Happy Father's Day!
Yesterday we celebrated Father's Day: a day to show our gratitude for role models, support systems, and anyone who appreciates a good dad joke. Fathers are a big part of Coombs Outdoors, so we're taking a moment to show our appreciation!
We had the pleasure of speaking with our friend Fernando Ramos about his experience as a father to two Coombs participants, his work within our community, and his advice for new families coming to Coombs programs.
Fernando has been a Coombs parent since his kids joined programs in 2017, and is also currently serving on our Board of Directors. For his work on the board, Fernando not only brings a valuable perspective as a father, but has extensive experience in the Jackson Hole philanthropic community. Along with his involvement in Coombs Outdoors, Fernando serves on the Business Development Committee for the Chamber of Commerce, will be chairing the Rotary Club's Casino Night to raise money for local student scholarships, and serves as Board Treasurer for the Teton Literacy Center. Fernando’s story with TLC began years ago when he was a student learning English as a second language. Now, Fernando is committed to giving back to his community, encouraging his children to do the same.
Fernando’s children, Tawnya and Fernando Jr. are regulars around the clubhouse, known for their leadership, enthusiasm for the outdoors, and infectious sense of humor. When asked about his kids’ natural penchant for leadership, Fernando credited their compassion, liveliness, and exposure to different ideas and cultures at a young age. Fernando and his wife Claudia have prioritized giving their children unique experiences through travel, and reminding them not to take anything for granted.
Over the years Fernando's kids have become skilled in many different sports including swimming, wrestling, football, and soccer, but without Coombs programs they would have likely missed out on the outdoor activities that are so central to Jackson’s identity. Fernando and Claudia both grew up in cities in Mexico where, unlike Jackson, there was not a big culture around outdoor recreation. Seeing their kids gain confidence through backpacking trips, mountain biking, and skiing programs has been a source of pride for them. Tawnya and Fernando Jr. are now some of our most experienced participants, with Tawnya helping out in Activate Camp as a lifeguard and Fernando Jr. growing into a fearless biker, kayaker, and skier. Fernando shared that now, when they go camping as a family, it is his children who do the planning and packing.
With so many new families signing up for programs every season, Fernando wanted to pass along what he has learned over the years; "let your kids be involved in as many opportunities as they can." Fernando wants to assure parents that although new experiences can be scary, Coombs is a place where kids can try new things in a safe environment. He also encourages parents to get involved in programs themselves, "parents can be involved, whether it's with Padres or Camina Conmigo, there's something for them too."
Thanks for taking the time to speak with us Fernando, and thank you for all you do for our community!
Happy Father's Day, everyone!
