridge Adaptive Ski & Snowboard School. While Katie O’Donnell and Emma Gilroy may be recent additions to the ski office, they aren’t new to the Breckenridge [...]
Longtime BOEC Employee, Earl Richmond, Connects with BOEC in a New Way
You can take the kid out of Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC), but you simply can’t take the BOEC out of the kid. After a decade of working as an intern, instructor, and staff member, Earl Richmond just couldn’t stay away. His BOEC career officially ended in 2002 but [...]
Donor Spotlight: BOEC’s 2020 Generous Annual Appeal Donors
This month’s Donor Spotlight celebrates the 402 wonderful donors who gave generously to BOEC during our 2020-2021 holiday fundraising campaign. This is the time of year when many organizations like the BOEC raise much needed funds to support the work we do throughout the year and we thank every [...]
BOEC Working for the Health of the Planet
The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) is dependent on the outdoors in order to provide meaningful and inspiring experiences for the 3,000+ participants we serve annually. Thus it should come as no surprise that one of our core values is to protect the environment. BOEC is committed to operating [...]
Donor Spotlight: Frank Martinez
When you think of the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC), an elephant or a lion or a giraffe is not often the first association that comes to mind. However, we are very grateful to feature for October’s donor spotlight a unique connection between one of our most dedicated ski [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC Special: Former Board Member Tim Casey
Tim Casey has seen Summit County grow from 4,000 people to over 35,000 people in his 46 years as a local resident. When he and his late wife Patti moved to the area in the mid-1970s there were no stoplights and only a few paved roads to speak of. [...]
12th Annual Tee It Up Event Summary
This year's Tee It Up Golf Scramble sold out for the third year in a row and was the most successful tournament to date, raising over $70,000 for BOEC's adaptive outdoor programming, including the Keystone Adaptive Center and BOEC’s Heroic Military Program. A special thanks goes out to all [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Wilderness Program Coordinator Steven Rubin
We have been sharing stories about the people who make BOEC special this past year and quite often the story is about one of our team members who started out as a BOEC intern and then stayed with us to continue not only their professional development but also to [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Training Coordinator Jillian Palacio
“The BOEC has assisted my growth in every way. I am a better communicator, listener, facilitator, problem-solver and processor because of the opportunities provided to me by this amazing organization.” Jillian on a rafting trip These are the words of eight-year BOEC veteran Jillian Palacio who started [...]
BOEC Ropes Course Like No Other
Nestled between the lodgepole pines and blue spruce trees at the base of Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Peak 9 lies BOEC’s crown jewel, it’s 39-acre Wilderness Campus. Located at 9,938 feet in elevation the campus is equipped with the 6,000 square foot Griffith Lodge, an old miner’s cabin from the [...]
Donor Spotlight: Kim & Rosie Batcheller
In 1972, when Kim and Rosie Batcheller moved to Breckenridge, Colorado, the ski area only included Peaks 8 and 9. It cost just $6.50 to get on the mountain. The Eisenhower Tunnel on Interstate 70 was not yet completed, and the population of Breckenridge was under 1,000. The gold [...]
Donor Spotlight: Peggy Manchester
This month’s Donor Spotlight features Peggy Manchester who is a hero in our hearts for being a key participant at our Adventures Within (AWI) retreats, and for recently arranging a planned gift to BOEC. AWI is a series of retreats the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) hosts which provide [...]
Club Forget Me Not and BOEC Tackle the Grieving Process Head On
“Rather than struggle against time and waste it, let’s dance with time and redeem it, because we don’t live longer when we try not to die, we live longer when we’re too busy livin.” Stacy and her staff having a little fun This is a quote from [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Volunteer Bobby Yates
When you look at a large group of just about anything, you’re apt to find a diamond in the rough, a needle in a haystack, or something or someone that stands apart from the rest. So it makes sense that this would ring true within Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center’s [...]
Donor Spotlight: Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
This month’s Donor Spotlight honors Dick Carleton and his team at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant and Cantina for hosting the first annual Fiesta for BOEC dinner on Thursday June, 3rd which raised a record-breaking $85,000 for BOEC Adaptive Ski and Snowboard and Wilderness Programs. Eighty of BOEC’s friends, both [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Development Manager, Hallie Jaeger
In previous stories about Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) team members, we have talked about the fact that so many of them have been with the organization for so long. For example, Jeff Inouye has been with BOEC for 27 years, Jaime Overmyer for 17 years, Claire DiCola for [...]
From Japan to Breckenridge, BOEC’s Internship Program Knows No Boundaries
From Tokyo, Japan to Ypsilanti, Michigan to Breckenridge, Colorado. This was the journey of former Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) summer intern, Tamiko Kimoto. As one of BOEC’s many international interns over the years she had quite the trek to get here, but it was an experience that she [...]
Medical Students Go Breck Wild with BOEC
There’s a chill in the air and the mid-April snow is lightly falling amidst an old mining area in Breckenridge, Colorado. The adrenaline is palpable and one can feel the extreme sense of urgency as a group of 10 medical students enrolled in a program offered by Sidney Kimmel [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Office Manager, Melissa Kuwahara
For the past 19 years, Office Manager Melissa Kuwahara has been a critical member of the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) organization, doing everything from answering phones to managing payroll to assisting with special events. Whether she wants to admit it or not, Melissa might just be one of [...]
Donor Spotlight: Davignon Charitable Fund
Since 2012, the Davignon Charitable Fund (DCF) has been supporting the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) in a variety of ways, ranging from vehicle upkeep to equipment donations. Even prior to any financial commitments from DCF, the Davignon family participated with The Hartford Ski Spectacular, an event in Breckenridge [...]
Adapt and Overcome: The Story of Bilateral BK Amputee, Austin Lewis
Do you remember your first “real” vacation as an adult? Depending on your age, you may or may not. But one thing for sure is that 25-year-old Austin Lewis won’t be quick to forget his first vacation as a working member of society. His trip this past December took [...]
BOEC Ski Program Staff Reflect Back on the 2020-21 Ski Season
The 2020-21 ski season has been one for the ages. As the world continued to find its way through a global pandemic, here in Breckenridge, Colorado, the BOEC Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Program was busy doing its part by adjusting to meet state and local health guidelines to ensure [...]
Donor Spotlight: Snow Sports Alliance
April’s donor spotlight includes all of the generous supporters who make the Snow Sports Alliance Program (SSA) possible. The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) would like to give a huge thank you to Alpine Bank, The Summit Foundation, Mountain Mentors, Blue River Sports/Mountain Wave, and Beaver Run Resort & [...]
Coleman Shy: SETBP1 Won’t Set Me Apart!
His last name may be Shy, but there’s certainly nothing bashful about 6-year old Coleman Shy. In fact, his dad Matt says that Coleman smiles and laughs more than anyone he’s ever met, and it’s because of this 43-year-old single father of two, and his amazing support group, that [...]
Donor Spotlight: Dave and Mary Durham
Tears of joy are fairly common all around at BOEC. From participants feeling the freedom of outdoor recreation to our staff, volunteers, and donors who witness these events and learn about BOEC’s inspirational stories. As you are well aware by now, it’s the development team’s goal to understand the [...]
Finnegan Rudersdorf: Never Give Up!
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) adaptive ski participant, Finnegan Rudersdorf, was only four years old when diagnosed with a genetic disorder so rare it is believed there are fewer than 100 cases in the world. However, “Finny,” with the support of his family and the BOEC, does not let [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Winter Intern Ben Cole
It’s often been said that the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) is a close-knit family from top to bottom, including its staff, participants and volunteers. This family tradition has transpired exactly how the founders imagined it would when they started the organization 45 years ago and the BOEC Internship [...]
Donor Spotlight: Jim Bartlett & Family
One of the best outcomes of Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center’s (BOEC) Holiday Appeal is not only raising approximately 15% of our annual development budget, but having the chance to reach out to all of our donors and hear their stories and inspiration for giving to BOEC. This year, our [...]
Growing Up Together: Dick Carleton, BOEC and the Town of Breckenridge
Located in the center of downtown Breckenridge, Colorado, Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina has been a Breckenridge staple for 40 years. In fact, this locals’ favorite establishment is the longest standing same owned restaurant operating in Breckenridge. One could say that it is Mi Casa’s core values of: [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Volunteer, Clyde Grindell
From the formidable seas of the Atlantic Ocean to the mountainous slopes of Breckenridge, Colorado, Clyde Grindell has made this 2,000-plus mile journey every winter for the past 25 years. The Cape Cod, Massachusetts resident comes to Breckenridge every year for one reason, and one reason only, to volunteer [...]
Donor Spotlight: Gravity Haus
Aerial view of Gravity Haus in Breckenridge Gravity Haus (GH) is the Donor Spotlight this month because of their new and impactful dedication to our cause. BOEC and GH have a synergy of missions, so developing this new corporate partnership came effortlessly. Gravity Haus aims to create [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Claire DiCola, Associate Program Director
Every year, as a sort of rite of passage, young adults move to the ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado to live the coveted “ski bum” lifestyle. However, whether the money runs dry or the sense of adventure finally escapes them, few of them last more than a couple of [...]
The BOEC Puzzle Comes Together: Dr. Aris Sophocles
“The Power of a Good Idea.” This is Dr. Aris Sophocles’ formidable title of the book he would write about the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) and it’s 44-year history. As one of its co-founders in 1976, the New Jersey-native is in the unique position to write this manuscript [...]
Soul of Summit County: ifurnish’s Tony & Kelly Pestello Support BOEC Among Others
If you’ve been in Summit County long enough, you’ve undoubtedly heard of ifurnish. Not necessarily because of any sort of widespread advertising campaign but more likely because of the company’s predominance in supporting many of the areas nonprofit organizations however they can. While, yes, ifurnish’s proprietors, Tony and Kelly [...]
Donor Spotlight: BOEC’s Generous Annual Appeal Donors
This month's Donor Spotlight recognizes YOU, the 347 amazing donors who contributed to BOEC's 2019 Annual Holiday Appeal. An annual appeal is a fundraising strategy charitable organizations use to solicit donations in a widespread campaign once a year, typically around the year's end. We understand there are thousands of [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Kyle Calbat, Ski Program Manager
Each year as the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) staff compiles demographic reports for its Annual Report, one of the more interesting aspects that rises to the surface is that, as an organization, we attract participants not only from across the country, but from all over the world too. [...]
Barb Rankin, Cornerstone Real Estate and BOEC
The BOEC staff recently caught up with BOEC board vice-chair, co-owner of a local business, Cornerstone Real Estate Rocky Mountains, a veteran, and a family member of a participant in BOEC Programs. Barb Rankin has a deep commitment to the BOEC mission and helping the organization thrive, succeed and [...]
Donor Spotlight: Nichole Lutz
Hi, my name is Nichole Lutz. I'm originally from Houston, TX but live in Denver, CO now. Career wise, I started off in the oilfield and now I'm in construction as a project manager. As for hobbies, I love sports. I play soccer quite often and that's actually how [...]
11th Annual Tee It Up Event Summary
The 11th Annual Tee It Up Golf Scramble was the most successful golf tournament to date, raising over $50K for BOEC’s Adaptive Programming, and selling out with 136 golfers on the course. Huge thanks to all our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and Keystone Staff. This year’s format was a bit different [...]
Local Author, Diane S. Jaffee supports BOEC with book Sheba La Beba
Diane Jaffee is not only a BOEC volunteer but a children's book author. Her latest release, Sheba La Beba and her Furry Forest Friends, tells the story of Diane's adorable Australian Shepard on an adventure along the Sally Barber trail in Breckenridge. If you are a lover of animals, children, Breckenridge, or the BOEC [...]
Donor Spotlight: Zach Dobrota
September’s donor spotlight is Zach Dobrota who gives in more ways than one to the BOEC. If we need golf advice, we turn to Zach, as he is the Copper Golf Pro and Zach was instrumental in donating a 2021 Copper Season Pass to the recent BOEC Tee It Up [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Intern Coordinator Kathleen Booth
The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center’s (BOEC) Internship Program is perhaps one of the most unique aspects of the 44-year old nonprofit organization. In fact, one could argue that it’s this program that really sets us apart from the rest. Each year, 26 lucky interns receive unparalleled hands-on experience in [...]
Humans Helping Humans: Angletech Cycles and BOEC
For 44 years the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) has been in the business of providing meaningful, educational and inspiring outdoor experiences to people of all abilities. BOEC’s dedicated staff spends countless hours every day making sure that these experiences are both rewarding and meaningful to all who take part. [...]
Donor Spotlight: Mario & Emilio
Each donor at BOEC has special connections to our programming in one way or another, and we love learning about every supporter’s story. What’s more, is that several donors work for companies that match, double and sometimes even triple their donations. Emilio participates in BOEC's Adaptive Ski [...]
It’s the People Who Make BOEC so Special: Ski Program Director Jeff Inouye
There’s got to be something special going on with the number 27. According to The Secret of the Tarot, “The number 27 expresses a love for and interest in the well-being of humanity and one who is diplomatic and wise. This number is about non-judgment, compassion, and tolerance of [...]
Donor Spotlight: John Parke
John doing what he loves best Every day we are fortunate to get to know more about those donors that give to BOEC. Every single person who gives has their own story about why and each is equally meaningful. This month we’d like to introduce you to [...]
Nobody Knows You Like I Do: BOEC Volunteer Shari Topping Shares Her Story of Triumph and Overcoming Disability
In 1999 the world was in the midst of the “Y2K” hype that had everyone afraid that the end of the world was near. We were less than three months away from the Columbine school shooting tragedy that would ultimately take the lives of 15 and change the landscape [...]
BOEC Supports Community Food Bank
As the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continue to disrupt all aspects of everyday life in Summit County and around the world, many individuals, businesses and organizations are taking the opportunity to give back to their communities in a variety of ways. In our neck of the woods, the [...]
It’s the People Who Make the BOEC so Special: Wilderness Program Director Jaime Overmyer
In a time when the average salaried employee works for their employer for just a little over four years, the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) greatly defies the norm. Wilderness Program Director Jaime Overmyer is now in her 17th year as part of the BOEC organization and is one [...]
Recycle Sports Gives Back to BOEC
In Summit County where there are quite a number of great ski and snowboard shops, Recycle Sports in Frisco sets itself apart as one of the only local consignment sports shops where you can find new and used gear. The owners of Recycle Sports, Steve and Janet Van Wieringen, [...]
BOEC Volunteer Lance Glaser, 25 Years and Still Going Strong!
On paper, the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) may seem just like all of the other top tier adaptive sports organizations out there, and in many ways, we are. However, that view can be deceiving, as our robust Volunteer Program sets us apart from most. With over 300 volunteers [...]
Donor Spotlight: Nancy Fegley
Nancy Fegley Tell us About Yourself: I live in Breckenridge and Easton, PA. I grew up in Pennsylvania and attended college in PA. I have a degree in Medical Technology and an MBA. I had the opportunity to have a career in healthcare and many years in [...]
Casey Myers – I Can Do It! Adaptive Skiing and More!
It’s often been said that the magic age for learning to ski is five years old. A child around five should be able to get the basics of listening, turning, stopping and managing the lifts enough to get out of the ski school corral and onto the wide-open green [...]
Look What You Helped Us Accomplish in 2018-19!
Wow, what an amazing year we had because of your contributions and support! As you can see from the infographic above, 2018-2019 was one of the more successful years in the history of BOEC, and we look forward to an even better 2020! This past year we served a [...]
Nonprofits, businesses join forces to bring back the Snow Sports Alliance program
Summit Daily News – Taylor Sienkiewicz (January 12, 2020) BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT — On Sunday, Jan. 12, the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center hosted representatives from Alpine Bank, Mountain Mentors and The Summit Foundation for a day of skiing and riding at Breckenridge Ski Resort through the newly reinstated Snow Sports [...]
Longtime Summit County local works with military veterans during ski camp at Keystone Adaptive Center
Summit Daily News – Antonio Olivero (January 16, 2020) KEYSTONE — Margie Sinton has a problem with the word “retire.” To the Silverthorne resident, a Summit local since she and a friend decided to spend the winters as Rocky Mountain ski bums in 1974, the word equates to sitting [...]
$1 billion-plus in play for Colorado nonprofits; now you can use your tax refund to support us
In 2019, Colorado returned more than $1 billion in refunds to 1.9 million state taxpayers. In 2020, Coloradans who receive a state income tax refund will have a chance to donate all or some of it to a local nonprofit they trust like the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center. Imagine [...]
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center youth snowsports program returns after lack of funding
Summit Daily News - Antonio Olivero (January 3, 2020) The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center — a Breckenridge-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the potential of people with disabilities and special needs — announced Thursday that a sports program for local youths will take place this winter after a hiatus [...]
Veteran, public speaker and bestselling author Jason Redman takes adaptive ski lessons in Breckenridge
Summit Daily News - Taylor Sienkiewicz (January 2, 2020) Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman traveled to Breckenridge with his family over the New Year’s holiday to work with an adaptive ski instructor at the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center. Redman was wounded in Iraq in 2007 after taking a machine [...]
BOEC hosts Cleft Camp
The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center hosted its annual Cleft Camp this week, partnering with Children’s Hospital Colorado Springs for the first time. The three-day camp that ended Friday provides the hospital’s 10- to 18-year-old cleft clinic patients with the chance to take part in the center’s outdoors programming, including [...]
I’ve Gained Compassion & Empathy Enough to Outweigh Other Losses
The following is from a letter written to BOEC program staff from a course participant after the Challenge by Choice Adventure Retreat, June 9-14, 2019, for survivors of an injury to the brain: “Dear BOEC, Thank you for the scholarship. I could not have attended camp without it. This [...]
BOEC to Celebrate Completion of Headquarters & Logistics Center at Grand Opening Celebration & Open House
Breckenridge, Colo., June 10, 2019 – After a 3-year, $2 million capital campaign comes to a close, Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) looks to show off its new digs with a Grand Opening Celebration and Open House on Saturday, June 15th from 1 pm to 4 pm at 524 [...]
Alpine Fishing Adventures’ Randy Ford Talks About BOEC
My name is Randy Ford, owner of Alpine Fishing Adventures. Along with this donation of a guiding fishing charter, I wanted to share my story and thank you for your contribution to the BOEC by attending this event (Cinco de Mayo Celebration). Your contributions will do amazing things for a [...]
Patrick on Living With MS and Experiencing BOEC
Born and raised in Colorado and diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001, Patrick Tulley wasn't sure he would ever ski again. After learning about BOEC through the Rocky Mountain MS Center, Patrick found new life. He described his first day back on the mountain after his diagnosis like [...]
